Spider-Man (2002)
Starring: Tobey Maguire, Kirtsen Dunst, Willem Dafoe
Director: Sam Raimi
Synopsis: Marvel comics' flagship hero comes to life in great big screen adaptation.
Reviewed by: Ali Khan

It took over a decade for the legal wrangling surrounding the rights to the Spider-Man film to be sorted out. In the interim period James (Titanic) Cameron, who was keen to direct a big screen version, moved on after completing a screen treatment. Finally, Sony dished out a substantial amount to secure the rights for the film. What followed was intense speculation over who would star in the film and who would take over the directorial reigns. Se7en helmer David Fincher was rumoured to be interested in recreating a dark version of Spider-Man but finally it was Sam Raimi, known more for his Evil Dead horror trilogy, who got the nod. Once the director was confirmed speculation over casting began. Leonardo Di Caprio was believed to be a possibility for the lead role. Freddie Prinze Jr. lobbied hard for it too. But Raimi, despite resistance from Studio executives went for Tobey Maguire, the talented young actor who has made his name more in smaller, indy films than in the typical Hollywood blockbuster. It was an inspired choice.

The film's story is familiar to millions of Spider-Man fans the world over. In a nutshell, school bookworm, Peter Parker, is bitten by a genetically enhanced spider and finds himself endowed with the proportionate strength and speed of the arachnid. His nemesis in the film is the deadly Green Goblin - whose alter ego - Norman Osborn, is the father of Peter's closest friend. No grandiose plans of world domination, the Goblin v Spidey confrontation is laced with a more personal dynamic.

Well, having waited for a decade to see Spider-Man finally make it to the big screen, has the wait been worth it? The answer is a resounding yes and the largest slice of the credit must go to director Sam Raimi. Raimi apparently secured his position as director by emphasising his love of the Spider-man comic character. A self avowed fan since the 1970s, Raimi's understanding of Spider-Man translates into his handling of the film starting with his perfect casting of Tobey Maguire as Peter Parker/Spider-Man. For those who know Spider-Man, it is evident within the first few minutes of the film that Maguire fits the role like a glove.

But Raimi's biggest triumph is in creating a cinema friendly version of an iconic character while still remaining true to the roots of the comic. The film follows the comic book origins closely (with a few exceptions, namely the origins of the web shooters). Everything that makes Spider-Man, the comic book hero so special is superbly transferred onto celluloid by Raimi. Back in 1962, Stan Lee, broke with super-hero tradition by creating a teenage super-hero who was not a sidekick. Until then, convention demanded that teenagers could only assist a main hero - like Robin. But Lee's editors at Marvel Comics refused to allow Spider-Man his own comic, convinced that the character would fail to take off. Instead, Spider-Man appeared in the final issue of a cancelled title - Amazing Fantasy 15. But such was the public response to Lee's newest creation that Spider-Man not only won the right to his own comic book but also rapidly became Marvel Comics flagship character. Like Stan Lee, Sam Raimi, despite opposition, took brave decisions, trusted his judgement and produced a film that is worthy of gaining its place alongside other great Spider-Man achievements.

By remaining true to the original comic book Raimi is able to capitalise on what makes Spider-Man such an enduring character. Spider-Man's biggest advantage over other big screen comic book hero adaptations is that his alter ego, Peter Parker, as well as the list of supporting characters, are so compellingly interesting in their own right. Stan Lee, always stated that it was the fact that people could identify with Peter Parker that was the secret of the character's popularity. Raimi's capturing of that essence elevates the film to so much more than simply an action flick.

Raimi was instrumental in insisting on Tobey Maguire as his Spider-Man. He was also adamant on spending a considerable amount of time on the origins of Spider-Man rather than simply condensing the events into a 'flashback' sequence a la Batman. Studio executives were far keener on rolling out Spider-Man much earlier on in the film. But while Raimi's build up means that Spider-Man does not appear in full costume till well into the first half of the film, Raimi handles the Peter Parker portions with such deftness that in may ways it makes for the most engaging part of the film. Peter Parker's character is firmly established and we get a feel for the dynamics between the other main characters, particularly the relationship between Norman Osborn/Green Goblin and his son Harry and between Peter Parker and Norman Osborn. There is also the fledgling romance between Parker and the girl of his dreams, Mary Jane Watson, which brings a youthful freshness to the film.

The performances in the film are dominated by Tobey Maguire's wonderful turn as Peter Parker/Spider-Man. Maguire makes the role his own so much so that it is difficult to imagine anyone else in the role. Maguire brings the perfect sensitivity, humour and wonderment to a character that despite being a super hero is beset with the everyday problems that plague all of us. Kirsten Dunst has less scope as Mary Jane but the chemistry between the two is evident. It is also essential as the dynamic between Peter and Mary Jane is what gives the film its emotional base. Willem Dafoe does well not to overplay his villainous persona but is restricted by a costume that is the only real disappointment in the film. But despite the constraints of a 'static' face mask, Dafoe manages to bring a schizophrenic menace to the Goblin and a degree of sympathy to the Norman Osborn part if his character. The supporting performers are also well cast. Fans will be delighted to see characters such as cigar chewing newspaper tyrant J. Jonah Jameson brought to life (J.K. Simmons). Cliff Robertson makes a warm Uncle Ben and Rosemary Harris is suitably motherly as Aunt May.

Apart from putting together a simple but compelling story, Raimi does well in the technical aspects of the film as well. The effects, after the slightly dodgy first few scenes, are breathtaking. The action sequences are handled with trademark flair and again fans of the comic book will be thrilled to see the accuracy with which Spidey's 'movements' have been recreated on screen. A special mention must also be made of the Spider-Man costume, which unlike the Goblin's, is stunningly realised and remains faithful to the original.

Spider-Man - already the fifth highest grossing film ever - is the perfect blend of humour, romance and excitement. The film has plenty of action and special effects. But more than that the Spider-Man film, like the hero, has got real heart. For this reason, audiences have unusually been equally split between male and female. Super-hero films tend to attract a male dominated audience. Spidey cuts across the gender barrier.

Ultimately, Sam Raimi has to be commended for making a film that has not only the wider public rushing to the cinemas but has also managed to satisfy that most difficult to please group - the comic book aficionado. I for one - a Spider fan for over 20 years now saw it twice in its first two days of release and will be back for more before the summer is over. The only bad news is that Raimi says he will only do one sequel, stating that it was just too tiring to take on any more. Maguire is contracted for at least three more Spider films. But we have Spider-Man 2 (2004) with the same team on board. The rumour mill is already turning with possibilities of villains for the sequel. I would personally love to see the Lizard make his debut. It would make for a visually stunning movie. But my bets are on Doctor Octopus. Sam Neill is rumoured as a possibility. In the meantime enjoy the Amazing Spider-man. Exhilarating stuff.