I left the screening of this film in tears. And I'm getting emotional again while writing this review.
It’s such a shame that Christopher Reeve became much more of a superhero in real life than he did on-screen. Because the reason he’ll be remembered is the remarkable courage he showed when dealing with an appalling personal tragedy.
The late actor, best-known for playing Superman in four films between 1978 and 1987, suffered a fall from a horse in 1995 that left him paralysed from the neck down, unable to breathe without a ventilator, and requiring 24-hour care.
He was only 42. Not only that, he had led a very active life up to that point, enjoying sport as well as activities such as flying and sailing. He was the kind of guy who was permanently out and about. A right action man.
Suddenly, that life was over, with no hope of a full recovery.
Understandably grief-stricken by his situation, Reeve somehow managed to convince himself that life was worth living, continued his acting career, and became a disability activist.
He died in 2004 at the age of 52, but packed so much into his life, both pre and post-paralysis.
The film alternates between before and after Reeve's life-altering accident, painting a powerful picture of a remarkable man, but it’s far from a hagiography..
Reeve had a difficult childhood. His parents divorced when he was young and remarried several times, creating complications. He also endured a judgemental relationship with his poet father, who belittled his son's choice of career.
That upbringing effected his own adult life in several negative ways.
But at Julliard, Reeve became close friends with a classmate called Robin Williams. There’s a couple of very touching scenes - including Reeve’s funeral - where Williams comes across as the ultimate wacky BFF.
While Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story doesn’t shy away from what might be called Reeve’s 'dark side’, it is clearly a labour of love. There are deeply moving contributions from his children Matthew, Alexandra, and Will.
Please, please, go and see this film. Like me, you might shed a tear, but you’ll leave the cinema feeling inspired.
It’s super, man.
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