Batman vs. Jack the Ripper!
Directed by: Sam Liu
Written by: James Krieg, Brian Augustyn, Mike Mignola
Cast: Bruce Greenwood, Jennifer Carpenter, Scott Patterson, Anthony Head, Yuri Lowenthal
Swift shot: I have been low-key obsessed with Jack the Ripper since I first heard about him as a kid. And I have wanted to watch Gotham by Gaslight for quite some time. It is an “Elseworlds” Batman story set in Victorian-era Gotham, right at the turn of the century, where Jack the Ripper is terrorizing the city and keeping Gotham clean for progress. If you love Batman and Catwoman and want to see them pitted against a cunning, lethal, legendary killer, Sam Liu delivers your dark desire.
As I said, Gotham by Gaslight is set in a Victorian-era Gotham City that is steeped in steampunk-inspired technology and aesthetics. The film is based on the DC Comics one-shot graphic novel of the same name, written by Brian Augustyn and illustrated by Mike Mignola, and directed by Sam Liu. While the storyline takes some liberties with the source material, it remains faithful to the spirit of the original comic and provides a fresh and engaging perspective on the Dark Knight.
One of the strengths of Gotham by Gaslight is its unique setting and aesthetic. Gotham City is transformed by steampunk technology, with towering steam-powered machines, brass pipes and gears, and ornate Victorian architecture. This creates a distinctive and immersive world that is both familiar and unfamiliar to fans of the Batman franchise and provides a fresh canvas on which to tell the story of the Caped Crusader.
The action sequences also stand out, with several moments of intense hand-to-hand combat. Batman and the Catwoman are depicted as brutal and efficient fighters, using their strength, agility, and wits to take down their foes. The fight choreography is well-executed and dynamic, with a mix of martial arts and acrobatics that showcases the characters’ unique skill sets. And the victors aren’t always predictable.
The storyline of Gotham by Gaslight follows Batman’s hunt for Jack the Ripper, who has descended upon Gotham City and is targeting its women. This provides a compelling and dark backdrop for the film, with a sense of tension and dread that builds throughout the story. The plot is well-constructed and features several twists and turns that keep the viewer engaged, while also providing opportunities for character development and exploration.
One of the key themes of Gotham by Gaslight is the idea of duality, which is a recurring motif in the Batman franchise. The film explores the idea of Bruce Wayne/Batman as a man who is torn between his public persona and his private identity, as well as the duality of Jack the Ripper as a respected member of society and a vicious killer. This adds depth and complexity to the characters and elevates the film beyond a simple action-adventure story. Not to mention, Jack the Ripper was a very real member of the elite ripping women asunder for “progress.”
The voice cast is also impressive, with Bruce Greenwood providing a nuanced and compelling performance as Batman/Bruce Wayne. Other notable actors include Jennifer Carpenter as Selina Kyle, Anthony Head as Alfred Pennyworth, Scott Patterson as Commissioner Gordon, and Yuri Lowenthal as Harvey Dent. The voice acting is well-matched to the characters and helps to bring them to life on screen.
Overall, Batman: Gotham by Gaslight is a must-see for fans of Batman and steampunk as well as anyone who appreciates a well-crafted action-adventure story. The film’s unique setting, engaging storyline, and thrilling action sequences make it a worthy entry in the Batman franchise. With its combination of style, substance, and excitement, this is a Batman film that shouldn’t be overlooked.
