On Apple TV+ and Crave.
Coming soon to HBO Max
Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story is a documentary which will leave many people in tears. Not only does it explore this actor’s legacy, but also look at what made him the hero he had to be. After the accident which left him paralyzed, he fell into a dark, depressive state. If it wasn’t for his fans, his life’s journey might have ended differently.
Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui‘s work doesn’t aim to be a complete biography, but it offers enough material so that those unfamiliar with the man’s achievements don’t have to search for more. What’s presented here puts this individual on a pedestal instead of a wheelchair, and while some folks might criticize this intention, I’m sure Reeve would be humble about it.
After this film’s debut at Sundance 2024, I’ve been keeping tabs. Warner Bros and DC Studios worked as fast as possible, but not at the pace of a speeding bullet, to deliver this work to the masses. Just like the posters designed to say “You’ll believe a man can fly,” what’s presented here made me realise how this actor can continue to be in all our hearts again.
That’s because after his accident, Chris needed something to keep going instead of lying in bed, depressed. We’ve all been there in our lives; whether it’s because of injury, tragedy in the family or something else, to see what he went through made me weep. When he won the world’s hearts because of his charm in the first movie, and the sequel elevated him to true celebrity, there was an admiration for what he continued to do, despite studio interference in how to chart the character’s future.
After all those films and even typecasting, this actor persevered, and fans continued to love him. After the news about his accident, the world was watching. Fans wrote to him with a lot of well-wishes, and he kept on smiling.
When Reeves left an impression upon fellow performing arts alumni, namely Robin Williams, to see footage of these two together brings out the important parts of what went on that the media did not report. This comedian helped the family. And the interviews with other stars–like Glenn Close and Whoopi Goldberg–brings a look at this person’s life full circle.
Examining this man’s career, warts and all, helps to create a concise documentary encompassing everything people want to learn about his life. The interviews with family, celebrities, and fellow patients help round out this work. The work put behind this film really shows who the “Man” is without the cape. Chris sadly passed in 2004, and to honour him twenty years later is perfect.
5 Stars out of 5
Super/Man, The Christopher Reeve Story Trailer
Discover more from Otaku no Culture
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
