Powerful, moving, and ultimately inspiring, this emotional documentary is among the year’s best films.
In 1978, Christopher Reeve ushered in a new wave in Hollywood when he donned the cape as Superman in Richard Donner’s all-time comic book film, which one could argue paved the way for the genre to be as successful as it is today. For a generation and beyond, Christopher Reeve was a hero to millions of people around the world. And to many, he is their Superman; over 45 years later, he is still the general public’s Superman. So, when Reeve had his near-fatal accident in 1995 that left him paralyzed from the neck down, it was a shock for fans everywhere to learn that such a hero no longer could be the invincible character they saw on screen. But this is not where Christopher Reeve’s story ended, as his response in the months and years following his accident would inspire so many. Ian Bonhote and Peter Ettedgui’s documentary Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Storyencompasses all of this, and the results make for an emotional documentary about an individual who was way more than just a hero in tights: he was a hero in real life as well.
Super/Man covers every area of Christopher Reeve’s life. We see his early days doing theatre, auditioning for the role of Superman and becoming Superman, his personal life outside film, the accident and its aftermath, and those closest to him who played a huge role in his life, including his wife, Dana Reeve. All these moments from his life are presented in various ways, including archival footage and interviews with his children, Reeve’s first partner, and actors who were close to him, including Glenn Close, Susan Sarandon, Whoopi Goldberg, and Jeff Daniels. While the documentary could have been a straight-forward celebration of the life of Christopher Reeve, it does not hold back in certain areas and parts of his life you didn’t know about. One example is how the film touches on Christopher Reeve’s close friendship with Robin Williams, who was also dealing with dark issues, and whom Glenn Close says would still be alive if Christopher Reeve were too.
The film packs a handful of emotional punches that feel stronger than any punch the fictional character Christopher Reeve portrayed ever delivered. Whether it’s a moment in an interview with one of Reeve’s kids recounting their days with their father, footage of Reeve going through therapy, or him giving a speech when he was paralyzed, the film spotlights the man who embodied a hero both on and off the screen as he dealt the struggles he faced. Some of these moments are beautiful, others are devastating, and some are filled with so much love. To say Reeve’s life and trials following his accident were inspiring is putting it too lightly – as we see his determination to rebound from the accident and be a huge advocate for the disability community. There are moments throughout the film that make being emotional unavoidable, unless you just don’t have a pulse.
The legacy of Christopher Reeve is one of a great man who faced adversity and faced it head on. By showing the “super” in the man who was more than just a recognizable actor in one of the most iconic films of all time, Super/Man demonstrates what it means to believe in everyday heroism. And that belief will fly high the more people choose to act as heroic as Reeve did.
RATING: ★★★★★
(out of five stars)
