The Best Spider-Man: Andrew Garfield’s Portrayal Revisited
Andrew Garfield's portrayal of Spider-Man in the 'Amazing Spider-Man' series has been a subject of much discussion and debate among fans. Some hail him as the ultimate Spider-Man, while others see his reign as limited in scope. In this article, we will delve deeper into why he might be considered the best, and also explore the criticisms he faces.
Charisma and Humor
One of the key elements that set Andrew Garfield apart as Spider-Man is his charisma and humor. Garfield brought a unique charm and wit to the character, which captured the playful side of Peter Parker magnificently. His wisecracking jokes and witty comebacks stand out, often invoking the confidence and personality of the Ultimate Peter Parker/Earth 1610.
Emotional Depth and Character Development
Garfield's portrayal also delved deep into emotional depth and character development. The arc of Peter Parker through the two films was compelling, particularly in how he dealt with loss and responsibility. The relationship between his character and Aunt May and his friends provided a strong emotional foundation.
Physicality and Performance
The physicality in Andrew Garfield's performance was another highlight. His athleticism and movement were evident in the dynamic web-slinging scenes, making them feel more authentic. His web swinging was portrayed as agile and parkour-inspired, which stood out in contrast to Tobey Maguire's more majestic style. Garfield's agility was evident even in his fight scenes, like his battle against Electro, where his spider sense and agility were showcased to the maximum.
Stylistic Choices and Suit
Andrew Garfield's on-screen appearance and the choice of costume were also noteworthy. However, the first suit he wore was not as visually appealing as his later ones. The yellow lenses and muted colors of the first suit did not resonate well with fans. Later, his second suit was widely praised for its aesthetics and design. The lenses were wider and less "devil horn" like, the colors were vibrant, and the fabric was perfect for web-slinging animations.
Writing and Storytelling
While Garfield's performance was commendable, there were several plot holes and weaknesses in the writing and storytelling. For instance, Uncle Ben's murderer was never caught, and the story of Peter's parents creating the spider that bit him was not well developed. The focus on Peter carrying out revenge rather than justice made the plot seem misplaced. Additionally, the scenes between Peter and Gwen Terrence were stretched too far, affecting the pacing of the films.
Redemption and Influence
However, everything changed with No Way Home. In this middle-ground film, Andrew Garfield truly shined. The character of Peter Parker in No Way Home was given the opportunity to grow, and Garfield's performance was outstanding. His confident yet vulnerable portrayal of Web, along with his chemistry with the other Spider-Men, was a highlight. Garfield's lines in the film landed the most, and his mannerisms and confidence were a delight to watch. This performance helped redeem his portrayal in the eyes of many.
The ultimate question is whether Andrew Garfield should have been in high school. His physical appearance and charm might have been too mature for a 15-year-old High School Peter Parker. This aspect did not align with the original story's depiction of Peter's personality. However, his role as a college Peter Parker in Inzomniac video game was closer to his portrayal in the films.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Andrew Garfield's portrayal of Spider-Man had its flaws, his performance in the 'Amazing Spider-Man' series was undoubtedly memorable. The writing and character development could have been better, but overall, his portrayal deserves a 7.5 out of 10. He has clearly shown that he can be the best Spider-Man actor of all time, if given a proper storyline and material to work with.