In a breathtaking new HBO documentary, directors Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui artfully transcend the typical confines of biographical filmmaking, offering not just a glimpse, but a deeply personal view into the life of Christopher Reeve — the man who became widely celebrated for bringing Superman to life. Celebrated for his on-screen bravado as the iconic Man of Steel, Reeve is often remembered for the rapid fanfare and acclaim that surrounded his career. Yet, it is his deeply personal journey, marked by a life-altering equestrian accident that resulted in paralysis from the neck down, which offers profound insight into the man behind the superhero persona.
The documentary shuns a traditional chronological narrative, opting instead to oscillate between the zenith of Reeve’s Hollywood endeavors and the profound lows that followed his accident. This fluid narrative structure provides a nuanced exploration of both the mythic Superman and the very real, very human Christopher Reeve. Through this approach, the filmmakers illuminate the stark dissonances between Reeve’s public image and his personal struggles, bringing to light the complexities that defined both Reeve himself and the character he portrayed.
Blessed with a charming smile and a physique that seemed carved for the superhero role, Christopher Reeve was more than just another actor cast to wear the cape. To the world, he was Superman. Directors Bonhôte and Ettedgui operate on the thoughtful understanding that audiences are already familiar with this quintessential cultural figure who first took flight in the 1978 blockbuster Superman, complete with all-American charm and magnetic charisma. The film cleverly revives this shared sentiment, opening with John Williams’ stirring theme and reimagining iconic scenes from Superman and Superman II with a fresh nostalgia that resonates deeply.
Reeve’s story is one imbued with irony and poignancy. The film’s emotional core is driven by the paradox of a man who, on-screen, epitomized invincibility and hope, yet off-screen became emblematic of human vulnerability after his tragic accident. Directors Bonhôte and Ettedgui utilize a wealth of archival resources, from home movies to carefully curated film clips, to contrast the superhero of our imaginations with the tangible reality of Reeve’s life. Often typecast as Superman, Reeve had always resisted Hollywood’s attempts to keep him within the confines of that role, striving instead to showcase his versatility through dramas, thrillers, and even comedies.
While his role as Superman catapulted Reeve to the heights of pop culture legend, it was his response to life post-accident that truly cemented his legacy. It was not so much his ability to fly, but instead his unyielding resilience and determination in the face of adversity that marked his most heroic stand. Crucially, the documentary does not shy away from documenting the darkest moments of Reeve’s life following his paralysis.
. Through Reeve’s own personal recordings, his most intimate and vulnerable thoughts are shared, lending the film the feel of an earnest dialogue with Reeve himself. His preserved voiceovers add a poignant immediacy, keeping Reeve at the center of his own narrative even as his physical presence fades from the world.
The filmmakers carefully avoid sanctifying Reeve or reducing him to a mere symbol of tragedy. Instead, they present a multifaceted portrait that gives Reeve room to be human — one replete with doubts, frustrations, and emotional complexities. The thoughtful inclusion of introspective moments allows audiences to connect with Reeve’s internal struggles, particularly as he grappled with the limitations imposed by his paralysis, and as he grew increasingly wary of his typecast fame.
The documentary also serves as a tribute to Dana Reeve, Christopher’s wife, whose quiet strength and perseverance paralleled the public battles faced by her husband. Dana’s own story of caretaking, advocacy, and facing her terminal diagnosis tragically mirrors Christopher’s, and the documentary pays homage to her resilience. Mathew Reeve reading a heartfelt poem to his mother further encapsulates the beautiful yet painful narrative thread of her unwavering support and personal courage.
Despite the weighty themes, ‘Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story’ is anything but a bleak tale. It shines a light on Reeve’s indefatigable activism, especially his campaign for spinal cord research and the monumental efforts leading to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act. The documentary captures his transformation from a Hollywood actor to a powerful advocate for the disabled, marking his evolution as more influential in advocacy than in his cinematic career. Contributions from his children enrich these scenes, reflecting on their father’s life and legacy with raw emotion and fond remembrance.
In a poetic reflection, the film uses symbolic imagery — such as depictions of a cracked and frozen Reeve figure encrusted in green Kryptonite — to symbolize the man who, though broken, emitted unwavering hope. His enduring spirit underscores a profound truth that Reeve’s greatest role wasn’t Superman, but rather the man who embodied his true fight: maintaining dignity, grace, and hope while staying rooted in his humanity. Ultimately, the documentary posits that true strength lies not in extraordinary feats, but in the relentless will to continue moving forward when life throws insurmountable challenges your way.
Currently playing in theatres, ‘Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story’ invites viewers to ponder this powerful message through the lens of Reeve’s incredible life and his enduring impact.
