‘Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story’ Movie Review: An Emotionally-Charged Adrenaline Shot Of Hope
Photo from Fathom Events
From Joe Peltzer
Though my first exposure to a true superhero movie came in the form of 1989’s Batman, it wasn’t into I saw Christopher Reeve starring In 1978’s Superman that I truly fell in love with the genre. While I was young at the time, I do recall my mother being distraught over an accident that devastated the portrayer of the Man of Steel, but it would be years before I truly understood the magnitude of what had occurred. Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui’s Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story presents a dynamic look at the man who represented a superhero for so many and the trials and tribulations that plagued not only him, but his family and friends. The film is the equivalent of an emotionally-charged adrenaline shot of hope that covers the good and the bad in an honest, layered magnum opus of documentary filmmaking.
The world was in a collective shock after a 1995 horseriding accident left Christopher Reeve paralyzed from the neck down, leaving the actor tormented with dark thoughts and guilt as to the impact his new reality would have on his family. It wasn’t until an impactful commitment and reminder of love from his wife Dana that Reeve would be on course for a new future as an impactful advocate for disability rights and care. Super/Man craftily charts a course that early on covers his accident, spliced with a detailed account of his early forays into acting, both stage and film. Superman was certainly a jump, one that many advised him against, but it led to the actor becoming a household name. In the years following his life-changing injury, the Reeve returned to film both in front of and behind the camera, but it was his rededication to his family and the disability community that would cement his legacy in steel.
Bonhôte and Ettedgui present a well-balanced, informative probe of all aspects of Reeve’s life, respectfully shying away from a rose-colored glasses approach and documenting his faults along with his triumphs. Using Reeve’s own words from multiple interviews and appearances, the audience is guided through a thorough examination of his life, enhanced by insightful contributions from family and friends alike. It’s in these interviews that one understands the true impact of the man and the spirit that carries on today; it’s near impossible not to become choked up when his children Matthew, Alexandra, and Will recount their childhoods and beyond. Through their contributions, Reeve’s influence is palpable, the family’s love intoxicating.
There is an interesting juxtaposition between the archival footage of Reeve’s career, especially the Superman films, and the family footage that depicts the embodiment of hope and perseverance. When challenges arose, criticisms persisted, and the future looked bleak, the family rallied around Christopher and supported his pursuits. At the core was Dana Reeve, a stalwart in his life and an inspiration herself. To be able to take such hardship and transform it into a passionate life’s work is the embodiment of selflessness and growth through the unimaginable. Because of the work of both Christopher and Dana, advancements have been made in the field that have literally resulted in people walking again today who never imagined that to be the case.
An unexpected contribution comes in the form of tales of Reeve’s and the late Robin Williams’ friendship. The latter, who described himself as a jester in Reeve’s life, was a regular throughout his life, a confidant and bright spot in challenging times, empathizing with the demons that plagued him as he battled through his own.
Most important, I was hooked by the film’s storytelling and willingness to “go there,” documenting the human side of the man who so many looked at as infallible. If you walk into the film not knowing a thing about the actor, you leave with a well-rounded understanding of who he truly was and why his spirit lives on. Super/Man elevates its material with an imposing soundtrack, neatly animated transitions, and a timeless appeal to maintain hope in the face of extraordinary trials.
Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story is a stunning piece of documentary filmmaking and a superb way to begin a new era of DC, reminding us of where it all began and a true example of a timeless, real-life hero.
Rating: 5/5
Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story hits theaters for showings on September 21st and September 25th, 2024 via Fathom Events.
