Why Spider-Man Is More Relatable Than Ever, In Modern Society

Why Spider-Man Is More Relatable Than Ever, In Modern Society

My thoughts on why Spider-Man is relatable in today's society...

Editorial Opinion
By Ashes2Phoenix - Mar 27, 2012 07:03 AM EST
Filed Under: Spider-Man

Over the past decade, CBM'S have become a very dominant force, within, the film industry. Year after year, we are treated with a new adaption based on these pop culture icons. This year, we will be offered a wide selection, ranging from TDKR, TA and TASM.
In this article, I am going to go over why Spider-Man is more relatable than ever, in modern society.



Why is Spider-Man, more relatable than ever, to modern society?

The reason why I feel Spider-Man is more relatable than ever, is the concept of anonymity. When Peter Parker puts on the mask, he feels liberated by it. In my view, I have always thought he is a character that displays the signs of a dual personality. Peter Parker is known to lack confidence and comes off as quite a nervous individual. He is regarded, as a social outcast. On the other hand, when he is behind the Spider-Man mask, his confidence increases and a more sarcastic, snarky attitude emerges. This in my opinion, is a very compelling trait of the character. It is something that a vast majority of us can understand. In an era, where the internet is becoming the main form of communication, anonymity is growing rapidly.
I feel that most people, when they chat online, will come across more confident and in some cases, more obnoxious. They feel liberated when they communicate through these means because the perceptions of them in real life, no longer apply. They are free to say what they want and don't feel the pressure of having to please everyone because the majority of the people they chat to online, will never meet them in an outside encounter. This is why we can relate to Spider-Man, more than ever. If you look at the character from this side of the coin, it helps you to understand the psychology of him and brings this aspect of his character, into a more modern-era.

How can this aspect of his character, help, The Amazing Spider-Man?

To this day I am still a fan of the first, two, Sam Raimi films. They were an outstanding acheivement for their time and that is something, that, can never be taken away from them. However, being a longtime fan of the wallcrawler, I felt there was a very important aspect missing, that was not portrayed in the Raimi trilogy. If you look at both Peter Parker and Spider-Man in these films, there isn't a contrast in personalities. When he takes on the role as Spider-Man, his attitude remains the same. This I felt took away what makes this character so compelling and came off rather dry, as a result.
Now, from what I have seen in the trailers that have been released, regarding, The Amazing Spider-Man, there appears to be a contrast in personalities. In the preview clip that was shown, Peter came across nervous and hesitant, whilst in the recent trailer, Spider-Man was confident and featured his sarcastic attitude. I strongly believe after watching these short snippets, that Marc Webb is aware of this trait, within the character's personality. If that is the case then I feel we may be given the most definitive version of Spider-Man, to ever feature on the silver screen. This could bring a great dimension to the character and truly make it a very compelling watch.

Now, to ask all of you. What do you find the most compelling aspect, of the character? What draws you in ?
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Tainted87
Tainted87 - 3/27/2012, 8:25 AM
I agree with you, but this aspect isn't exclusive to Spider-man.

Ex: Quentin Beck is a disgraced special effects artist. Mysterio, with his face completely obscured, can be anyone he wants to be.
Ashes2Phoenix
Ashes2Phoenix - 3/27/2012, 8:29 AM
@Tainted87. Great point. I think, what I was trying to imply, during this article, is he uses his anoymity for good. A large amount of people, will abuse anoymity. I shoud have added that in to be honest.
GOTG
GOTG - 3/27/2012, 9:58 AM
AVENGERS FTW and nolanites just need to accept marvel make better movies
headlopper
headlopper - 3/27/2012, 1:00 PM
Yeah, that pretty much goes with any hero in incognito.
Although your point is taken as to the relevance of anonymity in society today regarding the 'web'.

Raimi's SM 1 & 2 are CBM gems , so in 100% agreement there!
BTW, watch your spelling.;)
Ashes2Phoenix
Ashes2Phoenix - 3/27/2012, 1:07 PM
@headlopper. I have just realised, I have spelt anonymity wrong ! Brilliant !
GoodGuy
GoodGuy - 3/27/2012, 1:09 PM
I agree with your points and I like how you compare the escape and new found confidence one gets from using the internet to Spider-Man's anonymity. Really interesting.

Much like how the different writers in Spider-Man comics focus on different aspects of the character, I think the intention of the Sam Raimi was to focus on what goes on behind the mask and how it affects him as a hero. This is why I do not hold the lack of humour against Sam Raimi.

Having said that, I do think that adding humour to Spider-Man would not only add a sense of duality to the character, but also that level of humour that every movie needs.

headlopper
headlopper - 3/27/2012, 1:46 PM
@Ashes2Phoenix -You bet! Keep writing!
EdgyOutsider
EdgyOutsider - 3/28/2012, 2:04 AM
If it weren't for Bryan Singer's first X-Men film and for the original Spider-Man film, I would never have fell in love with Marvel and their characters and mostly Spider-Man. He's amongst the greats, his first to films were great but the third didn't bring that close to a great trilogy I was looking for because the third wasn't a good third film but was in ways, decent.

I look forward to The Amazing Spider-Man because it's a younger, fresher Peter as well as great writers behind it and the fact that from the looks of the trailers, In my eyes Spider-Man 2 may have competition for best Spidey film.
golden123
golden123 - 3/28/2012, 2:26 PM
Good article. I thought you were going to bombard me with some Occupy bull. I'm relieved to see that the 99% percent idiocy is out of this article, and I'm glad to find an editorial about a different aspect of relatability.

On another note, I'm unable to see the difference in Peter and Spider-Man's personality in the bits of footage we have recieved. It doesn't seem like there is much of a difference. This is well thought out, never the less.
golden123
golden123 - 3/28/2012, 2:37 PM
@JokerFanHAhaHA: DC is owned by Time Warner. They don't really have a choice who makes their movies.
manymade1
manymade1 - 3/29/2012, 4:01 PM
I always loved how no matter what problem I faced their was always an issue of Spider-Man that I was able to relate to.
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