1. Does Anybody Involved In This Film Know Who Spider-Man Really Is?
Its not unusual for movie studios to take great liberties when they adapt superhero origin stories, but theres a fine line between creative license and demonstrating a total lack of understanding as to who the character is that you are making a movie about. Based on the first The Amazing Spider-Man film, and the bits of information weve seen of the sequel, many are unconvinced that this group of producers, directors, writers, cast and crew have a competent understanding of Spider-Man as a character. Spider-Mans origin, as featured in Amazing Fantasy #15, is one of the most famous stories in comic book history. In terms of his characterization in the comics, there have been a number of missteps over the years, but even during those down periods, creators have demonstrated an understanding of Peter Parkers mantra: with great power must also come great responsibility. As has been seen in the comics, on television and in other movies, once Peter Parker realizes that a burglar he deliberately did not stop when he had the chance, went ahead and murdered his Uncle Ben, he feels directly responsible and sets out to spend the rest of his life atoning for this one act of selfishness. The first The Amazing Spider-Man gives us Uncle Bens death, but does not provide Andrew Garfield many opportunities to explore Peters guilt and sense of responsibility. In the various The Amazing Spider-Man 2 trailers, theres a cockiness to how Garfields Peter operates. This is best seen in the teaser trailer that shows Spideys first encounter with Electro. Spider-Man jokes in the comics, but hes never this arrogant. Being a hero is his obligation, not something he does for the fun of it. Perhaps Marc Webb intends to use (*spoiler*) the presumed death of Peters girlfriend, Gwen Stacy, as the impetus for the heros attitude adjustment. But that choice glosses over the significance of a seminal moment in comic book history. Its called Spideys Uncle Ben moment for a reason. Say what you will about Tobey Maguires sometimes weepy portrayal of Peter in the Sam Raimi Spider-Man movies, but at least those films understood just how critical Uncle Bens death was to Spideys evolution as a hero. It remains to be seen whether or not Webbs movies also understand this point.
Mark is a professional writer living in Brooklyn and is the founder of the Chasing Amazing Blog, which documents his quest to collect every issue of Amazing Spider-Man, and the Superior Spider-Talk podcast. He also pens the "Gimmick or Good?" column at Comics Should Be Good blog.
