By Jack Ransom - October 17, 2024
Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story chronicles Reeve's rise to becoming a film star followed with a near-fatal horse-riding accident in 1995 that left him paralysed from the neck down. After the accident, he became an activist for spinal cord injury treatments and disability rights.
This was a particularly special screening as not only was it a treat to see this documentary at the BFI IMAX, but it also was the official UK premiere of the film that had the Reeve family and director duo Ian Bonhote & Peter Ettedgui in attendance to introduce the feature.
Thankfully DC co-heads James Gunn & Peter Safran realised the importance and saw the necessity of giving this a cinematic release as I genuinely thought it would be a streaming viewing if I didn’t make its festival showings.
It is a documentary that deserves to be seen cinematically, as the myriad of Superman clips, behind the scenes, the overwhelmingly strong score and unique interlude sequences provide a blockbuster presentation to this strong spirited, beloved performer who clearly inspired, connected with and both simultaneously cared about and was cared about by so many. The doc glides along his theatrical roots, the Superman stardom and the gut-punch inducing yet remarkably hopeful determination of his spirit after the tragic accident.
Be prepared to hold back the tears throughout (a couple of scenes had me choked/welling up). From his friendship bond with the late great Robin Williams, seeing the repercussions of his accident ricochet across his family and the welcome substantial focus on his late wife Dana Reeve. Her dedication to her husband, relentless positivity for her children’s sake and her drive to support Christopher’s quest for the ability to walk again.
Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story is an inspiring, emotional, informative look at the man behind the red cape. Balancing the larger than life mythology of his portrayal of the Man of Steel alongside the intimate, heartfelt and gut-wrenching post-accident life that he faced head on and devoted his years raising awareness for.
SUPER/MAN: THE CHRISTOPHER REEVE STORY RELEASES IN CINEMAS NOVEMBER 1
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