‘Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story’ Documentary Makes Waves at Sundance
Before David Corenswet, Henry Cavill, and Brandon Routh, there was Christopher Reeve, the actor who donned the superhero suit up to four times as Clark Kent/Superman. His first film as the last son of Krypton, directed by Richard Donner and titled Superman, revolutionized the modern superhero genre. Now, Reeve is in the spotlight again with the documentary Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story, which has caused a stir at the Sundance Festival, eliciting both applause and tears.
Reeve tragically passed away in 2004 after being paralyzed for 9 years. In 1995, during an equestrian competition, the actor fell from a horse and was left paralyzed, marking a pivotal moment in his life. The documentary takes a comprehensive look at Reeve’s life before and after this life-altering event.
The film captures one of the most emotional moments when Reeve, in the hospital after the accident, “was unable to avoid the darkest thoughts.” The documentary also sheds light on the struggles and decisions faced by his family, with his mother advocating to take him off life support, while his wife Dana remained unwavering in her support for Reeve.
The documentary also delves into Reeve’s relationship with his three children and how he changed his approach to fatherhood after the accident, remarking, “I had to break my neck to learn some things.”
Another poignant aspect of the documentary is Reeve’s friendship with actor Robin Williams. The two had known each other since their time studying at the prestigious Juilliard academy in New York, and their friendship only strengthened after Reeve’s accident.
The film also features appearances from other friends of Reeve, including Gleen Close, who reflects on her relationship with Reeve and remarks on her belief that with Reeve still alive, Williams may have also been. Williams passed away in 2014.
Directed by Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui, Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story premieres at Sundance 20 years after the actor’s death. The documentary includes home videos that Reeve’s children wanted to share with the world. The film has yet to announce a release date in Spain.
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