SPIDERMAN
COSTUMES:
MASKS
Peter has many everyday problems in the comic = washing his uniform, dealing with getting money to pay for aunt’s illness
More guilt ridden than they others from the start – Batman develops guilt about parent’s death later in the series not at the beginning.
Superman: Early orphan has no responsibility.
Batman: Bruce Wayne is older than Superman when orphaned. Is there when parents are killed – not responsible – later, in film version is indirectly responsible.
Spiderman, already orphan, lives with aunt and uncle, has some responsibility for uncle’s death. There are comments in film about uncle is not father.
In Spiderman there is an emphasis on Middle American religion – Aunt insists at Thanksgiving dinner saying grace, praying when Green Goblin arrives, etc.
Compare Superman when Lois says she feels she sis flying with a god.
Criminal (Green Goblin) is now as much a super menace and created scientifically through accident
Green Goblin: Superhero, costume etc.
Spiderman sets up more human relationship problems – especially guilt. Peter feels responsible for his uncle’s death.
Like Superman there are multiple relationships with the people involved. Harry likes Peter, wants to kill Spiderman; Harry likes PETER and so does Mary Jane
Harry takes an oath at the end like Batman.
With great power comes great responsibility - but no family.
No good deed goes unpunished.
AFTER THE FILM Film opens with comic images/ webs etc.
Comic like suit for Green Goblin and Spiderman
Important are posturings by Spiderman to match comic.
Some plying with names:
Not just a young kid => superhero (first who isn’t a side kick) but a nerd=> superhero (If he can do it any one can!)Osborn => Green Goblin in parallel edits.
Differences
Osborn is self inflicted/Parker is not
Osborn murders/Spiderman does not. (More law abiding but thought more of as evil)
Osborn attacks are interesting – attacks board that ousted him,
Other Oppositions
On the one hand Peter=> Spiderman and Mr. Osborn=>Green Goblin
On the other Peter and Harry parallel each other. Both are odd balls (Peter a nerd and negative; Harry too rich and seen as outsider – “What will you do get your father to fire his father?)
COMPARE Jekyll and Hyde. Here double character shifts only more like Hyde, the other good.
References to other superheroes when trying out web (“Shazzam”)
Later aunt says “You aren’t Superman”.
Quotes from other films (disguised)
Green Goblin on phone – “Can Spiderman come out to play” (Warriors, come out and play – The Warriors))
NYers on bridge to Goblin - Mess with one, you mess with all (Freaks)
There are 8,000,000 people in the (naked) city. (Naked City)
Gypsy (Gyspy Rose Lee gets named thatwhen announcer reads "Gyspsy Rose Louise" incorrectly and the name sticks.
Special effects somewhat unrealistic
What is behind the idea that people turn on you and want to see hero fall???