LogFAQs > #925467574

I don't really consider the Raimi Spider-Man trilogy or Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy "superhero" movies. I'd consider them more of a drama. Maybe they used to be, but Iron Man definitely redefined what a superhero movie is (the humor tends to be more explicit nowadays; I think it became more explicit because it needed to be dumbed down for the masses, but that's another topic).

In storytelling, it's very important that characters have proper backstories, motives, and goals. When I was going into this movie, I couldn't recall what the plot was about (other than the obvious points of what happens), but Green Goblin does have motives and goals.

When Oscorp was facing the possibility of losing funding, Norman wanted to show the board that there was progress in their performance enhancers and that they were ready for human testing (all 8 trials were positive in showing enhancement, but one had drastic side effects). One doctor was against human trials and recommended "going back to formula" and the board members agreed. Then of course, Norman does what he does. The performance enhancers seem to tap into Norman's inner desires and manifests them for him.

Later on, when the board told Osborn they were expecting his resignation from the company, he attacks them at the parade (though he wiped them pretty fast and could've left a long time ago, but continued to fight Spider-Man).

When he talks to himself later, revealing to himself that he is the Green Goblin, he also reveals to the audience his next plan: try to get Spider-Man to join him. His main argument is that they could accomplish a lot together or they could continue battling back and forth and let innocents die in the crossfire. I have to admit that this is a weird motive. He could have easily killed Spider-Man there and be done with it. I don't know how Spider-Man could further his goals for power. But yeah, there are driving factors for what he chooses to do.

As for Batman Begins (one of my favorites! If not, my most favorite!), Ra's Al Ghul and Bruce are essentially the same broken character, and each took similar but slightly different paths. Ra's tried to show Bruce his path, but of course Bruce was sternly against killing. Their paths crossing was inevitable since they both had different ideas on how to "save" Gotham. Maybe it didn't seem that way to Bruce, because Bruce (and maybe the audience if they don't know what Ra's Al Ghul is all about) probably thought he solved the League's threat to Gotham by destroying the base and letting their "leader," fake Ra's, die. But the League was bigger and more powerful than Bruce expected; they already had a plan in the works for Gotham (as he would later find out). Scarecrow doesn't really have much of a background. I'm okay with that though (his weapon was alluding towards Ra's Al Ghul's return). His motives and goals are pretty simple (money).

I think Spider-Man was always pretty popular. The technology probably wasn't there to make a good movie yet (i.e.: aesthetically pleasing). The story could always be there, but it might've looked awful with earlier technology.

I never watched the Superman movies. I'll get around to them someday, but I don't really like him as a character. It's hard to find the humanity in him that would make him relatable. I did hear about one Superman storyline that did interest me (and will probably never become a movie): when Superman tried to solve world hunger. The story basically concluded that he could pummel bad guys all day, but he was powerless when it came to changing the world. In order to change the world, he needed to inspire hope in people. I need to go read that.
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Crystal Maiden... gal could break your heart in a thousand pieces. -Rucks