★★★★☆

As a film critic who has spent years immersed in the world of cinema, I can confidently say that “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story” is a must-watch for any movie lover. While blockbuster superhero films are commonplace today, it was Reeve’s portrayal of Superman in 1978 that elevated the genre and made us believe that a man could indeed fly.

Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story is in cinemas from Friday. Add it to your watchlist. 

Nowadays, there are countless blockbuster superhero movies, but it wasn’t until Christopher Reeve embodied the comic book legend Superman in 1978 and convinced us that a man could actually fly, that these films started to be regarded with more respect – both by critics and at the box office.

Director Richard Donner, known for “The Omen” and “Lethal Weapon”, might have had an impressive lineup with Marlon Brando and Gene Hackman as leads, a powerful John Williams soundtrack, and advanced special effects. However, if the main character hadn’t been played by a compelling and competent actor, it could have easily ended in failure.

As a captivated movie enthusiast, I find myself compelled to express my admiration for the remarkable documentary by Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui. This film masterfully narrates the inspiring journey of an endearing New Yorker who, while sharing the stage with William Hurt, received the life-altering news that a role initially offered to acting legends like Robert Redford was now his. Hurt’s advice was to decline the opportunity and continue focusing on serious acting.

Reeve is found to be a charismatic and enthusiastic person, with a deep love for theatre and a fondness for outdoor pursuits such as sailing, aviation, and equestrian activities. However, fate took a cruel turn in 1995 when he fell while horse riding, a hobby that ultimately proved disastrous. As Reeve himself acknowledges, had the fall been just slightly different, he would have either perished or merely sustained minor injuries. Instead, he was left completely paralyzed from the neck down and reliant on a ventilator for breathing. One of the many tragic twists in his tale is that he was even allergic to horses.

Rather than following a sequential account of Reeve’s life, the directors frequently transition between his ascension to stardom in Man of Steeldom, his fame, and the aftermath of the accident; his resilience not to be defined by disability, and his advocacy efforts for improved spinal injury treatment, particularly stem-cell research.

Utilizing home videos, archival footage, and interviews from family members like Glenn Close, Susan Sarandon, and Whoopi Goldberg, the film maintains a clear focus on the remarkable man he was, as well as the transformation he underwent to endure such a devastating, life-changing injury. The juxtaposition between the formidable character he played so convincingly on screen and his true-life vulnerability is profoundly moving.

At the 1996 Oscars, just ten months following a tragic accident, Reeve’s stunning and unexpected appearance moved many in Hollywood to tears. This moment, more than any other before it, brought attention to the struggles faced by hundreds of thousands of Americans living with paralysis. It’s an incredibly inspiring event that might even bring a tear to your eye.

There are also amusing stories associated with the Superman movie. Producer Pierre Spengler disclosed that Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Jenner (an Olympic decathlon champion), and even Neil Diamond expressed interest in wearing the cape. Meanwhile, Reeve admitted his disappointment with Marlon Brando’s lackluster performance as Superman’s father on the David Letterman show, leading the host to joke that Brando was about to appear next.

Moreover, Reeve’s lasting bond with Robin Williams is noteworthy, as it was Williams who managed to make Reeve laugh for the first time after his hospitalization, by posing as a Russian medical specialist focusing on the rectum.

For a long time, they were as close as brothers, dating back to their college days. So, 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 unfortunate demise, you can’t help but feel that she might just be telling the truth.

Most significantly, 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 but sadly passed away only about two years after her husband in 2006.

Without a doubt, the tale of Christopher Reeve carries a heavy dose of tragedy, yet it’s a story that thrives on the unwavering love and backing of his family. The outcome is a deeply moving, yet genuinely inspiring depiction of a genuine hero, based on real-life events.

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2024-10-29 16:48