Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story is a poignant documentary showcasing insights from Christopher Reeve's friends and family, particularly his children—Matthew Reeve, Alexandra Reeve Givens, and Will Reeve. The film navigates through a non-linear narrative, shifting between the moments before and after Reeve's life-changing horse riding accident that left him paralyzed.
Reeve’s childhood was marked by complications, stemming from his parents’ early divorce and various remarriages. His relationship with his father, Franklin, a poet, was challenging. The pressure to gain his father’s approval pushed Reeve to excel in academics, athletics, and theater. During his time at Julliard, he formed a deep friendship with Robin Williams, a bond that would prove invaluable later in life.
As Superman was set to cast its lead role, director Richard Donner was determined to find an unknown talent rather than a celebrity. Despite initial skepticism from his father and peers, Reeve's audition won him the role of a lifetime. His portrayal of both Superman and his alter ego, Clark Kent, earned him widespread acclaim. During the filming process, he also embarked on a passionate romance with modeling agent Gae Exton. When Superman premiered in 1978, it became a blockbuster success, firmly establishing Reeve as a superstar.
Following the triumph of Superman II (1980), Reeve made a deliberate choice to explore unconventional roles, prioritizing creative fulfillment over box office success. While living in London with Exton, who gave birth to his children, he was committed to being an attentive father, hoping to shield them from the hardships he faced growing up. However, the 1980s proved to be difficult for Reeve as he dealt with dissatisfaction in both his personal and professional life. He only participated in Superman III (1983) and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987) out of a sense of obligation, both of which received negative responses from critics and audiences.
After his tragic accident, Reeve fought through profound struggles, during which he even believed he had ruined his family's happiness. Yet, the unwavering support from his loved ones, particularly Dana Reeve, would help him reframe his thinking. Dana's comforting words, "You're still you, and I love you," became a source of hope. Reeve found solace and camaraderie at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, where he connected with fellow individuals facing similar challenges. Eventually, he returned home, cared for round-the-clock by Dana and a team of nurses. Though both Reeve and Dana endured grief over lost dreams, they persevered for their children, especially as Will was born just months post-accident.
Throughout this tumultuous journey, Robin Williams played a key role in lifting Reeve's spirits; he gifted the family a large van that made Reeve's mobility easier. Reeve made a remarkable comeback, appearing at the 68th Academy Awards, marking his first public event since the accident. Tragically, following Reeve's passing, his children felt the profound impact of their father's absence. Matthew learned of his father's death during a taxi ride to the hospital, leaving an indelible void in their lives.
After Reeve's death, Dana took the helm of the foundation they had established, ardently pursuing her passion for singing until her own battle with lung cancer began. She bravely shared her diagnosis ten months after losing Reeve, passing away on March 6, 2006, at the age of 44. This led to Will Reeve feeling isolated, despite being lovingly cared for by family and friends.
In honor of their parents, Matthew, Alexandra, and Will joined the foundation as board members, transforming it into the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. Their continued efforts have inspired significant advancements in paralysis research and advocacy for disabled individuals, leaving a lasting testament to the legacies of both Christopher and Dana Reeve.
