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How Andrew Garfield's Spider-Man Promotes Healthy Masculinity

 Garfield's Peter was the most in touch with his emotions and never tried to hide them.





Of the three Spider Men put to screen in live action  Andrew Garfields adaptation seems to receive the least amount of praise from the wider Marvel fanbase. As neither Sam Raimis original nor the iteration incorporated directly into the wider Marvel Cinematic Universe Marc Webbs The Amazing Spider Man and The Amazing Spider Man 2 and consequently Andrew Garfields Peter Parker are sometimes unfairly considered the awkward middle child of the three not receiving as much acclaim. Though The Amazing Spider Man excels in its actors performances and emotionally gripping writing one of its true strengths lies in its thematic cohesion. The film tackles one very impactful message For Andrew Garfields Peter becoming a great hero means being a good man.


The Amazing Spider Mans Uncle Ben  Martin Sheen is the most well rounded iteration of the character put to the screen so far. He is openly and unabashedly loving and playful towards Aunt May  Sally Field in his introductory scene modeling a positive relationship dynamic for Peter borne out of respect and affection. When Peter shows a deeper knowledge of the machinery flooding their house Uncle Ben is not combative or competitive about his nephews superior intellect even remarking later that Peter has outgrown Bens education level at the age of 10. Ben Parker is also consistently emotionally available and vulnerable around Peter recognizing his complicated feelings about Peters parents disappearance and helping him through those emotions rather than pushing them away.


In the Spider Man mythos its impossible to disregard what is arguably Uncle Bens most impactful contribution reinforcing the idea that  with great power comes great responsibility. Bens first remarks on misusing power come when Peter after receiving his powers  uses them to retaliate against his bully Flash  Chris Zylka at school. Ben shows up to take Peter home from the guidance counselor chastising him for abusing his abilities for cheap revenge. When Peter later shirks his responsibility to take Aunt May home Uncle Ben sternly explains to him that  if you could do good things for other people you had a moral obligation to do those things   Not choice responsibility. This affirmation summarizes this Peters nuanced character arc developing naturally from the action of the film rather than feeling shoehorned in. From Uncle Ben Peter learns to grow beyond his selfish urges and use his power to help others not just himself.


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