Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story review – Life-affirming portrait of a real-life hero

4.0 out of 5 star rating

Today, blockbuster superhero movies are abundant, but it wasn’t until Christopher Reeve portrayed the legendary Superman from comic books in 1978, making audiences believe a person could actually fly, that these films started being recognized as more than just entertainment – both by critics and at the box office.

As a supporter, I’d rephrase that as follows: In the director’s chair for movies like “The Omen” and “Lethal Weapon”, Richard Donner had an impressive lineup with Marlon Brando and Gene Hackman leading the cast, John Williams providing the grand score, and cutting-edge special effects. However, if it weren’t for a captivating and skilled actor in the lead role, the project might have ended up as a catastrophe instead of the success we know today.

Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui’s outstanding, deeply emotional documentary showcases the journey of a charming New Yorker from relative obscurity to worldwide fame. This individual was performing alongside William Hurt when he learned he had been chosen for a role that other notable actors like Robert Redford were also considered for. Hurt suggested he should decline the offer and continue with serious acting roles instead.

Reeve emerges as an articulate and personable individual, passionate about theatre and keen on outdoor activities like sailing, flying and horse riding. Tragically, though, it was a fall while riding in 1995 that changed everything. As Reeve admits, an inch or so either way and he would have been either dead or just nursing bruises. As it was, he was left paralysed from the neck down and needing a ventilator to breathe. The fact he was allergic to horses is just one of the tragic ironies emerging from his story.

Instead of following a straightforward timeline of Reeve’s life, the directors alternately explore several key periods: his rise to fame as Superman, his subsequent career, the impact of the accident, his resilience in refusing to be defined by disability, and his commitment to advocating for improved spinal injury treatments, including stem cell research.

Using personal videos, archival footage, and interviews with people close to him like Glenn Close, Susan Sarandon, and Whoopi Goldberg, you can’t help but appreciate the remarkable man he was, as well as the strength he needed to endure such a devastating, life-changing incident. The stark difference between the invincible character he convincingly played on screen and his real-life vulnerability is incredibly moving.

Remarkably, Reeve’s emotional and unexpected appearance at the 1996 Oscars, a mere ten months after his accident, not only left Hollywood’s elite in tears but also brought attention to the struggles faced by over half a million Americans with paralysis more effectively than any previous attempt.

Such an inspirational moment, you may find yourself shedding a few of your own.

There are also some amusing stories related to the Superman movie production. For instance, Pierre Spengler disclosed that Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Jenner (who was an Olympic decathlon champion at that time), and even Neil Diamond expressed interest in playing the superhero role. On the other hand, Christopher Reeve shared his disappointment with Marlon Brando’s half-hearted performance as Superman’s father on the David Letterman show. This led Dave to jokingly suggest that Brando was about to appear next on the show.

Additionally, Reeve shared an unwavering bond with Robin Williams. It was Robin who managed to make Reeve laugh for the first time after his illness, by showing up at the hospital in disguise as a Russian proctologist.

Since they were as tight as brothers during their college years, it’s not hard to imagine that when Glenn Close expresses her conviction that the late comedian (who passed away in 2014) would still be alive today, if not for Reeve’s demise, you can’t help but agree with her.

Primarily, it is his family who offer the most profound understanding. This includes Reeve’s adult children Matthew, Alexandra, and Will; his former partner Gae Exton; and his wife Dana, who dedicated herself to his care until her passing only a year and a half after him in 2006.

Without doubt, the story of Christopher Reeve contains a great deal of sadness, yet it’s a tale that thrives on the compassion and encouragement from his family, creating a deeply moving and genuinely inspiring depiction of a genuine hero in life.

Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story is in UK cinemas from 1st November.

2024-10-29 15:48

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