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Hey Alex. If you dont mind me asking, how are you? Please keep your chin up man. I've been having a hard time myself and your videos show me that I'm not alone. If you're feeling depressed, make sure you get the help you need whether its from professionals, family, friends, or even your fans like me. Keep grinding bro, your videos are awesome.
Batman has kept me afloat for years, I have gone through things that have made me feel like life is meaningless and even attempted suicide, but then I see my favourite fictional character of all time: Batman. He turned his tragedy and his ongoing tragedies into something helpful, meaningful, he taught me that no matter what it is never worth giving up, always get up and never get overtaken by life and the bad things within it, no matter how hard it may be.
“Batman is the embodiment of working through pain: trauma of all kinds. Standing back up…wearing the heartbreak on his chest, and managing to fight on”
"I didn't count on being happy." That line always gets me. For a long while, I always thought of Batman as a lethal non-killing machine. Someone who's smarter, stronger and faster than anyone. I didn't think he was human, I never thought I could relate to a man who doesn't even want to be a man, until this line.
If you can't imagine Batman, not Bruce Wayne, but THE BATMAN comforting a scared dying child, if you can't imagine a kid saying "thank you" to the Batman for just being there, not kicking ass, but just being there at the right time, then you don't know who Batman is, or what he represents. and who you wrote isn't Batman. It's why Animated Batman is the best Batman-the writers understand that he is as much about giving people hope as he instills fear to the criminals of Gotham. Batman represents the hope we've felt through fear. That sense of hope you only feel after living through such darkness. The hope that "things might be bad now, but it'll get better". And that's what Batman means to me, and why he means so much to so many people. He's more than just an action icon-he's a symbol of hope, even if Batman himself denies this, and if you fail to realize that, then you shouldn't write for Batman.
That is why people have fond memories of the Adam West TV show. Its ok for Batman being brooding and punching people in the face, but there's is more to it than just that. Matt Reeves seems like he finally understood that.
Tim drake was in that tent the day The flying graysons died, and as he was being escorted out of the tent, the last thing he saw was Batman, comforting Dick Grayson.
@@aa-jf5gu I also hope people remember the moment during the episode Jim Gordon was shot where a kid simply thanks Batman for saving his life and causing him to turn his life around. There's also a really good moment in the comics where a young girl thanks him for simply remembering her name. That's the kind of impact Batman has on people. Not just criminals but the regular folk of Gotham City.
Dude... the level of profession shown in these Batman videos are just unmatched. Makes me real excited for the writing and character in Jason. Keep at it, man!!
@Man1narm0r dude I appreciate that you like the channel bet they're regular people with budget of $5. No amount of talent will make that into an above average television show.
@Man1narm0r not litterally $5 but compared to actual shows this like a high school production. Maybe it will be cute to see the kid we like do something that makes him happy but it's not something youd actually watch for yourself or especially show your friends.
@Man1narm0r no you definitely know a highschool or community theater production 98% of the time is going to be ass but you go anyway to support the people you care about. This is not any different. It's not impossible for it to be good just significantly unlikely. You wouldnt buy a new car from a scrap yard would you? It's possible they did a really great job with $5 making your car but it's pretty unlikely
This film is so relatable to me because much like Bruce, I struggle to accept love in my life, feeling like I deserve to feel alone because of promises I make, personal promises, and by my deep rooted experiences in heartbreak, but love is something we all deserve, no matter how broken, we deserve love over anything
Mask of the Phantasm is the greatest Batman movie of all time. And as someone who suffers from mental illness, Batman has saved me more than once in my life. His drive, his determination, his compassion, and his unwillingness to give up.
Just went through a breakup after being together for almost 2 years. It doesn’t sound that long but it was the first relationship I’ve ever had that actually went somewhere. This video couldn’t have been made at a better time. Killer video as always HiTop
My father always told me that when something ends, it’s always the plans you had withering away that hurt the most. Marriage, moving in together, a simple lunch date. This can apply to anything, but especially heartbreak. Excellent work, HiTop. Your best Batman video yet!
"It's just gonna drown me." "No...No it won't." "How do you know?" "What is grief, if not love persevering?" Marvel tried so hard to give us a show based on loss, yet they themselves failed to understand, that just because you suffer, you shouldn't make others suffer as well. Even unwittingly. I feel like the Batman is this perfect representation of that-of living with pain, with such....darkness yet he doesn't act out of selfishness. He doesn't make people suffer because he suffers. If I could describe Batman in one word.....it'd be compassionate.
I mean..." that just because you suffer, you shouldn't make others suffer as well" was the whole point of Wandavision. It's not that they failed to understand, that was the point of the show.
@@YoloSwaggMcJagger But can we say, Did most of the audiences preferred this type of stuff from Marvel? No and even if they did the whole WandaVision show will be a mess when DS MoM releases (All the great things done in the show will be removed by some Fan Service CGI fest) and the way it's going Wanda might forget that this even happened (WV stuff) after MoM as they're in a hurry to introduce Mutants in the MCU. I personally too didn't love this kind of sitcom based show but I won't stop others to enjoy if they're trying to
I feel like, those who have gone through it the most, pain, sadness, anger, darkness. Yk all those types of emotions, are the ones that care most, love most, understand most. The more you suffer, the less selfish you’ll get. Well that is if you choose light over dark ofc
This video truly hits right in the feels. The persona of Bruce Wayne in Batman and the Mask Phantasm done by Bruce Timm, Eric Randomski is so masterfully poured in the necklace one by one. And then there's the melancholic music composed by Shirley Walker, which absolutely adds a whole another meaning to it
It’s in a league all its own, no question about it. I was a kid when it originally came out, literally 30 years or so ago (and that’s fucking nuts for me to even think about), and man, the depth that is in an animated movie, primarily targeted at kids (or was it?), is crazy as hell. Still stands the test of time all these years later, and honestly, while original comic book versions of characters are typically THE definitive versions of characters, Mask of the Phantasm (and really, the animated series as a whole), stands right next to his comic book counterpart side by side, parallel, as THE blueprints for any and everything Batman related, whether it’s live action or animated, video games, whatever it doesn’t matter. Both source material in the comics and MOTP and the animated series, are definitive Batman. And on a side note, there will never be another Kevin Conroy
Mask of the Phantasm was a defining moment in my childhood. Still one of my favorite films, and it actually hits deeper now than then. "I didn't count on being happy." Hits deep, man. Hits real deep. 😔
I relate to this Bruce because I went through a heartbreak to my first girlfriend. We were together for 2 years and six months. It wasn’t just why she broke up with me, it was how and what happened immediately after. She found another guy and said so many hurtful things to me, that it made me hate my own feelings. I also suffered losing my uncle and my grandmother during the process of my break up. And some of my closest friends would bring her up and make jokes about it after I told them to stop doing it multiple times but they didn’t care. It felt like I was being laughed at for being broken and no one I held closest to didn’t care neither. So it came a time where I got so sad and angry to the point I had to go distant from people. I went to work hurt everyday, not talking too much to people. I haven’t been with anyone else since
Damn. I’m so sorry to hear that. I hope you know that this isn’t the end for your ability to love. Life isn’t done yet so there can be something much more everlasting on the horizon. I hope you’re doing good.❤️👍
“There was a time. A time before. There were perfect things. Diamond absolutes…” Andrea Beaumont was definitely the diamond absolute for Bruce in this film, only for her leaving and going on her own vendetta to crush any and all hope Bruce had of a normal fulfilling life…
The fact that Batman is willing to sacrifice his own potential happiness just to make sure no one else ever feels like he does is my favorite aspect of his character and the ultimate tragedy of his story. He’s doomed to an eternity of depression but he fights with hopefulness not for himself so much as it is for the young and innocent BC he was once one of them and sees what tragedy does to people like that.
What makes Mask of the phantasm great is how realistic heartbreak can be. For Bruce and Andrea they could have a happy life together, but unseen circumstance caused them to live different lives. It’s very sad that Batman made never get the happy ending he deserves.
No one on this platform makes videos quite like Hitop Films, these are seriously so well done and entertaining. So are his short films, cannot wait for Jason.
My friend, you have certainly made some terrific videos in the past, but this one...this can't be topped. The way you worded everything, the breathtaking silence that accompanies the music and emotion...it's downright masterful! I can hear and feel everything and it's heartbreaking and powerful. Truly this video can't be topped in my humble opinion, but if it can, I hope to be there to hear more.
Brought me to tears. I love this movie and hearing your commentary on the themes the movie juggles is incredible. I had an amazing person leave my life recently over something that was dumb. I am trying to let go and it’s hard but this video helps a lot. God bless who ever made this or wrote the script for the commentary
One of your absolute best vids Alex. Eloquently written and spoken. I was in a dark place not too long ago and while I haven’t found that peace of happiness yet, the hope that it’s out there is enough to have pulled me back up to keep going. I hope you’re doing okay and I hope the project you’re working on allows you to creatively express and maybe even divulge some of that pain you’re feeling.
Batman eventually kept fighting crime until he physically couldn't... then just retired away in his estate alone (until Terry arrived). Andrea kept her Phantasm persona until the very end... with a short scene she had in JLU (in Batman Beyond's era) with her, now elderly, talking with Amanda Waller.
It would be kind of interesting to see what she made of her life. From the context of epilogue she was a hit man of some kind. I wonder if she ever re encountered Bruce thru their lives
Batman mask of the phantasm just hits differently. From the amazing storytelling of how Bruce could and wanted to live a normal life with someone he loved to that amazing soundtrack and inclusion of the joker being that separation between Bruce and Andrea. This is a masterpiece that shows how vulnerable Batman is. Andrea is honestly the only one in his life that can make him happy. Not catwoman or Talia because Andrea has gone through and understands the pain Bruce has been through. Even as they live their lives only I still feel like their love is what keeps them going and they still hold that hope that maybe one day they will find that happiness again. I really wish they would have made a sequel or animated series episode following the events of mask of the phantasm but then again the standalone aspect of it is what makes it so special. This movie is my childhood and the impact it still has on me in astonishing. I will always say this is the best Batman movie.
"Vengeance blackens the soul, Bruce. I've always feared that you would become that which you fought against. You walk the edge of that abyss every night, but you haven't fallen in and I thank heaven for that."
Dude. Thank you so much for making this. Going through a confusing breakup and even more confusing conversations with past flames and ultimately coming to a realization, the realization that I should be comfortable being alone. And that’s where Batman gives me peace. Growing from loneliness and darkness, working through trauma, and really doubling Down on your sense of self which can be shattered once a relationship is enough. Then, like Bruce you must throw yourself and everything you have into your mission. One day hopefully it’ll be enough, but today won’t be that day, and tomorrow won’t either. Looking at all the comments below, I just want to say to you, thanks for creating and combining this community man. Really appreciate this.
just went through a very rough breakup that I still think didn´t achieve anything but deeply scar both of us. I still somewhat hope we might talk things over and give it another try but we´ll see... either way, I hadn´t known I´d needed to watch this video until I did. Thank you for this.
I hear Alex's voice breaking, and it's making me tear up. The level of passion is starting to affect me, and I don't think I have a choice but to be inspired and do something about it. I especially relate to this after a harsh breakup, this hits harder than it has the right to, and somehow I've managed to hold it in, which isn't healthy, but the way you put you heart into this video inspires me. You're a legend Alex, never stop being yourself
Before I watched your videos, i never really got Bruce Wayne, or Batman in general, I only really knew him only on a surface level. After rewatching the old movies, watching your videos, he became one of my favorite heroes ever, and it really makes me happy that I can now understand what makes batman so great! Thanks Hitop!
You know man, I just got out of a 3 and a half year relationship with someone who I loved and who loved me. This video really got to my core and I respect the vulnerability displayed in your work. Much love and respect
I bullshit you not, the ultimate heartbreak and lost dreams sections made me fucking cry. That brought back memories I still have an awful time dealing with. I made a mistake I wish I could take back. I just keep going cause there’s really no other option in the end you know? It’s why Batman stories have been especially helpful in recent memory, he shows another way to keep moving
Wow Alex, I’m shook I really am, every video you make leaves me thinking and this does exactly that, it’s a beautiful representation of what we have all felt and I’m am left in awe at this masterpiece, thank you for blessing us with your art, I can tell what you’re going through, and so am I, this is truly the representation of what we feel and what we do with the pain the anger the suffering we have left after the person who we thought we could never leave, leaves us.
Maybe we could see something similar to this film in a Pattinson sequel? A romantic interest making Bruce think he may not "have" to be Batman only for his heart to be broken, making him believe again that his curse is to always be Batman
MAN OH MAN this has got to be the best Batman essay I've seen in years. It's so beautiful and poetic, so well-written and exquisitely narrated... and your points, how you deconstruct the film and its themes... man, top-notch work. If I ever were to make a Batman movie, I'd surely call you to get your input, because you get the character. Bravo.
I feel that I need to say, that Alex hunter. This video essay touched my heart. Because despite knowing who I am, I am Batman more than anything else. I am always on his side of things before I have an ideal of my own. it was my childhood of watching the melancholy BTAS which always felt like the way middle school should. And personally, there's this light, outside my bedroom window. That is pin fucking point exact to the one that shines in crime alley in Arkham City. Despite the 800 hours or so I have on the game, that's the reason why it'll always be my pfp. But during Summer 2021, this girl. Sunday. My God-mothers niece or something. My godmother being my neighbor and the house one over on their side is the grandparents of theirs. And every 2 years this girl Sunday and her sister would come over. Think the part I miss most is how green it was, what I consider my Wayne Manor is on a lake. Probably secretly why batfleck's my favorite. Anyways, I think I was 15 or something and she was only over for 2 weeks before she had to go back to Little Rock, Arkansas. But as people that I care for. I connected her to a batman character. This one being Andrea Beaumont. And being born in 05 you can do the math that freshmen year was the 2020. I never left the house in months, it finally took a toll of watching the same batman media. Then a girl that would come by every time destined. It would always surprise me. The reason why she is Andrea, is because I told myself to that crime alley light. The thing that I personally believe to be my god. My Ben Aldridge Thomas Wayne, My Emma Paetz Martha. Mostly because I have a "soul purpose" a vow, in relation to Batman of course. But with my Andrea, I would always say to that light that with her around, it didn't hurt so bad anymore
You hit pretty close to my heart here. I had a person I loved very much. They left me for complex reasons, but I've always held a place in my heart for them despite how very much apart our lives have taken us since.
I saw Mask of the Phantasm last year before I saw the Batman, and these two have become my favorite superhero movies, with the Batman being my favorite live action superhero movie, and Mask of the Phantasm being my favorite in general.
Honestly, I love to watch/ listen to your video essays. No matter if it's you praising or critiquing something, you can always feel the passion; from either love and joy, or the disappointment and heart break, you can always feel the personality and the part of you you put into your content. I hope I get to watch these videos for as long as possible, and I'm excited for that Jason short film
Thank you for doing this video Batman mask of the phantasm is easily one of the best Batman films ever made the story is so relatable it's dark is mature and is violent and they got away with it this for a PG movie this is an amazing film and it will never be forgotten
Recently, I have found a new boyfriend, Both of our previous relationships have ended in pain, so much abandonment, so much controlling. and together we finally think that this is it, this is the right people for each other. And it's absolutely fucking incredible and I hope it stays strong, we need it too and were so happy together
There is something amazingly comfortable and emotional about this video essay. The noir aesthetic of Batman and your calm production on this one, blends perfectly.
I cried. Beautiful video. I don't think I really understood this movie until now. When I was younger, I always liked it, but never really thought of it as anything exceptional to the Animated Series. I understood that it was true love that Bruce could have had, but I didn't quite understand the gravity of it all. It's more than true love that he could have had. It was a new life. A chance to break from his tormenting chains. I will be rewatching it soon thanks to you. Again, beautiful video.
you know I wasn't expecting to cry watching a video about the batman of all things, but I did, if anything it makes me realize that batman is a very relatable character.
I have been through a break up for 2 years. My childhood was marked by an absent mother and a distant father. I had never experienced love until I met a girl called exactly the same as Bruce's beloved, Andrea. We had, I had a chance to feel for the first time the light, the warm, and most important, the forgiveness, specially to myself, to my hatred. Circumstances made us take different paths and nowdays I can't be with someone else, I don't want to. However I have grown up a lot as human being, maybe because I am still waiting for her even though that she will never come back to me. Love cannot stand to everything, sometimes the circumstances are way too much... But at least, remembering the moments, that light, will give the peace that I need for a broken being.
Honestly The Mask is one of my favorite films of all time because I relate to the story of “the love that got away.” I have been in that exact same situation. When you find someone so extremely special they make you want to be happy. They make your trauma hurt less and they make you better but for whatever reason it was never meant to be. And your back with that promise of solace to be a cold person with a singular hard objective purpose alone and hollow.
god damn man... you made me cry with daredevil and spiderman, talking about been a hero, feeling what art has in store for us and now holding to the hope on lost dreams. thank you
I’ve been going through a breakup/heartbreak. I watched this movie for the first time just a few weeks ago and it really spoke to me. Your video spoke to me. Thank you
So deeply analysed, I think you helped me to understand what Batman/Bruce really is. All the sadness I feel about his life when I read his stories. I almost forgot he once felt love the same way we probably all knew for a moment. Thank you, each time you speak about him, you help me understand something and I think I got what he really means for all of us. A masterpiece as always, keep it up.
Bruce Wayne: My friend showed me pictures of his kids And all i could show him was pictures of my cribs He said his daughter got a brand new report card And all i got was a brand new sports car
Alex continuing to top himself with each Batman video he makes. I love all of them and this might be your best. Phantasm (and TDKT) are the most influential movies in my life and still my favorites of all time. This has always been my favorite version of the character and you prefectly stated why this story is so key to him and why it is snd will forever be one of the best batman stories of all time. Thank you alex for another perfect video.
You’re videos are so beautiful. On UA-cam you may sift through creator after creator that don’t try, they just push out fast food type content. You pour your soul into the scripts that you write. I really genuinely thank you because sometimes you tell me things I didn’t know I needed to hear
thank you i truly needed this im going through a breakup that is oddly similar to this and to hear a voice that accurately describes every single one of my thoughts is honestly very relieving
I can definitely feel Alex's catharsis from the making of this video - this was no lie when he said this was probably gonna be his favorite or most emotional video yet
Just went through a pretty rough breakup which resulted in more damage done if anything. I was lost, basically asking for reasons as to why or more accurately, was I even the one at fault. This video helped me find some sort of peace in me, knowing that even the greatest of people fall, just because they are human like us. Thanks for the professionally made analysis of this film
You make some of the most wel spoken, high quality analysis of movies. I just watched Mask of the phantasm tonight, it was a great movie and the heartbreak is relatable. Why we love Batman is he keeps going
Jason about to be the greatest fan made short film of all time, the level of prestige these videos have remain unmatched. Had never seen and wasn’t very interested in seeing the mask of the phantasm and now I’m putting it on my watchlist. Bravo, Alex.
Is it wrong that a Batman movie is the movie that I would watch to hold on to the idea of it working out with someone even knowing that it never would work…amazing video just hits the feels and reminds me why I love this movie so much
Its so weird that i have watched Batman along with Spiderman throughout my childhood and yet somehow Batman hasn't been ny favorite superhero. That was spiderman and the flash(when i got older) yet something about Batman and Bruce wanye always drew me in and i think its due to the character of the man behind the mask and how much pain he is in that makes him just as relatable as spiderman but completey different and the way he tries to mentor kids that went throufh something similar to him and give them something good to put their energy in is great
Go to thld.co/bosley_hitop_0222 and get your FREE Bosley Info kit and $250 gift card. Thanks to Bosley for sponsoring today’s video.
Much love to you all.
Peacemaker!!!! Watch it!! It’s James Gunn at his best. First 2 episodes are bad, but just get through them
Batman hearbreak and depression.
Yo man, that brought a couple of tears to my eye.
We appreciate everything you do on this channel. Thanks, man
Hey Alex. If you dont mind me asking, how are you? Please keep your chin up man. I've been having a hard time myself and your videos show me that I'm not alone. If you're feeling depressed, make sure you get the help you need whether its from professionals, family, friends, or even your fans like me. Keep grinding bro, your videos are awesome.
"andrea becomes an angel who brings death, and bruce becomes a demon who protecs life". WOW, just WOW. the perfect phrase
Batman has kept me afloat for years, I have gone through things that have made me feel like life is meaningless and even attempted suicide, but then I see my favourite fictional character of all time: Batman. He turned his tragedy and his ongoing tragedies into something helpful, meaningful, he taught me that no matter what it is never worth giving up, always get up and never get overtaken by life and the bad things within it, no matter how hard it may be.
Fuck Batman, find God.
Same. I love Batman. He is my favorite fictional character of all time.
Same man. Batman is one of those characters that I can easily relate to alongside Daredevil.
Great to hear u have something to give u closure when u r feeling down or depressed. For me that was origami
@@Andrew_-nr7zt I really like the Frank Miller Daredevil stuff
“Batman is the embodiment of working through pain: trauma of all kinds. Standing back up…wearing the heartbreak on his chest, and managing to fight on”
"I didn't count on being happy."
That line always gets me. For a long while, I always thought of Batman as a lethal non-killing machine. Someone who's smarter, stronger and faster than anyone. I didn't think he was human, I never thought I could relate to a man who doesn't even want to be a man, until this line.
If you can't imagine Batman, not Bruce Wayne, but THE BATMAN comforting a scared dying child, if you can't imagine a kid saying "thank you" to the Batman for just being there, not kicking ass, but just being there at the right time, then you don't know who Batman is, or what he represents. and who you wrote isn't Batman. It's why Animated Batman is the best Batman-the writers understand that he is as much about giving people hope as he instills fear to the criminals of Gotham.
Batman represents the hope we've felt through fear. That sense of hope you only feel after living through such darkness. The hope that "things might be bad now, but it'll get better". And that's what Batman means to me, and why he means so much to so many people. He's more than just an action icon-he's a symbol of hope, even if Batman himself denies this, and if you fail to realize that, then you shouldn't write for Batman.
That is why people have fond memories of the Adam West TV show.
Its ok for Batman being brooding and punching people in the face, but there's is more to it than just that.
Matt Reeves seems like he finally understood that.
This comment reminded me of the btas episode see no evil
Tim drake was in that tent the day The flying graysons died, and as he was being escorted out of the tent, the last thing he saw was Batman, comforting Dick Grayson.
@@aa-jf5gu I also hope people remember the moment during the episode Jim Gordon was shot where a kid simply thanks Batman for saving his life and causing him to turn his life around. There's also a really good moment in the comics where a young girl thanks him for simply remembering her name. That's the kind of impact Batman has on people. Not just criminals but the regular folk of Gotham City.
this reminds me of Ultimate Spiderman for some reason haha
"I didn't count on being happy"... That line, always got to me...
Dude... the level of profession shown in these Batman videos are just unmatched. Makes me real excited for the writing and character in Jason. Keep at it, man!!
Idk I'd rather have an above average youtube video than a below average tv show
@Man1narm0r dude I appreciate that you like the channel bet they're regular people with budget of $5. No amount of talent will make that into an above average television show.
@Man1narm0r dude do you think we're talkin about an actual tv show? Were talking about this guys fan show "jason"
@Man1narm0r not litterally $5 but compared to actual shows this like a high school production. Maybe it will be cute to see the kid we like do something that makes him happy but it's not something youd actually watch for yourself or especially show your friends.
@Man1narm0r no you definitely know a highschool or community theater production 98% of the time is going to be ass but you go anyway to support the people you care about. This is not any different. It's not impossible for it to be good just significantly unlikely. You wouldnt buy a new car from a scrap yard would you? It's possible they did a really great job with $5 making your car but it's pretty unlikely
This film is so relatable to me because much like Bruce, I struggle to accept love in my life, feeling like I deserve to feel alone because of promises I make, personal promises, and by my deep rooted experiences in heartbreak, but love is something we all deserve, no matter how broken, we deserve love over anything
I'm sure you'll find a nice boy who will love you
@@aroccoification you mentally good bro?
@@ssjhasuun4177 we all cant be super saiyans like you okay? 😭
@@aroccoification damn.
Mask of the Phantasm is the greatest Batman movie of all time.
And as someone who suffers from mental illness, Batman has saved me more than once in my life. His drive, his determination, his compassion, and his unwillingness to give up.
Just went through a breakup after being together for almost 2 years. It doesn’t sound that long but it was the first relationship I’ve ever had that actually went somewhere. This video couldn’t have been made at a better time. Killer video as always HiTop
Hope you’re doing ok. Keep pushing through :)
You got this.
You may not know it now but just know that you will heal and you will be happy again.
My first love cheated on me after a three year relationship.
We're in this together!
I hope you get better man
My father always told me that when something ends, it’s always the plans you had withering away that hurt the most. Marriage, moving in together, a simple lunch date. This can apply to anything, but especially heartbreak. Excellent work, HiTop. Your best Batman video yet!
"It's just gonna drown me."
"No...No it won't."
"How do you know?"
"What is grief, if not love persevering?"
Marvel tried so hard to give us a show based on loss, yet they themselves failed to understand, that just because you suffer, you shouldn't make others suffer as well. Even unwittingly. I feel like the Batman is this perfect representation of that-of living with pain, with such....darkness yet he doesn't act out of selfishness. He doesn't make people suffer because he suffers. If I could describe Batman in one word.....it'd be compassionate.
I mean..." that just because you suffer, you shouldn't make others suffer as well" was the whole point of Wandavision. It's not that they failed to understand, that was the point of the show.
@@YoloSwaggMcJagger But can we say, Did most of the audiences preferred this type of stuff from Marvel? No and even if they did the whole WandaVision show will be a mess when DS MoM releases (All the great things done in the show will be removed by some Fan Service CGI fest) and the way it's going Wanda might forget that this even happened (WV stuff) after MoM as they're in a hurry to introduce Mutants in the MCU. I personally too didn't love this kind of sitcom based show but I won't stop others to enjoy if they're trying to
@@YoloSwaggMcJagger
Well, not after hand-waving everything Wanda put an entire town through with “They’ll never know what you sacrificed.”
Daredevil kinda was a show about loss.
I feel like, those who have gone through it the most, pain, sadness, anger, darkness. Yk all those types of emotions, are the ones that care most, love most, understand most.
The more you suffer, the less selfish you’ll get. Well that is if you choose light over dark ofc
This video truly hits right in the feels. The persona of Bruce Wayne in Batman and the Mask Phantasm done by Bruce Timm, Eric Randomski is so masterfully poured in the necklace one by one. And then there's the melancholic music composed by Shirley Walker, which absolutely adds a whole another meaning to it
hey nice pfp
It’s in a league all its own, no question about it. I was a kid when it originally came out, literally 30 years or so ago (and that’s fucking nuts for me to even think about), and man, the depth that is in an animated movie, primarily targeted at kids (or was it?), is crazy as hell. Still stands the test of time all these years later, and honestly, while original comic book versions of characters are typically THE definitive versions of characters, Mask of the Phantasm (and really, the animated series as a whole), stands right next to his comic book counterpart side by side, parallel, as THE blueprints for any and everything Batman related, whether it’s live action or animated, video games, whatever it doesn’t matter. Both source material in the comics and MOTP and the animated series, are definitive Batman. And on a side note, there will never be another Kevin Conroy
Mask of the Phantasm was a defining moment in my childhood. Still one of my favorite films, and it actually hits deeper now than then.
"I didn't count on being happy."
Hits deep, man. Hits real deep. 😔
I relate to this Bruce because I went through a heartbreak to my first girlfriend. We were together for 2 years and six months. It wasn’t just why she broke up with me, it was how and what happened immediately after. She found another guy and said so many hurtful things to me, that it made me hate my own feelings. I also suffered losing my uncle and my grandmother during the process of my break up. And some of my closest friends would bring her up and make jokes about it after I told them to stop doing it multiple times but they didn’t care. It felt like I was being laughed at for being broken and no one I held closest to didn’t care neither. So it came a time where I got so sad and angry to the point I had to go distant from people. I went to work hurt everyday, not talking too much to people. I haven’t been with anyone else since
Damn. I’m so sorry to hear that. I hope you know that this isn’t the end for your ability to love. Life isn’t done yet so there can be something much more everlasting on the horizon. I hope you’re doing good.❤️👍
Shit I thought I was the only one until I saw this comment so similar it's amazing
They are not your friends. Friends problems are not funny you needed support and comfort not to be laughed at for your problems
how are you doing now?
“There was a time. A time before. There were perfect things. Diamond absolutes…”
Andrea Beaumont was definitely the diamond absolute for Bruce in this film, only for her leaving and going on her own vendetta to crush any and all hope Bruce had of a normal fulfilling life…
The fact that Batman is willing to sacrifice his own potential happiness just to make sure no one else ever feels like he does is my favorite aspect of his character and the ultimate tragedy of his story. He’s doomed to an eternity of depression but he fights with hopefulness not for himself so much as it is for the young and innocent BC he was once one of them and sees what tragedy does to people like that.
What makes Mask of the phantasm great is how realistic heartbreak can be. For Bruce and Andrea they could have a happy life together, but unseen circumstance caused them to live different lives. It’s very sad that Batman made never get the happy ending he deserves.
I've cried so much watching this video.
Yep
2 year later here, it still kicks me hard
RIP Kevin Conroy
I actually just watched this movie for the first time last week, and it broke me. I didn’t know why but this video put it into words. Thank you Alex
Kevin Conroy did such an excellent job at delivering his lines in this movie. You can feel the remorse and pain in his voice.
You’ve come a long way Alex. This is by far your greatest video.
No one on this platform makes videos quite like Hitop Films, these are seriously so well done and entertaining. So are his short films, cannot wait for Jason.
Thank you! :)
My friend, you have certainly made some terrific videos in the past, but this one...this can't be topped. The way you worded everything, the breathtaking silence that accompanies the music and emotion...it's downright masterful! I can hear and feel everything and it's heartbreaking and powerful. Truly this video can't be topped in my humble opinion, but if it can, I hope to be there to hear more.
Man this one hit me differently, the writing in this video is excellently put.
Brought me to tears. I love this movie and hearing your commentary on the themes the movie juggles is incredible. I had an amazing person leave my life recently over something that was dumb. I am trying to let go and it’s hard but this video helps a lot. God bless who ever made this or wrote the script for the commentary
The way you speak from your own soul,reveal your own vulnerabilities in parallel to these stories....just wow. You are going places man. Thank you.
I was just getting ready to rewatch this masterpiece today in preparation for The Batman
One of your absolute best vids Alex. Eloquently written and spoken. I was in a dark place not too long ago and while I haven’t found that peace of happiness yet, the hope that it’s out there is enough to have pulled me back up to keep going. I hope you’re doing okay and I hope the project you’re working on allows you to creatively express and maybe even divulge some of that pain you’re feeling.
Batman eventually kept fighting crime until he physically couldn't... then just retired away in his estate alone (until Terry arrived).
Andrea kept her Phantasm persona until the very end... with a short scene she had in JLU (in Batman Beyond's era) with her, now elderly, talking with Amanda Waller.
It would be kind of interesting to see what she made of her life. From the context of epilogue she was a hit man of some kind. I wonder if she ever re encountered Bruce thru their lives
This one is hitting different today
Kevin?
Batman mask of the phantasm just hits differently. From the amazing storytelling of how Bruce could and wanted to live a normal life with someone he loved to that amazing soundtrack and inclusion of the joker being that separation between Bruce and Andrea. This is a masterpiece that shows how vulnerable Batman is. Andrea is honestly the only one in his life that can make him happy. Not catwoman or Talia because Andrea has gone through and understands the pain Bruce has been through. Even as they live their lives only I still feel like their love is what keeps them going and they still hold that hope that maybe one day they will find that happiness again. I really wish they would have made a sequel or animated series episode following the events of mask of the phantasm but then again the standalone aspect of it is what makes it so special. This movie is my childhood and the impact it still has on me in astonishing. I will always say this is the best Batman movie.
"Vengeance blackens the soul, Bruce. I've always feared that you would become that which you fought against. You walk the edge of that abyss every night, but you haven't fallen in and I thank heaven for that."
I wish I could talk about anything with the passion and poetry that Alex talks about Batman.
Dude. Thank you so much for making this. Going through a confusing breakup and even more confusing conversations with past flames and ultimately coming to a realization, the realization that I should be comfortable being alone.
And that’s where Batman gives me peace. Growing from loneliness and darkness, working through trauma, and really doubling Down on your sense of self which can be shattered once a relationship is enough.
Then, like Bruce you must throw yourself and everything you have into your mission. One day hopefully it’ll be enough, but today won’t be that day, and tomorrow won’t either. Looking at all the comments below, I just want to say to you, thanks for creating and combining this community man. Really appreciate this.
just went through a very rough breakup that I still think didn´t achieve anything but deeply scar both of us. I still somewhat hope we might talk things over and give it another try but we´ll see... either way, I hadn´t known I´d needed to watch this video until I did. Thank you for this.
I hear Alex's voice breaking, and it's making me tear up. The level of passion is starting to affect me, and I don't think I have a choice but to be inspired and do something about it.
I especially relate to this after a harsh breakup, this hits harder than it has the right to, and somehow I've managed to hold it in, which isn't healthy, but the way you put you heart into this video inspires me.
You're a legend Alex, never stop being yourself
Before I watched your videos, i never really got Bruce Wayne, or Batman in general, I only really knew him only on a surface level. After rewatching the old movies, watching your videos, he became one of my favorite heroes ever, and it really makes me happy that I can now understand what makes batman so great! Thanks Hitop!
You know man, I just got out of a 3 and a half year relationship with someone who I loved and who loved me. This video really got to my core and I respect the vulnerability displayed in your work. Much love and respect
Pure poetry man. I absolutely love Batman TAS and Mask Of The Phantasm
Just like with Owlman, when the abyss looked back... she blinked.
This video is presented in a 5x3 ratio to protect HiTop’s original vision
I bullshit you not, the ultimate heartbreak and lost dreams sections made me fucking cry. That brought back memories I still have an awful time dealing with. I made a mistake I wish I could take back. I just keep going cause there’s really no other option in the end you know? It’s why Batman stories have been especially helpful in recent memory, he shows another way to keep moving
Wow Alex, I’m shook I really am, every video you make leaves me thinking and this does exactly that, it’s a beautiful representation of what we have all felt and I’m am left in awe at this masterpiece, thank you for blessing us with your art, I can tell what you’re going through, and so am I, this is truly the representation of what we feel and what we do with the pain the anger the suffering we have left after the person who we thought we could never leave, leaves us.
“I didn’t count on being happy .”
That line haunts my thoughts. Fuck.
Maybe we could see something similar to this film in a Pattinson sequel? A romantic interest making Bruce think he may not "have" to be Batman only for his heart to be broken, making him believe again that his curse is to always be Batman
MAN OH MAN this has got to be the best Batman essay I've seen in years. It's so beautiful and poetic, so well-written and exquisitely narrated... and your points, how you deconstruct the film and its themes... man, top-notch work. If I ever were to make a Batman movie, I'd surely call you to get your input, because you get the character. Bravo.
I feel that I need to say, that Alex hunter. This video essay touched my heart. Because despite knowing who I am, I am Batman more than anything else. I am always on his side of things before I have an ideal of my own. it was my childhood of watching the melancholy BTAS which always felt like the way middle school should. And personally, there's this light, outside my bedroom window. That is pin fucking point exact to the one that shines in crime alley in Arkham City. Despite the 800 hours or so I have on the game, that's the reason why it'll always be my pfp. But during Summer 2021, this girl. Sunday. My God-mothers niece or something. My godmother being my neighbor and the house one over on their side is the grandparents of theirs. And every 2 years this girl Sunday and her sister would come over. Think the part I miss most is how green it was, what I consider my Wayne Manor is on a lake. Probably secretly why batfleck's my favorite. Anyways, I think I was 15 or something and she was only over for 2 weeks before she had to go back to Little Rock, Arkansas. But as people that I care for. I connected her to a batman character. This one being Andrea Beaumont. And being born in 05 you can do the math that freshmen year was the 2020. I never left the house in months, it finally took a toll of watching the same batman media. Then a girl that would come by every time destined. It would always surprise me. The reason why she is Andrea, is because I told myself to that crime alley light. The thing that I personally believe to be my god. My Ben Aldridge Thomas Wayne, My Emma Paetz Martha. Mostly because I have a "soul purpose" a vow, in relation to Batman of course. But with my Andrea, I would always say to that light that with her around, it didn't hurt so bad anymore
You hit pretty close to my heart here. I had a person I loved very much. They left me for complex reasons, but I've always held a place in my heart for them despite how very much apart our lives have taken us since.
The hero can't always win even when they want it the most
As someone going through a breakup right now, I have to say that this really helped me. Thank you
the demon who protects, and the angel who destroys is a crazy dichotomy that i never really considered.
Hightopfilms are you dropping The Batman movie Review
I saw Mask of the Phantasm last year before I saw the Batman, and these two have become my favorite superhero movies, with the Batman being my favorite live action superhero movie, and Mask of the Phantasm being my favorite in general.
Batman mask of of the phantasm is a underrated masterpiece
This has to be the absolute best essay you have ever made! So beautiful and so tragic. Keep it up and don't ever stop making these.
I can tell hes excited for Batman
Honestly, I love to watch/ listen to your video essays. No matter if it's you praising or critiquing something, you can always feel the passion; from either love and joy, or the disappointment and heart break, you can always feel the personality and the part of you you put into your content. I hope I get to watch these videos for as long as possible, and I'm excited for that Jason short film
Waiting for your review on The Batman.
Batman is my favorite hero, and I lost the love of my life after 12 years i felt this to my soul💔🦇
Thank you for doing this video Batman mask of the phantasm is easily one of the best Batman films ever made the story is so relatable it's dark is mature and is violent and they got away with it this for a PG movie this is an amazing film and it will never be forgotten
Recently, I have found a new boyfriend, Both of our previous relationships have ended in pain, so much abandonment, so much controlling. and together we finally think that this is it, this is the right people for each other. And it's absolutely fucking incredible and I hope it stays strong, we need it too and were so happy together
I’ve recently gone through a break up and this video hurt to watch. For you to mention at the end exactly how I feel.
Please hitop do a video on the new batman, im starting to form my own opinion!
There is something amazingly comfortable and emotional about this video essay. The noir aesthetic of Batman and your calm production on this one, blends perfectly.
I cried. Beautiful video. I don't think I really understood this movie until now. When I was younger, I always liked it, but never really thought of it as anything exceptional to the Animated Series. I understood that it was true love that Bruce could have had, but I didn't quite understand the gravity of it all. It's more than true love that he could have had. It was a new life. A chance to break from his tormenting chains. I will be rewatching it soon thanks to you. Again, beautiful video.
“I didn’t count on being happy” brings me to tears
Batman Mask of the Phantasm is one of my top 5 favorite movies of all time and it's very timeless.
You actually got to me on this one.. I’m fr crying rn.. this relates so much
you know I wasn't expecting to cry watching a video about the batman of all things, but I did, if anything it makes me realize that batman is a very relatable character.
Ah yes one of the best Batman stories ever told I'm excited to watch this video.
So many film critics out there but none say it like you do, your scripts are a tier above any other and that what keeps me coming back
I have been through a break up for 2 years. My childhood was marked by an absent mother and a distant father. I had never experienced love until I met a girl called exactly the same as Bruce's beloved, Andrea. We had, I had a chance to feel for the first time the light, the warm, and most important, the forgiveness, specially to myself, to my hatred. Circumstances made us take different paths and nowdays I can't be with someone else, I don't want to. However I have grown up a lot as human being, maybe because I am still waiting for her even though that she will never come back to me. Love cannot stand to everything, sometimes the circumstances are way too much... But at least, remembering the moments, that light, will give the peace that I need for a broken being.
Honestly The Mask is one of my favorite films of all time because I relate to the story of “the love that got away.” I have been in that exact same situation. When you find someone so extremely special they make you want to be happy. They make your trauma hurt less and they make you better but for whatever reason it was never meant to be. And your back with that promise of solace to be a cold person with a singular hard objective purpose alone and hollow.
god damn man...
you made me cry with daredevil and spiderman, talking about been a hero, feeling what art has in store for us and now holding to the hope on lost dreams.
thank you
I’ve been going through a breakup/heartbreak. I watched this movie for the first time just a few weeks ago and it really spoke to me. Your video spoke to me. Thank you
So deeply analysed, I think you helped me to understand what Batman/Bruce really is. All the sadness I feel about his life when I read his stories. I almost forgot he once felt love the same way we probably all knew for a moment. Thank you, each time you speak about him, you help me understand something and I think I got what he really means for all of us.
A masterpiece as always, keep it up.
I’ve watched 5 videos of yours in the past two days… I’m sold on subscribing.
Bruce Wayne: My friend showed me pictures of his kids
And all i could show him was pictures of my cribs
He said his daughter got a brand new report card
And all i got was a brand new sports car
808s & Batman
Alex continuing to top himself with each Batman video he makes. I love all of them and this might be your best. Phantasm (and TDKT) are the most influential movies in my life and still my favorites of all time. This has always been my favorite version of the character and you prefectly stated why this story is so key to him and why it is snd will forever be one of the best batman stories of all time. Thank you alex for another perfect video.
You’re videos are so beautiful. On UA-cam you may sift through creator after creator that don’t try, they just push out fast food type content. You pour your soul into the scripts that you write. I really genuinely thank you because sometimes you tell me things I didn’t know I needed to hear
I come back here every now and then for the passion your words strike with. It gives me strength.
thank you i truly needed this im going through a breakup that is oddly similar to this and to hear a voice that accurately describes every single one of my thoughts is honestly very relieving
I can definitely feel Alex's catharsis from the making of this video - this was no lie when he said this was probably gonna be his favorite or most emotional video yet
Just went through a pretty rough breakup which resulted in more damage done if anything. I was lost, basically asking for reasons as to why or more accurately, was I even the one at fault. This video helped me find some sort of peace in me, knowing that even the greatest of people fall, just because they are human like us. Thanks for the professionally made analysis of this film
I literally just finished watching the movie for the first time and now you post this. The universe works in weird ways
Cinema
“Angel who brings death & a demon who protects life” that’s deep
Jesus Christ is lord and savior amen 🙏
What the fuck r u talking about, whats ur religion got to do with a batman cartoon??
You make some of the most wel spoken, high quality analysis of movies. I just watched Mask of the phantasm tonight, it was a great movie and the heartbreak is relatable. Why we love Batman is he keeps going
Jason about to be the greatest fan made short film of all time, the level of prestige these videos have remain unmatched. Had never seen and wasn’t very interested in seeing the mask of the phantasm and now I’m putting it on my watchlist. Bravo, Alex.
Watching these Batman videos always makes me appreciate the movie itself more.
"Hey nice, a Batman video" (17 minutes later) "I'm not crying... your crying..."
Damn man you are talented and skilled . One of the best Batman video essays ever made and one of the best videos on UA-cam
Holy shit dude! That’s one of the best videos of not THE best video you’ve ever made! Great job bro! Keep up the good work.
The timing of this video is insane, I'm currently dealing with the aftermath of a breakup. This really hit home, keep up the good work!
Is it wrong that a Batman movie is the movie that I would watch to hold on to the idea of it working out with someone even knowing that it never would work…amazing video just hits the feels and reminds me why I love this movie so much
Its so weird that i have watched Batman along with Spiderman throughout my childhood and yet somehow Batman hasn't been ny favorite superhero. That was spiderman and the flash(when i got older) yet something about Batman and Bruce wanye always drew me in and i think its due to the character of the man behind the mask and how much pain he is in that makes him just as relatable as spiderman but completey different and the way he tries to mentor kids that went throufh something similar to him and give them something good to put their energy in is great