REVIEW: “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story” (2024)

As a movie buff with over three decades of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story” is a poignant and insightful documentary that beautifully captures the essence of an extraordinary individual. Having grown up watching Superman soar through the skies on the silver screen, it’s fascinating to delve into the life of the man behind the cape. This film is a stirring introduction for some, while serving as a moving reminder for others, like myself.


Back in the day, superhero movies were quite scarce. There were no major blockbuster series or interconnected film universes. This could be one factor that made 1978’s “Superman: The Movie” such a hit, critically and financially. Another reason was its lead actor, Christopher Reeve, who was still relatively unknown at the time. His performance in this movie turned out to be both a boon and a burden for him as he went on to become Superman, a role that would shape his career significantly.

In “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story,” I, as a movie reviewer, found myself delving into the life of the man who embodied an icon, revealing the humanity beneath the pop culture phenomenon. This documentary serves both as an inspiring debut for some viewers, while for others it is a poignant reminder of the extraordinary journey taken by Christopher Reeve – his triumphs, tribulations, and resilience in the face of adversity.

REVIEW: “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story” (2024)

Bonhôte and Ettedgui narrate Reeve’s life journey by speaking with his children – Will Reeve, Matthew Reeve, and Alexandra Reeve Givens. They also incorporate perspectives from Reeve’s fellow actors like Susan Sarandon, Glenn Close, and Jeff Daniels. The documentary is rich in historical footage and excerpts from old family videos. However, it’s the moving anecdotes shared by those close to him that provide the deepest understanding of his life, and lend the film its emotional depth.

The film “Super/Man” delves into the intricate blend of Christopher Reeve’s professional triumphs and private struggles, exploring his family background and rapid rise to international stardom in the movie industry. Due to the abundance of compelling topics, not every aspect receives adequate focus. However, Bonhôte and Ettedgui provide a glimpse into key aspects. They reveal his tumultuous relationship with his critical father, primarily focusing on this strained bond. We are introduced to Gae Exton, the mother of Matthew and Alexandra, whom he met before dating his future spouse, Dana, just five months later.

In his career, we catch glimpses into his life as an off-Broadway actor and his subsequent opportunity to try out for the iconic Superman role, surpassing contenders such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Jenner, and Neil Diamond. This led him to astronomical fame with the success of “Superman: The Movie”. However, he later found himself struggling to escape its immense shadow. A tragic event occurred on May 27, 1995, when Reeves sustained a spinal injury that left him completely paralyzed from the neck down.

REVIEW: “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story” (2024)

The documentary predominantly explores Reeve’s injury, its effects on him and his loved ones, and his remarkable ability to carry on living despite the challenges. Moreover, it highlights his determination to leverage this experience for raising disability awareness. Throughout the narrative, Dana is portrayed as a steadfast source of care and encouragement for her husband. She plays a crucial role in Reeve’s journey and embodies heroism in an entirely unique way.

Read More

2024-10-22 17:56