Today’s quick review: Batman: Gotham by Gaslight. In the Gotham of the 19th century, a serial killer dubbed “Jack the Ripper” butchers women in the streets. Bruce Wayne (Bruce Greenwood), a wealthy philanthropist, dons the mantle of Batman to track down the killer. His investigation also brings him closer to Selina Kyle (Jennifer Carpenter), a strong-willed entertainer who wants to catch Jack to protect the women under her care.
Batman: Gotham by Gaslight is an animated superhero movie from DC. Gotham by Gaslight reimagines the story of Batman in an alternate, Victorian-era Gotham where the streets are unforgiving and modern technology is just beginning to develop. The film benefits from a unique premise and the high production values of DC’s animated features. However, slow pacing, a thin plot, and lack of flair keep it from living up to its full potential.
Gotham by Gaslight changes Batman’s established character dynamics in subtle ways. The film’s version of Bruce Wayne is less established than his other incarnations, with fewer gadgets and less of an edge over his enemies. Batman’s inexperience introduces an element of challenge to his investigation, but it robs him of his larger-than-life qualities. Selina Kyle also takes on a more important role, bonding with Bruce over their shared protective streak.
As far as story is concerned, Gotham by Gaslight is a murder mystery with superhero elements. The plot sneaks in one or two good twists, but the underdeveloped cast and lack of clues make the mystery feel empty. The film packs in a fair bit of action, but without Batman’s bag of tricks or a true supervillain, the fights are less spectacular than usual. Gotham by Gaslight also gets off to a slow start, although it rallies for the final fight.
Gotham by Gaslight suffers from an unusual problem: the mapping to the Victorian era is too perfect for the movie’s own good. Barring the antiquated setting and the dearth of gadgets or powers, Gotham by Gaslight could easily be mistaken for a modern Batman story. The crucial parts of the character and the setting carry over almost without alteration: Batman is a shadowy vigilante, Bruce Wayne is a socialite, and Gotham is a city ridden with crime.
The result is a competent movie that has trouble distinguishing itself from other animated Batman offerings. Those who are intrigued by the premise should give Batman: Gotham by Gaslight a shot. Its unique premise and solid craftsmanship make it a worthwhile experiment. Just be warned that the movie is neither as exciting nor as distinctive as it first appears. For alternatives, try Son of Batman or the Guy Ritchie adaptation of Sherlock Holmes.
6.8 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 for decent execution of a premise that could have supported a much richer story.