#predictability

I just watched Batman: Mask of the Phantasm for the first time, and I can’t be the only one who gets teenage vibes from Bruce—not in terms of design, but in attitude (both in the present and the flashbacks I know he was most definitely just starting out then im not a complete fool). His relationship with Alfred especially stands out. While Alfred has always been his butler, there’s a strong parental dynamic between them in this movie—at least in my opinion. The level of sass Alfred throws at Bruce feels less like that of a strict employee and more like a parent dealing with a stubborn, independent child. Meanwhile, Bruce himself gives off serious angsty, rebellious-teen energy. Of course there’s still love between them in later year but I feel like their dynamic changed over the years, becoming more professional, though Alfred never lost his occasional sassy moments.

Then there’s Bruce’s relationship with Andrea. One of the reasons she left him was that they were too young, which emphasizes that and it was obvious this was his first real love—one he clearly never got over. His anger is always a part of his character, but it feels even more intense here. That said, I could just be interpreting things in a way that supports my theory (not that it changes the overall plot in any major way).

As for the Joker, it seems like he might just be starting out. His hideout looks rough, and while Joker (as we know him) has money, he could easily have a better lair if he wanted to. This makes me think he’s still in the early days of his criminal career. Plus, Joker already knows Batman well, meaning he’d immediately recognize that Bruce wouldn’t kill anyone—so if they weren’t just starting out, he should’ve known it wasn’t him from the start. Another interesting point is the complete absence of Harley Quinn—not even a mention of her. While that might not mean anything, it adds to my case.

I would say the same for the robins but it’s not uncommon for them to be left out a Batman movie adaptation, although all of them without a single reference in an animated movie isn’t as common, so I’m not sure about that.

This could all be common knowledge if I’m right, but oh well.