The Tragedy of The Amazing Spider-Man: Why Andrew Garfield's Spider-Man Was So Controversial
The Amazing Spider-Man, directed by Marc Webb, released in 2012, is often cited as one of the least popular entries in the Spider-Man film franchise. While performances by Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone were widely praised, the film faced criticism for its departure from the source material and its execution. This article explores the reasons behind the controversy surrounding this particular iteration of Spider-Man.
Writing and Material Quality
The Biggest Criticism: The writing in The Amazing Spider-Man, particularly in its second installment, has been widely criticized. Marc Webb's screenplay struggled to achieve the balance needed to make the characters and their journeys compelling. The second movie attempted to do too much, simultaneously trying to carve its own identity and kill the franchise, which stifled its potential to gain traction. This made it a challenging feat to create a coherent narrative that could satisfy both newcomers and die-hard fans of the character.
Adapting Peter Parker
Deviation from Comics: One of the criticisms often leveled against The Amazing Spider-Man is how far it deviated from the source material. Peter Parker, as depicted in the comics, grows into his powers gradually and uses them responsibly, learning important lessons like the connection between great power and great responsibility. However, Andrew Garfield's version of Peter is depicted as having a skateboard and not being often bullied, which contradicts the original narrative. This adjustment led to a version of Spider-Man that seemed less grounded and relatable, though Garfield's acting remained commendable.
The Suit and Costume Design
Cosmetic Concerns: The costume design, often considered a crucial aspect of the Spider-Man character, was a point of contention. The suit appears brutal and fractured, which diluted the hopeful and aspirational aura that Spider-Man typically embodies. This darker aesthetic did not resonate well with audiences who preferred a suit that exuded confidence and strength, rather than appearing vulnerable or weary.
Lack of Relatability
Character Issues: The version of Peter Parker portrayed in The Amazing Spider-Man lacks the classic, humanizing elements that make Spider-Man relatable. For instance, Peter hardly worries about maintaining his secret identity, revealing it to Gwen Stacy and Miles Warren within the first episode. His home life is also simplified, with no mention of Aunt May struggling financially or Peter dealing with schoolwork.
As a result, the character fails to evoke the sense of struggle and daily challenges that make his transformation into Spider-Man more impactful. This portrayal made it difficult for the audience to connect with Peter's journey and the power he wields.
The Lizard and Plot Issues
Weak Villain and Plot Gaps: The issue with the Lizard's portrayal is two-fold. On one hand, comedian-turned-scientist Alfred Logan (soon to be Lizard) doesn't have the internal struggle that would make his villainization more compelling. Instead, he comes off more as a joke, despite his threatening appearance. This imbalance between appearance and character depth lessens the impact of the climactic confrontation. Additionally, the absence of Connor's fear and self-hate adds to the feeling that the character arch was mishandled, making the villain's actions seem arbitrary and less driven by inner turmoil.
The scenes featuring Peter and Gwen in civilian identities are often described as dull and drawn out. These segments do not add much to the storyline or advance its emotional stakes, making them feel like unnecessary filler.
The Bottom Line
Disappointing for Expectations: Overall, The Amazing Spider-Man, despite the efforts of its talented cast, falls short of its potential due to its filming and narrative choices. It struggles to balance the genre's conventions with the demands of modern storytelling, resulting in a less engaging viewing experience. The series and subsequent films following it have tried to address these issues, but the lasting shadow of its initial release continues to influence fan opinion.