Unveiling Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story Review 2024
The collaborative genius of Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui, showcased in their mesmerizing 2018 documentary “McQueen,” has once again captivated audiences with their latest creation, “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story.” This poignant film delicately navigates the life of a legendary movie star, Christopher Reeve, whose journey oscillated between the soaring heights of public adoration and the private depths of personal tragedy.
Table of Contents
Overcoming Adversity: A Tale of Courage
Unlike their previous subject, Alexander McQueen, Christopher Reeve faced a life-altering equestrian accident in 1995, rendering him quadriplegic and dependent on a respirator. Yet, “Super/Man” reveals Reeve’s triumphant resilience, portraying how he conquered the darkness and despair to lead a productive life in the years that followed.
A pivotal moment in the documentary captures President Barack Obama signing the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act in 2009—a landmark bipartisan legislation dedicated to the millions of Americans grappling with spinal cord injuries and paralysis. Reeve’s advocacy, fueled by his public profile, initiated a foundation in 2002 that funded medical research, professional care, and rights advocacy, potentially altering the course of countless lives affected by paralysis.
Inspiration Strikes: The Genesis of Super/Man
Bonhôte and Ettedgui’s inspiration for “Super/Man” sparked while crafting the Netflix documentary “Rising Phoenix,” chronicling the history of the Paralympic movement. Witnessing Reeve’s impassioned speech at the 1996 Paralympic event in Atlanta fueled their desire to create a biopic—an exploration of a Hollywood hero whose heroism extended far beyond the silver screen.
Comparisons with last year’s “Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie” are inevitable, both narratives chronicling beloved screen stars who transformed personal misfortune into public advocacy for research and awareness. In these instances, celebrity voices resonate, shedding light on health conditions faced by those less privileged.
Superman’s Legacy: A Cinematic Icon
For those unfamiliar with the pop-cultural explosion of Richard Donner’s 1978 “Superman,” the documentary offers a glimpse into the monumental impact. Christopher Reeve, plucked from a burgeoning New York stage career, became the definitive Man of Steel. The film celebrates his iconic portrayal, especially in “Superman II,” where Reeve’s duality as Superman and Clark Kent mesmerized audiences worldwide.
The documentary pays homage to these cinematic moments, acknowledging the now-dated effects but highlighting Reeve’s unparalleled conviction in donning the red cape. Through interviews, Reeve himself explains the magic behind his portrayal—it’s all in the eyes.
Struggles of a Superhero: Balancing Fame and Ambivalence
“Super/Man” candidly explores Reeve’s complex relationship with the Superman role that defined him but also constrained his career. Contractual obligations led to less successful sequels, yet the imprint of his near-invincible on-screen persona fueled the collective shock when Reeve reappeared as a vulnerable man in a wheelchair.
The 1996 Academy Awards marked this poignant return to public life, orchestrated with support from close friends Robin Williams and Marsha Garces. The documentary beautifully captures the genuine standing ovation, reflecting the love and compassion that embraced Reeve that night.
Bonds Beyond the Screen: A Legacy of Love
Warm interviews with actor friends Glenn Close, Whoopi Goldberg, Susan Sarandon, and Jeff Daniels reveal the enduring bonds Reeve formed with colleagues. The film intertwines these personal connections with intimate glimpses into Reeve’s physical pursuits—skiing, piloting, yachting, and horseback riding.
The paradox of Reeve’s allergy to horses, yet his determination to master horseback riding for a film role, exemplifies his indomitable spirit. The documentary emphasizes Reeve’s transformation from a beanpole to an Adonis for the Superman role, showcasing the actor’s dedication.
Family and Activism: Dual Pillars of Reeve’s Life
“Super/Man” weaves the theme of family into Reeve’s narrative, emphasizing the significance of his blended family in combating the shadows of his own upbringing. Interviews with Reeve’s children—Alexandra, Matthew, and Will—provide touching insights, complemented by home-video fragments from their childhoods.
The documentary delves into Reeve’s history of unhealthy marriages and divorces, contrasting it with the happiness he found in his blended family. Reeve’s marriage to actress-singer Dana Morosini becomes a pivotal aspect, with the film portraying the symbiotic roles they played in their activism—focusing on tomorrow’s cure and today’s care, respectively.
Hope Amidst Tragedy: A Cinematic Journey
Despite the central theme of tragedy and loss, “Super/Man” remarkably exudes hope, kindness, and the resilience of the human spirit. Editor Otto Burnham seamlessly navigates between pre- and post-accident chapters, accompanied by Ilan Eshkeri’s elegant score, enhancing the film’s emotional depth.
Digital animation, reminiscent of their previous work on “McQueen,” accentuates key transitions. The imagery of a stone sculpture of Reeve, symbolizing a man broken yet endowed with extraordinary strength, lingers long after the film’s conclusion—a testament to the profound impact of Christopher Reeve’s life.
“Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story” transcends the boundaries of a traditional biographical film. It’s a cinematic journey that not only honors a Hollywood icon but also celebrates the indomitable human spirit that prevailed against adversity.