On Christmas Day 1993, the first, full-length Batman animated feature occupied theaters. Though it wasn't the financial success of Tim Burton's live-action, Caped Crusader movies, "Batman: Mask of the Phantasm" still made a favorable impression on those who viewed it. Over the years, the film's reputation has only grown, making it one of the most applauded submissions in the Dark Knight's decades-spanning canon.
On November 12, 2018, for one night only, Fathom Events will once more project "Mask of the Phantasm" upon theater screens to mark its 25th anniversary release.
Written by Alan Burnett, Paul Dini, Martin Pasko and Michael Reaves; and directed by Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski, "Mask of the Phantasm" sprung from the popularity of the WB's "Batman: the Animated Series", though granted greater depth than the show's half-hour slots could generally contribute. The movie remains of particular interest to fans for its origin segments of Batman and the Joker, which hold their own with subsequent, acclaimed retellings.
Like Burton's '89 film, "Mask of the Phantasm" depicts Gotham via symbolic dilapidation, as Batman is accused of a string of mobster murders. Though Joker dominates the backdrop and the film's finale, the actual murderer is a spectral, blade-clubbed vigilante named the Phantasm, who Bruce Wayne comes to discover is an individual near to his heart. The reveal may not be that huge a surprise, but the poignant way in which it's rendered has rarely been matched in any Batman movie, whether animated or live action, not to mention the printed page.
Shirley Walker's soaring score is on a par with Danny Elfman's memorable orchestrations, and the movie makes effective, extended use of Kevin Conroy's Adam West-esque vocalization, as well as Mark Hamill's Blue Meanie-mimicked Joker. (Dana Delany, who would later enliven Lois Lane on WB's "Superman: the Animated Series", acts as the haunted Andrea Beaumont, with Efrem Zimablist Jr as Alfred Pennyworth; Robert Costanzo as Harvey Bullock; Bob Hastings as Jim Gordon; Hart "Supergirl '84" Bochner as Arthur Reeves; Abe Vigoda as Salvatore Valestra; Dick Miller as Chuckie Sol; and Stacy Keach as both the Phantasm's commanding voice and Beaumont's gangster-tied father, Carl.)
Many believe that "Mask of the Phantasm" would have been as effective via live action. That's understandable, considering the story's engrossing execution. The concept defines the Dark Knight's complex, atmospheric essence, capturing the character's Bob Kane/Bill Finger foundation through the cynical, Neal Adams '70s and those later, pensive phases of Frank Miller and Norm Breyfogle. There's no question that, if any DC animated entry should strike one as good, it's because "Mask of the Phantasm'"s sophisticated influence has, in one way or another, paved the way.
There's no denying that "Mask of the Phantasm" is and always will be the epitome of what Batman was meant to be, could be and will forever be: an anguished, poetic blueprint that fans, creators and eager idealists continue to relish and revere.
Revisit "Mask of the Phantasm" when you can, if not on the big screen, then on VHS or disc in the privacy of your home. The movie has more than demonstrated its noteworthy status and if for that reason alone, deserves a revived period of dutiful devotion.
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