‘Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story’ an Intensely Moving Portrait
By: Michael Walsh
Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story is an intensely moving portrait of actor, father, and activist Christopher Reeve – before and after his accident – as recounted by family and friends.
Using intimate home videos, interviews and archival footage, the documentary shifts between Reeve’s spectacular career rise at just 24, winning the iconic role in Richard Donner’s 1977 Superman and his 1995 horse-riding accident, subsequent paralysis, and disability advocacy, which is continued on by children to this day.
Bring your tissues! This touching and tremendous documentary about Christopher Reeve, both pre and post-paralysis and how, both as Superman and advocate, he functioned as a hero fit many is an absolute tearjerker. Whilst lauded as a hero, the documentary doesn’t shy away from his more private flaws, stemming from his family of origin, and the tragedies, controversies and difficulties that Reeve and his family and friends faced.
The documentary also focusses on Christopher’s deep, enduring friendship with Robin Williams and the joy and support they gave to each other’s lives. Documentarians Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui use interviews with family and friends, including some famous faces (Glenn Close, Whoopi Goldberg, Susan Sarandon, Jeff Daniels and more) and archival footage to tell a moving story of Reeves’ career, both as actor and advocate.
Near the film’s close, a comment is made that heroes aren’t extraordinary people who do extraordinary things; they are ordinary people who do incredible things. Reeve never saw himself as a hero, but through his work, both on the stage and screen and behind it, he inspired and helped many. Through their work with the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Foundation, he fought for tomorrow’s cure, whilst his wife focused on advancing today’s care. Together, they and their family have left a lasting impact that can only be described as heroic and superhuman. Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story is a fantastic and emotionally engaging documentary worth seeking for viewers seeking an uplifting and inspiring story.
Reel Dialogue: Is your worth, ‘super?’
Christopher Reeve, a man who never saw himself as a hero, became one through his acting and advocacy. His fame became a platform for change, advocating for better care for those affected by disability. His work, his legacy, continues to inspire and bring hope to many, a testament to the enduring impact of his life.
The Bible teaches that every individual has an inherent worth, meaning we should all be treated equally and fairly. Jesus’ ministry was marked by his work amongst the disabled and those on the fringes of society, outcast and dismissed. He healed and loved them, but their most important need wasn’t physical. It was spiritual. He came to forgive and offer new life to him. He gave dignity to the undignified because they are loved in the eyes of God. Sometimes, we may feel unworthy or despised, but God loves and knows us deeply. Do you see this dignity and love?
We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. – Romans 15:1-2
Article supplied with thanks to City Bible Forum.
All images: Movie publicity
About the author: Michael Walsh is a Missions Engagement Minister in Sydney, and an avid film fan. His love of film is surpassed only by his love of God, and his desire to make the Gospel known.
