In the documentary Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story, directed by Peter Ettedgui and Ian Bonhôte, Christopher Reeve shares his love for acting. He enjoys knowing the storyline when he takes on a script. However, Reeve could not predict how his own story would unfold.
He transitioned from playing Superman in the hit movie Superman in 1978 to becoming a strong advocate for spinal cord research after a tragic accident left him paralyzed from the shoulders down.
In Super/Man, Ettedgui and Bonhôte highlight Reeve’s significant impact on spinal cord research, the family he cherished, and the true meaning of being a hero.
What Is Super/Man About?
Super/Man does not follow a straight timeline of Reeve’s life. Instead, it shifts back and forth between his life before and after the accident that left him paralyzed. Reeve faced challenges from an early age, trying to win the approval of his father, who was difficult to impress.
He attended Juilliard with Robin Williams and performed Off-Broadway with actors like Jeff Daniels and William Hurt. He felt extremely nervous during his screen test for Superman, to the point of sweating through the suit.
The documentary shows that, as a trained actor, Reeve wanted his performance as Superman to be art, not just a commercial success. While he loved playing the role, Super/Man reveals his struggles with returning for the third and fourth sequels.
He desperately tried to break away from the iconic superhero image in smaller films that did not achieve financial success. Reeve enjoyed the fame but also found it challenging to be recognized only as Superman.
Super/Man does not hold back in showing Reeve’s weaknesses and mistakes. For instance, he discusses how he grew up in a separated family and did not want the same for his children. Yet, he repeated this pattern by leaving his first two kids behind in London while he lived in the United States.
His oldest son, Matthew Reeve, mentions feeling like he grew up with a single mother because Christopher did not visit often. The film also shows how quickly Christopher moved on to marry his wife, Dana Morosini, which stood out to Matthew.
Super/Man Highlights the Importance of Family
The most moving moments in Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story occur after his accident, where his family becomes his source of strength. The film highlights the incredible work that Reeve and Dana did to support spinal injury research.
Their efforts and Reeve’s status as Superman significantly impacted public awareness of this cause. Reeve did not pursue this research for his own benefit but to show how important it is for people to improve their lives. He used his talents as a director to bring attention to this important issue.
Through touching home videos, we see what life was like for the Reeve family. Daily life is difficult, and although Dana tries to be strong, it is clear that she misses the husband she once knew and the comfort he can no longer provide.
Despite these challenges, the love within the family is evident in the videos, showing a man who remained loving, ambitious, and strong. Interviews with Reeve’s children provide insights into his strengths and weaknesses, emphasizing that what made him heroic was his dedication to doing his best in difficult circumstances.
Reeve’s Friendship with Robin Williams
Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story shines when it shows the friendship between Reeve and Robin Williams. They share a strong bond, feeling more like brothers than friends since they grew up together. Williams did everything he could to support Reeve, whether by making him laugh or helping him celebrate his life.
The film captures this special friendship through the perspectives of their close friends. As Glenn Close points out, both actors faced their own struggles, and it’s hard to imagine that if Reeve were still alive, Williams would not be as well.
By alternating between Reeve’s life before and after his injury, Ettedgui and Bonhôte highlight a life defined by his work, whether on screen, through his foundation, or at home, trying to be the best father possible.
This technique shows the life Reeve lost and how he made a significant impact in the world, even if it was not the way he had planned. The editing in Super/Man is skillful, transforming what could have been a straightforward documentary into a rich portrayal of what shapes our identity—both the good and the bad.
Beyond Reeve’s legacy as Superman and his life after the accident, Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story is a heartfelt documentary about family. It emphasizes the importance of spending time with loved ones and appreciating what we often take for granted.
The film shows how Reeve’s foundation continues to influence lives and how his children carry on his work. Super/Man illustrates what happens when someone uses their abilities to create positive change and make the world a better place.
Ettedgui and Bonhôte’s emotional documentary shows that a true hero is someone who does their best with what they have, highlighting the resilience of individuals and how significant change can arise from painful experiences.
Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story chronicles Reeve’s transformation from a beloved Superman actor to a dedicated advocate for spinal cord research after his accident. It highlights his struggles, family bonds, and friendship with Robin Williams, showcasing his resilience and commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others.
