For a moment, everything seemed suspended in mid-air, neither able to be let out nor swallowed. Robert Ebert found himself frozen, tasting the faint bitterness of the screen's emotional turbulence as if he was truly beside Peter Parker, experiencing the rollercoaster of his trials. He understood that Peter's third pivotal growth moment had arrived—his friend's father, the respected elder who had treated him like a child, turned out to be the Green Goblin. The sheer cruelty and repeated attempts on Peter's life were as devastating as Uncle Ben's death, forced upon him in a way that was brutally real and harsh.
Even though Peter believed he was growing through his challenges, the tragic reality of the Green Goblin's identity shattered him, rendering him helpless and speechless. This is what life, what growth, really is—a painful, heart-wrenching process that pushes a naïve soul into a brutal reality, making one question whether superpowers are truly a blessing.
On the screen, the bloodied and shocked Peter stood still. Though he didn't personally kill Norman Osborn—the Green Goblin, who met his end by his own actions—the fact that Norman died because of Peter and that Norman mentioned Harry's name deeply affected him. His eyes, normally so clear and blue, were now devoid of emotion, exhibiting a profound emptiness. It was as if the world around him was crumbling in slow motion, with fragments and dust scattering in every direction.
Gloria bit her lip, eyes wide, caught in the intense emotion of the scene. The lack of tears didn't mean a lack of sorrow; instead, a more overwhelming emotion had taken control, leaving Peter unable to react. Peter closed his eyes, metaphorically shutting the window to his soul.
Turning away, Peter transported Norman's body back to his home, covering him with a blanket just as Harry arrived.
"What have you done?" Harry was stunned, seeing the bloodied Spider-Man standing by his father's lifeless body. In a surge of anger, he shouted, "What have you done?"
Peter didn't respond. Reflexively, Harry reached for a gun but lost sight of Spider-Man as he did. Only the moonlight cast on the fluttering curtains remained.
Peter also attended Norman's funeral, expressing his respects before seeking out Harry. Harry, dressed in black, stood in a daze, his focus scattered. It wasn't until Peter called him that he seemed to return to reality.
"I'm sorry, Harry," Peter's voice was heavy, struggling with his own emotions, unable to meet Harry's eyes but trying to offer comfort. "I know how it feels to lose a father."
Harry glanced at Peter, took a deep breath, and said, "I didn't lose him; he was taken from me." His words carried a deep sense of betrayal and anger. "One day, Spider-Man will pay for what he's done. I swear I'll make him pay."
Harry's tearful eyes and clenched features spoke of deep sorrow and anger, leaving a mark of hatred on his face.
The scene shifted, highlighting Peter's internal struggle. While James Franco's portrayal of Harry was compelling, capturing the dark and vengeful emotions well, the emotional depth and complexity of Andrew Garfield's Peter were striking. Garfield's performance reflected Peter's shock and struggle with the revelation of Norman being the Green Goblin, and his subsequent difficulty in confronting Harry.
Peter's attempt to shield Norman's identity by removing his armor showed his ongoing attempt to reconcile the person he knew with the villain he had fought. Even now, Peter was grappling with the truth and how to face Harry. The moment of hesitation in Peter's eyes hinted at his internal conflict—wanting to avoid conflict with Harry but unsure how to reveal the painful truth.
The contrast between Garfield's layered performance and Franco's more straightforward approach highlighted the depth of Peter's anguish and the complexity of his growth. Robert appreciated Franco's role but was particularly impressed by Garfield's portrayal.
As Harry looked at Peter with tears in his eyes, he said, "I'm grateful for you, Peter. You're my only family."
Peter managed a forced smile, devoid of true joy. His eyes and expression were full of sorrow and pain, reflecting a deep emotional struggle. As he embraced Harry, his gaze remained distant, troubled by the burden of his thoughts and feelings.
When the embrace ended, Harry walked away, his coat billowing in the autumn wind, leaving Peter alone at the gravesite of Uncle Ben. Peter turned to face the tombstone, seeking answers from the man who had once guided him.
Every person he cared about seemed to be suffering, and his powers were becoming a curse. What was he to do?
Mary Jane approached and embraced Peter. "You must miss him so much," she said gently.
Peter replied, "It's hard without him."
Mary Jane released him and took a deep breath, her own anxiety apparent. "There's something I've been wanting to tell you. When I was on the bridge, thinking I was going to die, the only person I truly thought about wasn't who I thought I missed. It was you, Peter."