Uncle Ben – Spider-Man

So Uncle Ben’s death is never a surprise, in any rendition, to anyone, because his death makes Spider-Man who he is. We all learn, usually at a pretty young age, that Uncle Ben’s death changes Peter Parker and inspires him to embrace the special spidey senses bestowed unto to him.

That said, it doesn’t make Uncle Ben’s passing any less difficult each time we witness it. Sam Raimi’s take on the death is moving and uncomfortable. Uncle Ben is played by the amazing Cliff Robertson, and when Peter, played by Tobey Maguire, approaches him on the street, it looks as though he’s already dead.

But after a couple “Uncle Ben?” questions by Peter, he opens his eyes. The pain in his face says it all but he does manage to speak, just a little and all he can do is say Peter’s name twice before passing. It is not a painless death and the fear and sadness in his eyes will haunt many of us for the rest of our days and a teary-eyed Peter Parker just adds icing to a cake made of tears.