Part 8/14:
The phrase “With great power comes great responsibility” is the philosophical backbone of Spider-Man’s character, serving as a moral anchor. Both Tobey Maguire’s and Andrew Garfield’s Peter Parker are driven by this mantra, which informs their decisions and reactions to tragedy.
Maguire’s Peter is haunted by Uncle Ben’s death, guiding his moral decisions across three films. His internal struggles are often depicted through scenes of exhaustion and reflection aboard his humble apartment, showcasing an everyman resilience.
Garfield’s Peter, similarly, is shaped by Gwen’s death, which leaves him scarred, cautious, and deeply conflicted. His emotional performances, framed through close-ups and raw visuals, emphasize a hero burdened by loss but driven by a desire for redemption.