Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story covers the life and accident of the Superman actor, but also the story of his family who gave him the strength to fight! The documentary directors are Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui. They previously direcxted Rising Phoenix (2020) about the Paralympic Games. The duo is also the co-writers of the film along with Otto Burnham, who also edits this film and previously edited the documentary, Right to Fight (2023). It has a limited release by Fathom Events on September 21 with the next screening on September 25th. The film was acquired by DC Studios which sports its new logo. This appears to be the first release of DC Studios and it is a perfect way to launch a studio.
The story is of course about actor Christopher Reeve, it touches on his well known role in the Superman films. It does not feature his part as Dr. Virgil Swann in the 2003 and 2004 episodes of Smallville which I think brings his story full circle. We see New York City from a Superman flying perspective. It is New Year’s Eve, 1995. We have a closeup of the dark statue of Reeve. The statue float through the cosmos and moves against a red nebula that seems to form a cape. There is a family scene where Reeve is playing piano with his son, Will Reeve, who is two years old and also his wife, Dana Reeve, is there. We also have interviews by his stepbrother, Matthew Reeve, and stepsister, Alexandra Reeve Givens. I think the film has Christopher Reeve, but it is also the story of Dana Reeve and the family.
Reeve also told his story in his autobiography, Still Me (1998). It is explained that Reeve had learned how to ride horses for the movie, Anna Karenina (1985), adapting the Leo Tolstoy novel for television. His athleticism incorporated equestrian riding, This moves to May 27, 1995 when news reports report Reeve’s fall from his horse, Buck, this is explained by Reeve’s narration detailing the accident. It was a “dirty stop” where his hands got caught in the reins and he landed on his head. Reaction is also given in interviews with Glenn Close and Susan Sarandon. We see the green fractures in the neck of the statue. He was taken to the University of Virginia Hospital.
Kevin Johnson, Reeve’s step brother, is also interviewed. He mentions the decision by the family, including Reeve’s mother, Barbara Johnson, was to take him off life support. Tears started to fall which went through most of the documentary. The film brings back some of the sadness during that time, but also is about the strength shown by Reeve and his family. It was Dana Reeve who saved Superman.
Five+ Statues out of Five!
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