New to select UK cinemas from today is the documentary film, Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story. Directed by Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui, and written by Bonhôte, Ettedgui, and Otto Burnham, the film focuses on the life and legacy of the late American actor, known to millions for playing the role of Superman.
But before he passed away in 2004 at the age of 52, Reeve did more than just don a cape and spit curl, he was an accomplished Broadway actor, a fierce sportsman, a director, an activist, and an author, as well as a beloved father and family man. In just over half a century, Reeve packed a lot into his life, making the most out of every opportunity.
In his latter years, Reeve also became an advocate for the disabled, as well as a powerful voice in stem cell research. Following a tragic horse riding accident in 1995, Reeve became paralysed from the neck down, yet he continued to push ever-onward to throw a spotlight on his experiences and the experiences of those in a similar situation.
And this is where this documentary centres its story. The bulk of Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story is about Reeve’s accident, his rehabilitation, and his desire to walk again.
Featuring extensive archive footage, including plenty of home videos, and narrated by Reeve using material recorded prior to his death, Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story is a heartfelt, heartbreaking, and yet, heartwarming picture. It provides an insight into the life of the actor turned icon, covering his stratospheric rise to stardom and the many challenges he faced following his accident.
The focus here is on Reeve as a ‘superman’ in every sense of the word. How he embodied the hero on screen, and how he remained steadfast and determined during the final years of his life.
The documentary also touches upon his family circle, as well as his invaluable friendship with the late actor, Robin Williams. Reeve and Williams were life-long pals, and even though Williams is unable to provide input himself, he is represented on screen through various anecdotes and footage.
A number of Reeve’s colleagues and friends are also on hand to show support and share memories. Contributors include Glenn Close, Jeff Daniels, Whoopi Goldberg, and Susan Sarandon, in addition to Reeve’s children Matthew, Alexandra, and Will, amongst others.
With this movie being distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, and under the DC Studios banner, the film features a significant amount of footage from the Superman movies and it is also a rather affectionate biography. However, this isn’t a padded puff piece, the docu-film talks about all facets of Reeve’s life, from his relationship to his father to his less-than-successful movies outside of the Man of Steel, ensuring this is a well-rounded picture regardless.
Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story is also a very emotive piece, likely to draw out a tear or two. Or in my case, about five.
Reeve’s accident, his friendship with Robin Williams, and his determination to move beyond his condition all pull at the heartstrings. Likewise, so does the death of his beloved wife, Dana, who tragically passed away in 2006, and the sad reality of knowing son Will was orphaned at such a young age.
This isn’t just a documentary, it’s a rollercoaster of emotions with some hard-hitting moments. There is joy and love, but there’s adversity too.
However, the central message in Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story is a one of hope. Like the heroic character he embodied on screen, belief in a better tomorrow is very much at the forefront of the story.
Whether you’re a fan of the late actor, or you’re simply curious, Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story is an excellent and informative documentary. It is a tale of love and life, but also a story about the power of the human spirit.
Reeve was human, not super-human, and he was flawed like the rest of us, but he had a fascinating journey across 52 years. Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story zeroes in on the key moments and presents them beautifully on screen.
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Thank you for taking the time to read this review on It’s A Stampede!. For more reviews, check out the recommended reads below.
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