Batman: Mask of the Phantasm

After the success of Tim Burton's new BATMAN franchise, Warner Brothers created the new children's TV show, 'Batman the Animated Series' in the early 90's. And instantly we had a new breed of children's television was born. The show, like the new movies, had abandoned the colourful world of Adam West and became a dark tale of revenge and psychotic villains. The show included many of the original villains such as Two-Face, Penguin, Riddler and of course the Joker (wonderfully voiced by Mark Hamill) whilst also introducing a series of new characters who usually were only used for filler episodes. However the one new character that stuck the most was the Joker's henchman, Harleyquin. The deadly duo were so enjoyable to watch that the show could have easily been for the two of them.

The mood like I stated was dark (especially for a children's show) and moody. Gotham city was seen almost entirely in eternal night with the sky scrappers so tall they could dwarf the Empire State. Whilst set in modern day, the style was very 1930's gangster, complete with fedora hats on almost every man, Tommy guns and the cars were something you'd expect James Cagney to arrive in. Despite this odd mixture of old and present style. it worked well. The show was a huge success and lasted 4 seasons and was followed up with several other animated shows, none were able to recreate the original. The success also led to a feature length movie of the series.

BATMAN Mask of the Phantasm clocks in at just 77 minutes, and feels pretty much like an episode of the show. But one of the best episodes they had ever created with the animation having a big step up. Now a well established threat to the criminal world, Batman continues his never ending fight against the gangs and super villains of Gotham city. Although, someone takes his crime fighting to a new level as a mysterious clocked figure appears and does more than simply terrify and throw his victims to the police. This new threat is named the Phantasm and appears to be the real deal dawning a skull-like metal mask that makes him look like death itself, which is exactly what he gives to his victims. Several of the cities hardened crime lords are being executed one by one by the Phantasm. Though as he is never seen by the public, they automatically assume Batman had turned homicidal and was responsible for the crimes. The film shows Batman attempting to solve the puzzle of who the Phantasm and trying to rekindle his love life with an old flame.

Large segments of the film is also dedicated to showing the history of both Batman and his alter-ego of Bruce Wayne. We see Bruce Wayne as a mere amateur, merely using a ski-mask to hide his identity. It is mainly Batman before he was Batman. We also see him almost marrying a young woman (who arrives in Gotham in the present day) who is the daughter of a business man who deals with Wayne Enterprises. The engagement is broken off after she has to leave when her father deals with a group of gangsters that have eventually taken care of. These are the same crime lords that are being taken out by the Phantasm years later.

One of the most interesting moments in the entire film, is the brief glimpses of one Jack Napier as a driver and henchman of the gang. This man that we know of as the infamous Joker who has a large role of the film when he is hired to take on the Batman when it is believed he is responsible for the deaths. His first scene alone shows how far gone his mind is. The Joker has taken over a futuristic theme park long after it has been shut down. Having shooting 5 statues to dust for merely playing a song he hated and has fashioned a cooking robot to be a wive of his. The mere fact he speaks to an automatic carrot cutter as a wive and complains to her that the dinner is almost meat loaf, highlights how much of a disturbed character he is. Even to the point where he is sexually attracted to the machine. His own laugh near the end of the final confrontation when he is caught by the Phantasm and surrounded by flames, haunts us whilst sending a chill right up our spines. We also see him at possibly the most violent moments of the animated Batman universe ever. Though we only see the shadow, it is plainly obvious that Joker stabs a man in the chest, leaving him nothing but a raving madman laughing every second that he is awake. He kills Beaumont and leaves Salvadore to be nothing more than a smiling corpse.

The main controversy of the film is the fact that characters (not that many mind you) are killed. Though we don't actually see the deaths as it has been stylishly covered up with clever camera angles. The first death is caused by a car crash, which only reveals the character had died due to the car horn being blown constantly. The second victim is thrown into a freshly dug grave and has a large angel statue dropped on him. Horrific deaths, but carefully covered up to remind us this is a children's film.

Overall, BATMAN Mask of the Phantasm is an interesting entry into the Batman universe and shows just what can be done with animation, clever voice acting and a gripping story that can keep both adults and children entertained. The kind of story that Christopher Nolan and Christian Bale have yet to perfect.

Review by Rory Dunn