There have been a total of nine Batman movies—some good, some bad—that have hit the movie theatres.

The very first film, or serials as it was called back in the day, was The Batman in 1943, followed by Batman and Robin in 1949. Both films were made during and after the World War II era containing themes and references of that time.

However, 1966's Batman is considered the first full-length theatrical adaptation of the character. Following the popular television series, it featured campy dialogue, over-the-top acting (must be from the William Shatner For Acting School), and saturated colours. The serious Batman fans stayed away from this movie which flopped in the box office.

Tim Burton ushered the return to the dark roots in both 1989's Batman and 1992's Batman Returns, but Joel Schumacher reversed the trend and opted for more of the 1960's technicoloured campiness in 1995's Batman Forever and 1997's Batman and Robin putting the franchise on life support. Thankfully, eight years later, Batman Begins reignited interest bringing the character, once again, to its dark roots.

So that's... hmmmm.... eight Batman movies, yet I mentioned nine (math was never my strong suit). But there was one Batman movie that was overlooked between the Burton/Schumacher era—Batman: Mask of the Phantasm, an animated film produced in 1993 by the same creators of Batman: The Animated Series. The problem was that it flew so low under the radar that it barely made an appearance, but it was one that successfully captured everything right about Batman.


Batman: Year One

Batman: Mask of the Phantasm looks at both the past and present lives of Bruce Wayne, and how events from the two are converging with one another.

The film's past, told in flashback sequences throughout the movie, looks at the early days of Bruce Wayne's crimefighting career. He is back in Gotham City after his self-imposed exile learning all the skills necessary to use against the evils in his city. However, he faces a couple of obstacles. First, he has no idea how to operate freely; second, he's having trouble getting criminals to take him seriously at first glance (this is before he even came up with the idea of the whole bat theme); and third, he has fallen in love.

Andrea Beaumont is the woman of Bruce's affection, someone who is not only beautiful but an equal in every way to him. She becomes a bright beacon in his already dark, sordid world, and this becomes a conflict for Bruce as he realizes a relationship with Andrea would seriously complicate his crusade against crime. One of them has to go, and Bruce searches for answers.

(at Bruce's parents' grave)
Bruce Wayne: It doesn't mean I don't care anymore. I don't want to let you down, honest, but... but it just doesn't hurt so bad anymore. You can understand that, can't you? Look, I can give money to the city — they can hire more cops. Let someone else take the risk, but it's different now! Please! I need it to be different now. I know I made a promise, but I didn't see this coming. I didn't count on being happy. Please! Tell me that it's okay.

(Andrea appearing)
Andrea Beaumont: Maybe they already have. Maybe they sent me.

In a fleeting moment and some soul searching, Bruce chooses Andrea over his crusade—“The Plan” as he calls it—and proposes to her.

Andrea Beaumont: (gasps) I never thought... I always thought that I wouldn't last, because you didn't know what to do with me, because I wasn't in "The Plan".
Bruce Wayne: You are now, Andrea. I'm changing the Plan.

However, in true Batman tragedy, this wasn't meant to be as the next day Andrea gives back the engagement ring, tells Bruce to forget her, and leaves the country. Confused and devastated, Bruce, once again, throws himself back into crimefighting and becomes the Batman.

Back in the present, a masked cloaked vigilante—the Phantasm—is stalking and killing mob bosses in Gotham City. Unfortunately, many are pointing the finger towards Batman as the culprit behind them, and a huge police manhunt is launched against the Dark Knight. To make matters even more complicated, Andrea Beaumont returns to Gotham City after being away for years. This forces Bruce to deal with the torch he still holds for her. However, her arrival becomes suspicious in Batman's investigation as he discovers a link between the murdered mob bosses and Andrea's deceased father, who had dealings with all of them before his death.

And to make things even more interesting, the Phantasm's last target is one of Batman's greatest enemies—the Joker! Why? The revelation of what he did and why the Phantasm is after him is one of the movie's most clever plot twists.


The Voices In My Head… Or On The Screen

Kevin Conroy, as always, plays the best Batman ever. This movie really allowed him to flex his muscles, as he had to portray an even more vulnerable and tender Bruce Wayne at times. For those who follow the animated series, he will forever be the Batman in any incarnation.

Dana Delany (TV's China Beach) is equally strong as Andrea Beaumont with her smoky and sexy voice. It's a testament to her performance that the creators felt she would be perfect as Bruce Wayne's love interest, as well as her future role as Lois Lane in Superman: The Animated Series.

Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker from the first Star Wars trilogy) really went to town in his portrayal of the Joker. I still can't fathom anyone other voice actor in this role but Mr. Skywalker.

My favourite will always be Efram Zimbalist, Jr. in his portrayal of Alfred Pennyworth, Wayne's stalwart butler and confidant. He always delivers with impeccable dry wit and fatherly concern, and always has the best lines.

Batman: You think you know everything about me, don't you?
Alfred Pennyworth: I diapered your bottom; I bloody well ought to, “sir”!


Bat Musings

The creators fashioned this movie in the same vein as the “Dark Deco” style used on the television series. Originally, this movie was slated to be released direct-to-video, but it was decided early into the production process that it should be shown in theatres. Because of that change, the producers had less than a year to complete the film, which probably explains why the final product is only 76 minutes short. The story itself is already amazing in this short amount of time that it boggles the mind to think that even more could have been done with a longer running time.

However, even though Warner Brothers released this movie in theatres, they didn't believe it stood a chance. They quickly yanked it after a couple of weeks despite the fact that it garnered positive ratings. Surprisingly, the best Batman movie was barely promoted at all.

When I first saw that character of the Phantasm, I immediately recalled a similar character created for the story Batman: Year Two in the comic books called the Reaper, who also wielded a sickle-like device on one hand. In fact, the actions of the Phantasm and the Reaper paralleled each other. In another nod to the comics—Batman: Year One in particular—Bruce Wayne first fights crime wearing a ski mask. No wonder criminals don't have any fear of him. They must think he's one of them.

After watching this movie, it only reinforces my campaign that these creators should have been brought on board to write, direct and produce the live-action Batman movies. It makes the Burton/Schumacher era look foolish, especially the latter two—Batman Forever and Batman and Robin.

Maybe that's why Warner Brothers tried to bury it knowing that this was a superior product.


Related Reviews
Batman: The Animated Series, Volume 1
Batman: The Animated Series, Volume 2
Batman: The Animated Series, Volume 3
Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker
Batman Beyond
The Adventures of Batman and Robin: Robin's Reckoning
Batman Animated: The Book
Justice League: Secret Origins
Justice League: Justice On Trial



Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 9 - 12