Review: Batman: Mask of the Phantasm

In 1993, Warner Bros. Animation and DC released the Dark Knight’s first full-length animated feature film in theaters, to critical acclaim and dismal box office results, mostly due to it just appearing in theaters. And believe it or not, it’s actually better than most of the live action films.

Batman: Mask of the Phantasm starts off simple enough, with Batman (voiced by his definitive voice actor Kevin Conroy) crashing in on a mob boss named Chucky Sol. While dealing with Chucky’s minions, the mobster himself is murdered by a skull-mask, hood-and-cape, scythe-gauntlet wearing individual with a deep, menacing voice and a cloud of atmospheric fog always around him. This Phantasm is mistaken by the general public for Batman, and it leads to the police, being pushed by a slimy councilman, to try and capture the Dark Knight. Making things just as complicated for Batman is the reappearance of Andrea Beaumont (Dana Delany), the woman who Bruce Wayne nearly gave up on his plan of avenging his parents for. And when the body count of mobsters rises, and a pattern to the targets becomes increasing obvious, the Joker (Mark Hamill) is hired to do away with the supposed Batman. Things spiral as it becomes clear that something from the past links Batman, the Phantasm and the Joker, and the only way it can end is in violence.

I love this movie. Until Christopher Nolan started his Dark Knight Saga, this was in my mind the ultimate film depiction of Batman. The thing about a lot of Batman movies is that they fall to the crime of letting the villains dominate the story, rather than let it be as much about Batman and his way of dealing with things. And this one, with its constant flashbacks to a younger, inexperienced Bruce trying to find his way, just resonates stronger. And the actual mystery of the Phantasm is a great way, with plenty of twists and turns that I will not spoil.

The animation is absolutely gorgeous, and the music is on par with Danny Elfman’s score from the 1989 Batman film. And the voice acting is superb, maintaining the quality from Batman: The Animated Series. Of particular note is Mark Hamill, who is supremely frightening and hilarious as the Joker. In fact, when I wrote about Joker’s many depictions for Joker week, I used a scene from this film to illustrate Hamill’s skill.

The worst part is, I want to gush more about this film, but it’d spoil the mystery. So, all I can say is, you have to see this one if you’re a fan of Batman. Hell, the only people who wouldn’t like this film are people who completely hate Batman for some reason.