Arachnophobia
I know I am a little behind the times, but I just saw Spiderman the movie (part one) yesterday ( I saw it at work, lucky me for having an easy call!!!).
Although I am not into sci- fi movies that much, I really enjoyed this one because of the human aspects of the story-line. It involves the tale of a young individual's struggle to be accepted in a society where he is considered an outcast. He then becomes what might be considered "cool". He is strong, develops into quite the hunk, gets some courage, uses his powers to help people and he can climb walls quickly( all very desirable qualities in a man), yet society continues to treat him as an outcast. He is slandered by the press and his character is even treated as a classic shakespearean "tragic hero" ( think back to high school English) He has power, but with that comes responsibility, and in his case, tragic loss ( of his uncle, of his girl etc..), when he let himself be carried away with his own heroism.
The one thing in the movie that really troubled me is the ending. Finally, the girl he lusted after for years loves him back (and not his superhero self, but his quirky nerdy, glasses wearing self) yet he can't commit to a relationship with her!!!
He could only mount the courage to kiss her when he is a "superman" and would swoop in to rescue the damsel in this dress (I mean distress, sorry). Despite that he sees that she loves him for him and not his costumed alter ego, he can not bring himself to give her more than friendship- "that is all I have to give" he says in the last crushing scene. Why can't a superhero be in love, is there an unwritten rule against being happy. Finally society (or the individual) has accepted his true self, yet he can not find happiness in the ordinary life.
Maybe this is a problem in the dating world. We are all too busy walking around in our "superhero outfits" to be oursleves and to be liked for who we really are. we must not let what makes us each special, keep us seperate. Yes, reader, you ARE a superhero, but I like you better out of costume.
off off and away
SG
( super- girl???)
posted by 29 and mighy fine at 9:15 PM
2 Comments:
Hi SG,
Enjoyed your posting.
I also enjoyed the movie, though I'm sometimes afraid that my taste in movies is overly influenced by my childhood/teenage comic-book reading.
I think you misinterpreted the breakup. He lied. When he said "that is all I have to give," it was so she wouldn't pursue him further (which he knew he wouldn't be able to resist). He's perfectly ready to commit, and would like nothing more than to do so, but he isn't willing to risk her life ("with great power comes great responsibility") by making her a target for all of his enemies (Common superhero theme, inferred from a misspent youth: villain kidnaps/murders superhero's SO in order to hurt the hero).
His sin is in not allowing her to make her own choices - it's paternalistic, although his intent is good, not the usual NYC singles inability to commit.
"Why can't a superhero be in love, is there an unwritten rule against being happy[?]" It's part of the tragedy of it. It is almost a written rule for superheroes. :(
It is a tragic and crushing scene, but that's what makes the sequel (and the authenticity of the film) possible.
Shabbat Shalom Supergirl!
-DJR
P.S. a quote from an SF book you may not have read that resonates with me in describing his dilemma:
"Some prices are just too high, no matter how much you may want the prize. The one thing you can't trade for your heart's desire is your heart."
DJR,
Thank you for commenting. It is very interesting to hear the perspective of someone who has a better knowledge base in comic books (never read them as a kid). It is interesting to see the recurrent themes play out in different stories. Also there is some sentiment among feminists that comics downplay the strength of women, your spin on their relationship might go hand in hand with that. He is in essence "controlling" her by being paternalistic.
who knew comics were so deep!
I "marvel" at that!
SG
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