Movie Analysis: Spider-Man (2002)

Greetings bloggers! For this post on movie analysis, I chose to watch Sam Raimi's Spider-Man (2002). I chose this movie because it is a childhood classic and I thought it had a lot of interesting shot choices. 

Scene 1: Peter getting his powers

In this scene, Peter Parker is laying on the floor and obtaining his coveted web-slinger powers for the first time. A tilted angle is used for the whole scene as the camera gradually zooms in on his face. Just like Peter, the viewer will feel disoriented, and anticipation is built up throughout the scene as visuals of Peter's DNA changing appear on the screen.

Scene 2: Peter swings for the first time

In this scene, Peter is trying out his new powers for the first time, leaping across various roofs with inhuman strength. There are brief POV shots alternating with high angles, which serve to give the viewer the same sense of adrenaline and excitement that Peter is experiencing. The trucking shots used also display Peter's extreme momentum as he bolts across the rooftops.

Scene 3: OSCORP Introduction

This scene introduces the OSCORP building. An ominous presence is given to the building through the use of an establishing wide shot, as well as the shot taking place at night. These give the viewer a sense of dread as they gaze at the building, as they know nothing good will come from there.

Scene 4: Spider-Man's Impossible Choice

This scene shows Spider-Man about to decide who to save between Mary Jane or a bus full of children. A high angle is used to show Spider-Man looking up at Green Goblin, who is shown with a low angle. The contrast in low and high angles gives the effect of making Spider-Man look helpless, and Green Goblin as the apparent victor.

Scene 5: New Yorkers vs. Green Goblin

This scene shows Green Goblin getting attacked by a crowd of angry New Yorkers. A low angle is used to show the whole scene, dwarfing the might of the Green Goblin established a few scenes ago and giving the spotlight to the New Yorkers in the distance. This, in turn, gives the viewer a sense of unity and victory as they watch the villain being defeated by common people.