New York (CNN Business) "Joker" broke box office records this weekend, even as its controversial depiction of violence made some potential theatergoers anxious.

The gritty Warner Bros. film about the origins of the crazed Batman nemesis brought in $96 million in North America this weekend. That makes "Joker" the highest-grossing opening in the history of October. The film shattered the record held by Sony Pictures' " Venom," which made $80 million last October

"Joker" is the largest opening for Warner Bros. this year as well as one of the biggest openings for a R-rated film. It made $248 million worldwide.

The film, which comes from the Warner Bros.' lucrative DC Entertainment brand, has been one of the most talked-about movies of the year. It stars Joaquin Phoenix as Joker, a troubled man who turns into a killer.

The film's depiction of violence has put critics and authorities on edge.

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