By Lynn Venhaus
A profoundly moving documentary, “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story” focuses on the impactful life of the legendary actor, and how his activism for spinal cord injury treatments and disability rights changed many lives after his near-fatal horse-riding fall.
He played an iconic superhero in four movies – the best-ever take on the Man of Steel/Clark Kent starting with 1978’s “Superman,” and became a real-life hero after that life-altering event on May 27, 1995.
At age 42, he had become not only a global superstar but also an accomplished equestrian. A fluke accident occurred when his horse stopped, and he was paralyzed from the neck down. He would live for 10 more years, and supported by family and friends, became a beacon of hope and a profile in courage.
He died on Oct. 10, 2005, and left a tremendous legacy to uphold. His fiercely devoted wife, Dana, tragically lost her life to cancer just five months later, at age 44. His sons Matthew and Will, and daughter Alexandria are tireless advocates for The Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Foundation. Their interviews illuminate this documentary in a warm and motivating way.
Filmmakers Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui spotlight Reeve’s struggles and his accomplishments, fluidly weaving a treasure trove of archival footage and never-before-seen home movies, which stresses the loving relationships he forged in his short lifetime.
In a sincere, non-exploitive way, they use Reeve’s own voice, from his narration of his 1999 autobiography, “Still Me,” and many clips of his wife Dana, a true force of positivity, carrying on in the worst of times.
A portrait of his early years learning his craft emerges through such talking heads as Jeff Daniels, Glenn Close, Susan Sarandon and Whoopi Goldberg, and his friendship with Robin Williams, his roommate at Juilliard.
Williams’ closeness was widely known in Hollywood, but to those unfamiliar with their beautiful bond, it’s tearjerking. If you haven’t started crying by the time Williams is shown delivering Reeve’s eulogy, get the tissues ready.
The directors do not flinch when showing Reeve’s battles as a quadriplegic, but also highlight his achievements during periods of tremendous adversity. After his emotional appearance onstage at the 1996 Academy Awards, Reeve resumed his career – both in front of and behind the camera.
Until his final breath, he remained a loving father and husband, and a dedicated activist – there always seemed to be hope with the Reeves. His passion and celebrity have helped raise $140 million for spinal cord research, and that work is helping advance treatments today, and strive for more health access and ‘able-ism.’
While the film is as open-hearted as possible, it does not lionize the actor – and presents conflicts and controversies, but also, remarkably, his growth as a human being post-tragedy. Overall, it’s powerful, inspiring, and supremely poignant.
“Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story” shows us the best of humanity at the lowest, most fateful times. Sure, it’s sad – the audience was in tears at the Sundance premiere, hailing it with a standing ovation. Yet, it’s heartwarming too — you feel the joy people had knowing what he accomplished in 52 years. And the work that continues in his name.
“Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story” is a 2024 documentary co-directed by Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui. It is rated PG-13 for some strong language and thematic elements, and runtime is 1 hour, 44 minutes. It opens in theatres on Oct. 11. Lynn’s Grade: A.
Lynn (Zipfel) Venhaus has had a continuous byline in St. Louis metro region publications since 1978. She writes features and news for Belleville News-Democrat and contributes to St. Louis magazine and other publications.
She is a Rotten Tomatoes-approved film critic, currently reviews films for Webster-Kirkwood Times and KTRS Radio, covers entertainment for PopLifeSTL.com and co-hosts podcast PopLifeSTL.com…Presents.
She is a member of Critics Choice Association, where she serves on the women’s and marketing committees; Alliance of Women Film Journalists; and on the board of the St. Louis Film Critics Association. She is a founding and board member of the St. Louis Theater Circle.
She is retired from teaching journalism/media as an adjunct college instructor.