Genre: Biography, Documentary
Director: Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui
In Irish Cinemas: 1st November 2024
Nonfiction filmmakers Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui captivated audiences in 2018 with McQueen, a stunning fashion documentary that masterfully balanced tribute and tragedy. The film portrayed the duality of Alexander McQueen’s life—his public success as a visionary designer of wearable art and the deeply personal struggles he faced behind closed doors. Bonhôte and Ettedgui bring their sensitive storytelling to Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story, exploring the life of the beloved actor who famously portrayed Superman on screen. Through this new documentary, they examine Reeve’s iconic celebrity and the heartbreaking accident that altered the course of his life. Unlike McQueen, whose life was cut short by inner turmoil, Reeve faced his sudden challenges with resilience, finding purpose even in the face of immense adversity. Where an unresolved pain marked McQueen’s story, Reeve’s journey offers a narrative of hope and strength. Despite his physical limitations after the accident, Reeve became a symbol of courage and advocacy, dedicating his remaining years to advancing spinal cord research and supporting disability rights. Bonhôte and Ettedgui’s film beautifully captures this transformative period in Reeve’s life, illuminating his legacy as both a Hollywood legend and a powerful advocate for change.
Toward the film’s end, viewers see a decisive moment from 2009: President Obama signed the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act into law. This landmark, bipartisan legislation marked the first federal law explicitly dedicated to addressing the needs of millions of Americans living with spinal cord injuries and paralysis, paying tribute to actor Christopher Reeve and his wife Dana, both relentless advocates for the cause. Reeve’s celebrity status and personal journey following his spinal injury allowed him to shine a spotlight on the challenges faced by people with disabilities. Through the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, launched in 2002, he inspired and supported transformative efforts in medical research, high-quality care, and disability rights advocacy. The film effectively argues that thanks to Reeve’s vision and leadership, many individuals impacted by paralysis today have greater hope and improved outcomes, with some even achieving milestones in mobility that once seemed impossible.
Bonhôte and Ettedgui were deep into creating Rising Phoenix—a Netflix documentary chronicling the history of the Paralympic movement—when they encountered a decisive moment from the 1996 Paralympic Games in Atlanta: footage of Christopher Reeve speaking. Witnessing Reeve, a beloved Hollywood icon, address the crowd just a year after the devastating equestrian accident that left him paralysed sparked an idea. They envisioned a biographical film exploring Reeve’s journey—not just his famed Hollywood heroics but the strength and resilience he showed in the face of unimaginable challenges after becoming a quadriplegic reliant on a respirator to breathe. In many ways, a biopic on Reeve invites comparisons to last year’s Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie, which chronicled the journey of another beloved actor who became a prominent advocate after personal tragedy—in Fox’s case, his diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease. Whether we embrace or question the role of celebrity in American culture, it’s undeniable that public figures like Reeve and Fox bring crucial attention to health conditions affecting millions who lack the resources or platform to advocate for themselves. These star-studded stories don’t just raise awareness—they also attract much-needed philanthropic support and funding. For those unfamiliar with the late 1970s, it’s difficult to overstate the cultural impact of Richard Donner’s Superman, which launched in 1978 and made an instant icon out of Reeve, a relatively unknown actor from New York’s theatre scene. Unlike today’s superhero-saturated cinema, Superman was a monumental cinematic event, and Reeve’s portrayal of the Man of Steel remains definitive. The 1980 sequel, Superman II, arguably provided an even richer canvas for Reeve’s skilful embodiment of both Superman’s strength and Clark Kent’s humility, solidifying his legacy in pop culture. Producer Pierre Spengler recalls the exhaustive casting search that led to Reeve, who would become inseparable from the character in the public imagination, even as his real-life story would ultimately transcend fiction.
Just the briefest scenes of Christopher Reeve as Superman—gliding majestically through the Fortress of Solitude or swooping down in a heart-stopping save of Margot Kidder’s Lois Lane—instantly evoke nostalgia, significantly as John Williams’ iconic theme swells in the background. For fans of the era-defining Superman films, these moments remain timeless. While today’s audiences may find the special effects dated, no actor has donned the red cape with Reeve’s sheer conviction. “It’s all in the eyes,” he once remarked in an interview, reflecting on the emotional depth he brought to the role. The documentary openly addresses Reeve’s mixed feelings about Superman, the role that both defined his career and limited his prospects. Though he attempted to explore other genres, box-office success in those endeavours eluded him. He also grew frustrated by his contractual obligation to continue in the Superman franchise, especially when it meant participating in the poorly received third and fourth films. Yet, despite these struggles, Reeve’s portrayal left an indelible mark: he became a symbol of near-invincible goodness. So when he returned to the public eye after his life-altering accident, now in a wheelchair, the world felt a collective shock as it watched this once-mighty figure, now so physically vulnerable. This poignant return occurred at the 1996 Academy Awards, less than a year after his accident. Reeve’s appearance was made possible partly by his close friend and former Juilliard roommate, Robin Williams, and Williams’ then-wife, Marsha Garces, who was by his side through his hospitalisation and recovery. As Reeve appeared on stage, the audience erupted in a standing ovation that seemed deeply genuine, their expressions filled with admiration, compassion, and love. This emotional moment is just one of many in the documentary that stirs deep emotions and brings tears to the eyes.
Warm, heartfelt interviews with some of Christopher Reeve’s close friends and respected colleagues—actors like Glenn Close, Whoopi Goldberg, Susan Sarandon, and Jeff Daniels—reveal the deep and lasting friendships he cultivated throughout his career. Their reflections highlight the genuine connections he formed with those around him, extending well beyond the screen. While Reeve is celebrated as a celluloid superhero, the film captures poignant contrasts between his on-screen persona and his dynamic, adventurous spirit in real life. Known for his love of physical pursuits, Reeve was a passionate skier, pilot, yachtsman, and equestrian. In a twist of irony, he was allergic to horses, but after being cast as Vronsky in a 1985 adaptation of Anna Karenina, he was determined to master horseback riding. Despite his allergy, he pushed through by self-administering antihistamines each day, a commitment that not only allowed him to take on the role but also turned him into a dedicated horseback rider. That same tenacity drove him to transform his naturally slender frame into the iconic physique required for Superman, revealing his profound dedication to his craft. Beyond heroism, the film explores another central theme in Reeve’s life: family. Reeve’s three children—Alexandra and Matthew, from his decade-long relationship with British modelling agent Gae Exton, and Will, his son with his wife, actress and singer Dana Morosini—share candid, heartfelt memories of their father. Tender home videos, glimpses of joyful childhood moments, and intimate family connections often accompany their stories. Reeve’s own childhood had been marked by complicated family dynamics, including his parents’ divorce and a strained relationship with a distant father. These experiences shaped his resolve to build a happy, united family. Family became a bedrock in his life, one that helped him through difficult times, including battles with depression. Dana brought warmth and friendship to Alexandra and Matthew, who, in turn, became family to Will, embracing him as a sibling without reservation. Gae Exton, still a part of their lives, provides an emotionally powerful moment as she recalls her journey with Reeve and the bittersweet end of their relationship, underlining the respect and affection that continued even after they parted. The film captures this tapestry of connections, honouring the family he built and cherished deeply.
The wealth of material here offers countless moments, particularly in the deeply personal recounting of Christopher Reeve’s passing in 2004 and Dana Reeve’s death less than two years later from lung cancer. Before her passing, she made sure their foundation’s mission would continue. Together, they took on complementary roles in their activism, with Christopher advocating for “tomorrow’s cure” through research and Dana ensuring “today’s care” for those affected. One of the most compelling qualities of Super/Man is that, while centred on themes of tragedy and loss, the documentary is filled with moments of hope, kindness, and gratitude, along with a celebration of the resilience of the human spirit. Editor Otto Burnham skillfully transitions between Reeve’s life before and after his life-altering accident, with Ilan Eshkeri’s graceful score amplifying the emotional depth without overstating it. In much the same way that McQueen’s documentary used digital animation inspired by the designer’s signature skull motif, Super/Man employs an equally striking CG effect to guide viewers through the narrative’s transitions. A central image shows a stone sculpture of a naked Christopher Reeve floating in an infinite space. Cracks appear in parts of the sculpture, symbolising his physical injuries, through which a radiant green light shines. As his condition and the fading hope of full recovery are depicted, this green light transforms into jagged shards of Kryptonite emerging from his body. This imagery powerfully captures a man physically shattered yet possessing a profound inner strength—an impression that remains strong throughout this profoundly moving film.
Overall: 8/10
Movie Reviewer
