Toby Maguire as Spider-Man in the 2002 Film
Based on the Marvel Comics and directed by Sam Raimi
Aug 24, 2009
Typically with new films, especially adaptations of comic books, the first film is essentially the origin story of everyone’s favourite web-slinger. Toby Maguire is expertly cast as Spider-Man, he looks unimposing and struggles with being a teenager, and fits into a part of Peter Parker so well it seems to be the role he was born to play. Raimi splits away from Spider-Man’s origins from the comics in two ways, the first being that he is bitten by a genetically modified super-spider not a radioactive one (and with the current focus on genetic modification this works well) and Parker does not build his traditional web-shooters instead he develops a gland on each wrist that produces webbing.
The Plot and Villain of Spider-Man
After receiving his new powers, Parker does what any teen would do; he attempts to use his abilities to make some quick cash wrestling in order to impress the girl of his dreams Mary Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst). His Uncle Ben (after hearing that he got into a fight with a bully at school) warns him that “with great power comes great responsibility” a message that Parker ignores. Parker is cheated by the wrestling event organiser and allows a robber stealing money from the organiser to escape; the robber then steals the car his Uncle Ben was driving, killing him in the process. The guilt Parker feels for failing to do the right thing even though he could have is what ultimately pushes him into becoming the crime fighting superhero Spider-Man.
With a comic series that has some of the best villains in the Marvel universe, it was always going to be difficult to select an appropriate opponent. It is the Green Goblin aka Norman Osborn, and the father of Parker's best friend Harry that steps up. Willem Dafoe walks the line between the insanity of the Goblin and the struggle of Norman with the expertise the audience has come to expect from him. The scene in which he is talking to a reflection of himself is so well done that it does seem like there are two people having a conversation.
Supporting Cast and Characters
The Goblin’s insanity and recklessness expertly counters the guilt and struggle of Spider-Man. A perfectly created cast surrounds the two leads, with a particular joy to behold being JK Simmons as J Jonah Jameson as the crusty, bad tempered editor of the Daily Bugle who firmly believes that Spider-Man is a bad guy. He also gives Peter Parker a job as a freelance photographer. Dunst is on hand to play MJ, the redheaded damsel in distress. James Franco portrays Harry Osborn as a loyal friend of Parker’s who at the same time is struggling with his own jealousy because Peter and his father have much more in common than he does.
There is also an excellent cameo from Evil Dead (a film series also directed by Raimi) star Bruce Campbell who dislikes the name ‘the Human Spider’, which is what Parker tries to call himself during the wrestling match, instead dubbing him: Spider-Man.
The battle between Spider-Man and the Goblin comes to a bone-crunching head and reveals a more vulnerable side to the web-slinger. He suffers a severe beating making the audience wince, and the defeat conveyed in Parker’s eyes shows you that there is a moment when he doesn’t think he can win.
Maguire’s portrayal of Spider-Man really tugs at the heartstrings and shows that ordinary people don’t necessarily get super-powers and immediately decide to be super heroes. Spider-Man carries the guilt over Uncle Ben’s death and does everything he can to fight injustice, whilst doing everything he can as Peter Parker to keep those around him safe.
8/10
Willem Defoe and Toby Maguire are perfectly cast for their respective leads. This is one of the best comic book adaptations and leaves the audience waiting impatiently for the sequel.
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