^
pardon me, you're not oversimplifying the character. you're oversimplifying Tobey and Raimi's characterization of a character with supposed depth that you've failed to explain.
The onus isn't on me to explain the accuracy of Tobey's portrayal of the Peter Parker character but rather, on you to explain how you think Maguire's portrayal deviates from your preconceived notion of who Spider-Man is and how he behaves. But I guess I'll do it anyways....
Tobey's portrayal of Spider-Man uses the Stan Lee/Steve Ditko character as a basis that is built upon in the first film. The first panel of Amazing Fantasy #15 reveals Lee's use of the societal trope of the "nerd" as an important defining characteristic of the character. Flash Thompson claims that, "That bookworm wouldn't know a cha-cha from a waltz!" (Lee, p.1). His inability to impress his peers and connect to the sexual youth subculture only further pushes him into his introverted habits. Case in point, his Aunt and Uncle surprise him in the first issue with a gift. May Parker exclaims, "Peter, you know that Microscope you've always wanted? Your Uncle and I bought it for you this afternoon" (Lee, p.8). A social pariah, Peter thinks to himself, "They're the only ones who've ever been kind to me! I'll see to it that they're always happy, but the rest of the world can go hang for all I care!" (Lee, p.8). Other than a social awkwardness, a introverted devotion to his geriatric caretakers and his studies, and the cockiness of someone weak gaining power overnight, there is little that we, the reader, can gleam from Parker's personality. It is apparent that Amazing Fantasy #15 (initially imagined as a one-shot) was merely meant to tell a tragic fairytale that warns the reader against personal selfishness.
However, as the series is picked up, Lee is forced to divulge more information about the character. His rivalry with Flash Thompson is fleshed out further and in ASM #8 their "boxing match" is reminiscent of Parker's fight with Thompson near the Lockers in the first film. Using his powers to avoid Flash's blows, he ultimately uses his powers to make short work of the bully. Flashes (no pun intended) of cockiness and resentment seep out of both version of Parker as he exclaims, "Here it comes, Flash! Now smile -- I want to remember you as you look right now!" (Lee, p.8). His "me-against-the-world" is apparent in both incarnations of the character. However, the accelerated nature of the films force the character to progress faster than his comic counterpart. In this way, Tobey's interpretation of the character is more along the lines of Conway and Romita's 70's Spider-Man. Although true to his intraverted nature in his dealings with Mary Jane Watson (following a different social trope that isn't in the comics, the "girl next door"), he is able to befriend the popular, wealthy, and handsome Harry Osborn. Blah blah blah
I'm ****ing tired. The movie Spider-Man is full of corny one-liners straight out of Stan Lee pages. Parker's awkward, bumbly, and kinda corny (he drives a Vespa and likes MJ's musicals). The corniness part actually makes sense although different writers tend to flipflop on that aspect of his personality. Post-Reboot (DAMN YOU MACKIE!), Peter loved listening to old acapella tapes of his Uncle Ben (which he seemed to genuinely love beyond the mere sentimental attachment). Up until his joining of the New Avengers, most of the other heroes believed Spider-Man to be weird, not funny, and some even thought he was gay. Reminds me a bit of the quirky, dancing Peter we see in all three movies. He hasn't developed into the motorcycle riding, Gwen Stacy dating, socially savvy Peter Parker we see in the late 70's (it's an edge he seems to lose after marrying MJ in the late 80's, DAMN YOU QUESADA, DON'T KILL MJ!). It's why they introduced Ben Reilly in the first place, to bring back the light-hearted and edgy Peter Parker introduced by Lee and Romita. The Peter Parker of the 90's (and perhaps the present day) is constantly burdened by personal problems that only seem to grow larger as certain EIC's demand it. This Peter is best characterized in the 90's animated series (every other line seemed to be Peter yelling, Maaaaarrrrryyyyy Jaaaaaaanne!!!!). His classic cast of supporting characters are becoming less and less necessary to his daily adventures and the importance is shifting toward the enemy's appearance (see Carnage, Venom). These are all common complaints that can be found on this board. There's a reason that Raimi was against the inclusion of Venom in the third movie. He wanted to build on the personal relationships (such as his saga with Harry). I'm ****ing tired.
So honestly, Tobey Maguire reminds me of the Lee/Ditko Spidey mixed with the "Maaaaaarrrrryyy Jaaaaaaaane!" - ness of the 90's Animated Series.
You can now explain to me why you think Tobey is just pretending to be a "dorky white guy with brown hair".
