Movie Review: "Batman: Gotham By Gaslight" - One for the (Victorian) Ages

I've talked on this blog before about stories dealing with alternate versions of well established characters, whether they be drastically altered takes or moving familiar elements to a different period of time. Today's subject is quite significant in both respects. Released in 1989, the "Gotham by Gaslight" graphic novel featured a version of Batman where he operated in the Victorian era, encountering infamous serial killer Jack the Ripper in Gotham City. The success of the story helped DC launch the Elseworlds imprint, telling one-off stories (some getting sequels) that took their heroes out of their usual settings in one way or another without worry of it effecting the main continuity. With that significance, it made the story prime material to be adapted into an animated film.

It's worth noting that while it is an adaptation, it's not a direct one. Similar to the previous animated Justice League films "Crisis on Two Earths" and "Doom" being adaptations of "Earth-2" and "Tower of Babel" respectively, "Gotham by Gaslight" follows the basic premise of its source material while taking its own liberties. Admittedly, I've never read the original "Gotham by Gaslight" story and can't credibly compare it to the film and say which version is better. But just going off the film, I quite enjoyed it. At its core, it's a horror mystery, making it a unique addition to the DC animated film library. It has its bloody elements, but it surprisingly restrains itself at times, and while I myself was able to figure out Jack the Ripper's identity before the reveal, it's still a pretty good twist. It's different from the original story, but I think that helps the film stand on its own, meaning anyone going in will try to figure it out along with Batman.

I feel the film did a good job at capturing the tone of the era it took place, and lot of that is partly thanks to the delivery of the voice cast, especially those who had characters who spoke with a certain vernacular. It's one thing to draw the backgrounds, settings, and characters in the style of a certain time, but it doesn't mean much if the voices don't match up. The one who stood out to me was Bruce Greenwood, reprising his role of Bruce Wayne/Batman from the "Under the Red Hood" film and "Young Justice" series. While he's done the role before, this time around, Greenwood has more time to play Bruce Wayne, showing off more range in his voice. A big thing about voicing Batman is the ability to distinguish his voice from Bruce Wayne's; not everyone can do it, and while I feel many won't notice the difference between Greenwood's Bruce and Batman, I definitely heard it.
As for the rest of the characters, another aspect different from the source material is the inclusion of more Batman characters. Only Batman, Alfred, and Gordon transition over from the book to the film. Characters like Selina Kyle, Harvey Dent, and Leslie Thompkins are brought over and portrayed well enough to make them very different from their mainstream counterparts. Though my favorite inclusions were Dick, Jason, and Tim; while many know them as the first three Robins of the mainstream Batman, they're portrayed here as young street orphans trying to get by. I love the brotherly love they have for each other, and while they could have just used these characters as an Easter Egg for the fans, I was surprised at how much of a role they played here, even helping Batman in a few instances. Of course, where would Batman be without a Robin? I'd also like to give props for them giving Jason red hair; for those unaware, Jason had red hair in his first appearance and dyed it black when he became Robin.

I loved the art style they chose for this film. While the DC animated films have used styles ranging from traditional like the DCAU, to anime influence, to matching the style of the artist certain stories were based on, the style used for "Gotham by Gaslight" reminded me a great deal of the "The Batman" animated series that ran from 2004-2008. It was so similar, I was surprised that the character designer from the show, Jeff Matsuda, wasn't involved here. While I was a bit out of the age group "The Batman" was intended for during its run, it still brought forth a feeling of nostalgia in me.
The action is very simple in the film, but its fitting. We have a Batman that's more of a brawler compared to other versions, and it's very seldom where you'll see him kick. It's a nice change of pace if you ask me.

If there's one thing that did bother me about this film, it was just the sudden ending. While it does conclude on a somewhat happy note, without spoiling much, it just ends after the climax rather bringing some resolution to certain plot points earlier in the film. As it happens, this was a problem some episodes of "The Batman" had, and given the similarity in the two's art styles, I suppose it's fitting, but that doesn't make it right.

All in all, "Batman: Gotham by Gaslight" is worthy not only as part of the long history of animated depictions of Batman, but also as an adaptation that I think even those familiar with the source will enjoy. I see it as a must-watch for all Batman fans, but I would hold off on showing it to the kids concerning the content.