SUPER/MAN: THE CHRISTOPHER REEVE STORY is one of the most emotionally resonant films I’ve seen in a long time. In fact, it’ll be a tough movie to beat here at Sundance 2024. Further still, I’ll be very surprised if it doesn’t make my best of list at the end of the year. And I say this even though the new year has only just started.
I’ve always been a fan of Christopher Reeve and in fact, I will always maintain that his casting as Superman remains the superhero casting coup to which all others will forever be measured. As the man of steel, Reeve did so much more than make audiences truly believe a man could fly. He also made us believe that Superman and Clark Kent were actually two different people and I always felt like that was the true key to the overall effectiveness of SUPERMAN as a movie. Perhaps even more so than the spectacular special effects, the incredible production design, John Williams’s unforgettable score, and the hit film’s much talked about reverence to the source material. That said, SUPERMAN is pure fantasy. This stellar documentary by comparison is real in every sense of the word.
SUPER/MAN: THE CHRISTOPHER REEVE STORY traces Reeve’s career from his humble beginnings as a classically trained actor to his hitting the big time after being handpicked by director Richard Donner to play the world’s most famous superhero. Following his legendary turn as the man of steel, Reeve would appear in several other noteworthy films including DEATHTRAP, THE REMAINS OF THE DAY, NOISES OFF, SOMEWHERE IN TIME, and STREET SMART just to name a few but ultimately, his life would forever be altered following a tragic equestrian accident that would leave him permanently paralyzed.
As directed by Ian Bonhote and Peter Ettedugi, SUPER/MAN is inspirational and moving in all of the ways you’d expect, but it certainly doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of Reeve’s highs and lows. Included; A strained relationship between he and his father as well as thoughts of suicide following a horrific accident that very well could have taken his life. Beyond that, SUPER/MAN is punctuated by rare behind-the-scenes footage and candid interviews with the likes of Reeve himself as well as his loving wife, his adoring children, and many of his lifelong industry friends (i.e. Susan Sarandon, the aforementioned Donner, and a compassionate Robin Williams.)
As was the case with last year’s stellar Michael J. Fox documentary, STILL, SUPER/MAN emerges as so much more than a tribute to a world-famous actor. This is a movie filled with real pathos. It’s a story of courage and resiliency to be sure. In short, it’s a multifaceted look at a real-life superman and how, in many ways, Reeve was able to take a horrific negative and turn it into a monumental positive.
Some might argue that SUPER/MAN: THE CHRISTOPHER REEVE STORY is an easy sell given the subject matter but believe me when I tell you, that makes this documentary no less powerful. This is moving stuff and by the time it comes to a close, you really will believe a man can fly. On a final note, you’d be well-advised to take a box of Kleenex with you because you’re going to need it.
No telling when this exceptional documentary might be released as it hasn’t scored a distribution deal yet but…I should only be a matter of time. And I’ll be very surprised if Warner Brothers doesn’t swoop in and pick it up. That seems like a no-brainer.
