An Open Letter to Sam Raimi

Rating: 10/10 (24 July 2004)

Dear Mr. Raimi,
You may not remember this, but a few years back I wrote you another open letter here, FURIOUS at the terrible piece of filmmaking, of writing, of sheer BEING that was the original "Spider-Man." It relied too heavily on CGI, it insulted my intelligence, it had gaping holes in its own logic... and then there was that Macy Gray cameo. Yech.
Mr. Raimi, props to you sir, PROPS. I didn't think you even read that thing. But you listened, and you responded. You jettisoned screenwriter David Koepp, whose screenplays were always sensational, but typically dumb as rocks. You hired Oscar-winner Alvin Sargent to write your screenplay, and hired your old cinematographer Tim Pope, from your Army of Darkness days, to shoot your movie.
The special effects were subtle and you focussed on the story. Character took precedence over choking your audience on CGI. The story had five recognizable acts, and each character was given their chance to shine.
Yes, you brought everyone back, and found something for them to do. Timid Tobey Maguire, Emotionally Conflicted Kirsten Dunst... you even had the courage to bring back James Franco, even though it's now apparent his career is going nowhere. A bold step, but you make it work for you. I'm talking about the ending. You know what I mean.
You could've gone with a big star for Doc Ock, but instead you picked a great ACTOR, one who was right for the part-- the superb Alfred Molina. And then you let him ACT, rather than hiding him with effects the entire movie-- much like Willem Dafoe in the first film.
I had low expectations for this film, but you blew me through the back wall of the theater. You CAN direct a summer blockbuster, you CAN strike an excellent balance between action and drama. You know when to restrain yourself (excellent use of silence), and you know when to just let it fly (the scene on the train almost made me cry). This is what happens when a director and writer are MORE talented than their actors. It doesn't happen a lot, but this film made me proud to be your fan. Even the opening credits were supremely clever, showing us the highlights of the first film so we didn't have to sit through that garbage ever again.
Topping yourself for a "Spider-Man 3" is not going to be easy. Some filmmakers might even be tempted to take a step backward. Some might say it's never even been pulled off, ever-- witness Superman III, Batman Returns, Alien3 or The Godfather Pt. III. All were sad disappointments compared to what came before... but after seeing "Spider-Man 2," I believe. I believe, Mr. Raimi, and I know you can follow your own creative talents and create an even better, more impressive third film, given the time and people with whom to collaborate.
Just don't write it. Know where your talent lies... and where people like Alvin Sargent and Bill Pope (and Michael Chabon) can help make you the best filmmaker you can possibly be.
Warmest Personal Regards,
10/10