Why Did The Green Goblin Mask Look So Bad?

Green Goblin, from Sam Rami's 2002 Spider-Man is by far one of the best comic book villains brought to the silver screen. Willem Dafoe's performance as Green Goblin is incredible, but one thing is holding this Spider-Man villain back from perfection, his mask. Why does the movie version of Green Goblin have this horrible mask, and why wasn't this Spider-Man villain more comic book accurate?

#spiderman #greengoblin #nerdstalgic

Sources:
spider-man-costume-designer-thought-was-ridiculous
ext%2C%20some%20people%20found,expressively%20%E2%80%94%20which%20some%20
people%20preferred.

[buoy-]

I never thought the Green Goblin mask looked bad at all tbh. It doesn't move like in the comics or animated shows, but i think it still looks really intimidating and threatening

[KalterBlut]

Never saw anyone complain about the mask, it looks amazing, but I understand where you're coming from that the more flexible mask could have looked pretty awesome too. It still doesn't make the one we got look bad, it is still pretty freaking awesome.

[skmd]

I was today years old when I found out that there are people who think the green goblin's mask was bad

[TellItAnimated]

The mask never bothered me, but I was 11 when I saw the first film so who knows how much nostalgia has shielded my eyes haha

[nartaga]

I'm sorry, what? I thought the mask was cool, but I guess it is an opinion thing. And always thought the suit (like the glider) was altered military prototypes to fit his aesthetic. Which would be why it's rigid and body armor-like.

[oliversvoice]

With all due respect, the mask *is* explained via the scenery in Norman’s room; it’s given a mini montage, prior to the infamous mirror scene, where we see a series of ‘war-like’ masks… that’s where the design, in the story, comes from and, honestly, I love it!!

Yes, it’s not the ‘ideal’ design but it was a big step up for the time and the highlights of purple (via the lighting) creates that Goblin image, while keeping it grounded within the Rami universe; I think to call the mask outright ‘terrible’ is disregarding the world building Rami and co spotlight within the film itself but each to their own.

[Frijoleto]

I actually liked the mask, it gives that goofy sense that we see in the villains look in their original comic counterparts, yet terrifying and a almost realistic approach to a certain extent, It has some of that magic in my opinion.

[Ponken]

I thought the mask looked disturbingly wicked. It almost mimics Willem Dafoe's real distorted smile.

[avazquez]

I loved the mask.

Looks so uncanny and it's stiffness makes it look more realistic/makeshift which reminds you that this is a monster of a human committing these acts.

Super iconic. Worked better in this movie than it could have in any other.

[sanitize]

I honestly don't think it's as bad. Never questioned it until you made this video lol

[NoahEurich]

I’ve legit never heard anyone talk negatively about it. Almost to the point where I think you guys made this up just for clickbait.

[jesuschrystler]

In No Way Home, Norman's purple hoodie getting torn up into his comic accurate look was genius. And they even gave him the goggles once they finally realized Defoe is scary enough without the mask.

[eotwn]

The green goblin mask looks cheap and makeshift from the ideals of a mad man, but thats its charm. Something someone who lost all sanity put together even as uncomfortable as it looks it produces fear in those whom wronged the goblin and it does that perfectly

[benj]

I think green goblin had the perfect look in NWH along with Dafoe's performance!

[dougbowns]

I think a lot of kids growing up when this movie came out love the mask while people that were adults at the time hated it because they knew what his mask from the comics was supposed to look like and we’re used to it for years.

[darthhaggar]

The mask is amazing, perfectly balanced with horror and yet the uncanny look of a goblin

[RickleVR]

I love the mask, it has a certain uncanny look to it that gives it a lot of charm

[doing_aok]

i see what your saying. but i think the mask modernized the look in a solid way. plus how unmoving it was helped add to the creepiness, gave dafoe a lot to play off of, and focused on his body language. the rubber mask, while accurate, feels a little cheesy imo

[captainpacifist]

That mask is phenomenal, what do you mean?

[_dranillok]

Green Goblin’s mask is dope and iconic 🎃🟢