Never has one person been more synonymous with a superhero role than Christopher Reeve has with Superman. The American stage actor turned superstar was propelled to the limelight thanks to director Richard Donner’s iconic 1978 film, in which Reeve genuinely convinced the globe that a man can fly. And yet, despite his stratospheric rise as the Man of Steel, the latest documentary to spotlight Reeves’ work goes far beyond his iconic role, celebrating his incredible bravery and enduring legacy.
This powerful and inspiring documentary from directors Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui delves deep into Christopher Reeve’s early years, his iconic rise to fame and the emotionally inspiring aftermath of the unfortunate horse riding accident. Unlike similar celebrity documentaries, the directing pair don’t always necessarily take a chronological approach when telling the story of Reeve’s life, often shaking up the timeline of the narrative, along with dedicating part of the limelight to Reeve’s touching friendship with comedian and Juilliard classmate, Robin Williams.
Bonhôte and Ettedgui – along with the incredible assistance of Reeve’s children Matthew, Alexandra, and William – have brought to life an incredibly moving tribute to the late actor, with a wonderfully inspiring and hopeful touch. Thanks to the mix of archival footage, in-depth interviews and home movies, the documentary proves one of the most insightful works yet, weaving together a rich tapestry of wonderful anecdotal stories from co-stars and friends Whoopi Goldberg, Glenn Close, Jeff Daniels, Superman director Richard Donner and Susan Sarandon. Furthermore, the astonishingly powerful and poignant interviews with Reeve’s children, along with his late wife Dana (who died in 2006), will undoubtedly move even the most stone hearted viewers to tears.
The documentary unravels in a non-linear fashion, often flitting between pivotal moments in Christopher Reeve’s life. The directors also aren’t afraid to delve into the darker parts of his journey, spotlighting his complicated relationship with his father, his tumultuous time with Gae Exton and his struggles stepping out of Superman’s shadow, giving a more rounded and authentic portrayal of the actor. For Supes fans, there’s also plenty of entertaining anecdotes on the Superman film, including the revelation that both Arnold Schwarzenegger and Neil Diamond really wanted to land the role.
But it’s in the aftermath of the shocking accident in which Reeve’s tale resonates most, with the actors’ courage, resilience and determination in overcoming his battle, trying to change things for the better for his family and others like him suffering with spinal cord injuries and paralysis. His incredible determination to not let his disability define him – along with the way his family and friends rallied around the actor – is a truly inspirational segment. The co-directors could easily have focused primarily on the actors’ journey back to becoming an actor and director, but they also shine a welcome light on Dana’s story too. She supported her husband while they both launched the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, championing better research and funds into spinal injury treatment like stem cell research – proving such an incredible legacy.
Verdict
Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story is an astonishingly powerful & moving documentary spotlighting not just Christopher Reeve’s life and his incredible achievements – but the amazing contribution of Dana Reeve & the Reeve/Givens children. This is undoubtedly a must see for Superman fans – just make sure you bring the tissues!
