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DIGITAL

Opening Date

24 Oct 2024

Rating

NC16 Some Mature Content

内容只宜十六岁及以上

Runtime

104 mins

Language

English - subtitles to be advised

Genre

Documentary

Director

Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui

Cast

Christopher Reeve, Alexandra Reeve Givens, Matthew Reeve, Will Reeve, Gae Exton, Kevin Johnson, Jeff Daniels, Susan Sarandon, Glenn Close, Whoopi Goldberg, John Kerry, Brooke Ellison, Pierre Spengler, Michael Manganiello, Dr. Steven Kirshblum, Laurie Hawkins

Synopsis

The story of Christopher Reeve is an astonishing rise from unknown actor to iconic movie star, and his definitive portrayal of Clark Kent/Superman set the benchmark for the superhero cinematic universes that dominate cinema today. Reeve portrayed the Man of Steel in four Superman films and played dozens of other roles that displayed his talent and range as an actor, before being injured in a near-fatal horse-riding accident in 1995 that left him paralyzed from the neck down.

After becoming a quadriplegic, he became a charismatic leader and activist in the quest to find a cure for spinal cord injuries, as well as a passionate advocate for disability rights and care - all while continuing his career in cinema in front of and behind the camera and dedicating himself to his beloved family.

From the directors of McQueen, Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui, this film includes never-before-seen intimate home movies and an extraordinary trove of personal archive material, as well as the first extended interviews ever filmed with Reeve’s three children about their father, and interviews with the A-list Hollywood actors who were Reeve’s colleagues and friends. The film is a moving and vivid cinematic telling of Reeve’s remarkable story.

Reviews

By InCinemas 23 Oct 2024

A moving and insightful documentary of how Christopher Reeve went from playing a superhero on the big screen to a hero in real life.

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For a time in his life, Christopher Reeve, the actor best known for playing Superman in four solo films, was enjoying an active and healthy life. That all came crashing down one fateful day after a life-altering tragedy.

On 27 May 1995, Reeve was riding his horse that made an unexpected move, causing him to fall to the ground and shattering his first and second vertebrae. Reeves was then paralysed from the neck down and unable to breathe without a ventilator for the rest of his life.

Realising the gravity of his injuries and feeling all kinds of loss, Reeve suggested to his wife Dana to perhaps “let him go.” Dana responded by saying she will stand by him no matter his decision. This conversation and visits from his children resulted in Reeve never considering euthanasia as an option again.

In the Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui-directed documentary, Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story informs viewers of the actor’s life post-accident and his subsequent work as an activist for disability rights. Featuring interviews with several of Reeve's friends and family, primarily his now-adult children Matthew, Alexandra, and Will.

Every interviewee recounts personal stories they had of Reeve, painting a portrait of a man larger than life and giving viewers insider accounts of the late actor that normally isn't shown in the media.

It is a moving and insightful documentary of how Christopher Reeve went from playing a superhero on the big screen to a hero in real life. His story is a remarkable and inspiring one of hope and perserverance. He was told he would never walk again but that never stopped him from trying.

One of the greatest highlights of Reeve’s story is the empowering presence of one Dana Reeve, whose unwavering love and support were no doubt vital in keeping him alive. She kept her word and dedicated her life to him. She stuck by his side through his efforts to put focus on spinal cord injuries and chaired the foundation dedicated to finding treatments and cures for paralysis caused by spinal cord injury and other neurological disorders until her own untimely death. The hero of this story had a hero of his own and it was Dana.

Then there was the late great Robin Williams, one of Reeve’s closest friends who was there before the start of it all and there till the end. Williams was ever the true friend that was present and generous with his friendship, love and talents despite having his own struggles.

Reeve was fortunate to have had a great support system, as viewers should be as well for there would be no Christopher Reeve story without it. It was a double kicker to be watching this documentary not only mourning the loss of Reeve but of Dana and Robin too.

Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story reminds us he has a legacy beyond the big screen and red cape. His children, the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, and the Reeve-Irvine Research Center are great proof of that.
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