Why I Don't Love Tom Hardy's Eddie Brock: An In-Depth Analysis

I've talked about the Venom movies before, but I've never really delved into the 'main man' himself, Tom Hardy. While I'm not a huge fan of the Venom movies, there's more to it than meets the eye. The crux of my distaste lies in the writing of the main character, Eddie Brock.

Tom Hardy: A Great Actor?

Tom Hardy is undoubtedly a great actor who brings his all to the role. However, the biggest problem with the character of Eddie Brock in the Venom movies is how he's written. It's not that Tom Hardy did a bad job, like Jared Leto did with Morbius. But the character's journey and portrayal fall short for me, especially when compared to the original comic book version.

Spider-Man vs. Venom

Now, let's not get me wrong. I'm more of a Spider-Man fan, and Eddie Brock is the protagonist of Venom. But I do relate to Venom's character in some ways. When I was a teenager, I felt a lot of hatred, anger, and resentment towards the world. I made a lot of mistakes, just like Eddie Brock. But I didn't give up. I always tried to make things right, even when it was the hardest thing to do. That's why I can connect with Eddie Brock's struggle.

Tom Hardy's Eddie Brock: Not Sympathetic Enough

One of the main issues with Tom Hardy's portrayal of Eddie Brock is that the character isn't sympathetic enough. He's played for laughs and is too comedic, which doesn't align with the comic book version. In the comics, it's Eddie Brock who is funny, not the symbiote. The symbiote is just a powerful entity that reacts to Eddie's moods and emotions. In the movies, the symbiote is often the comedian, which detracts from the character's depth.

The Comic Book Spoiler

Tom Hardy's Eddie Brock indeed stands out in the Venom movies. Compared to earlier portrayals like Topher Grace, Hardy has certainly raised the bar, even if it's a very low one. However, the symbiote isn't the focus; it's Eddie Brock. The symbiote in the comics isn't meant to be funny; it's Eddie Brock who is. In the dialogue, like the example from Venom: Lethal Protector, Eddie Brock's humor comes from his rough behavior and gruff personality, not from quipping jokes.

The Writing's Fault

While I understand that Sony wanted to make the Venom movies more comedic and fun, it's the writing that falls flat for me. Tom Hardy and the filmmakers clearly tried to incorporate more humor into the character, but it often feels forced. For example, when Eddie Brock talks to Spider-Man, it can be quite funny, but it doesn't feel like a natural extension of his personality. Instead, it feels like an attempt to bring the character in line with the humor of the MCU.

The Regret of Redemption

Tom Hardy's Eddie Brock does reflect a regretful nature, trying to redeem himself but constantly struggling with the unjust treatment he faces. This is an aspect of the character that resonates with me. However, the issue is that this regretfulness is overshadowed by the comedy. If the character could be more sympathetic and realistic, I might be able to connect with him more.

For me, the symbiote, while cool, is not what makes the character of Eddie Brock interesting. It's the human side of the character, his struggles, and his journey to redemption that are truly fascinating. That's why when you search for Venom, it's the characters with human personalities that emerge, not just the symbiote.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I believe the writing and the execution of Tom Hardy's Eddie Brock are the main reasons why I don't adore the Venom movies. I understand that Sony wanted to make Eddie Brock more likeable, but the result feels far-fetched and less relatable. It's a shame because the comics and the potential of the character are far more compelling than the screen adaptation. I hope future portrayals can honor both the human and the symbiotic aspects of Eddie Brock.