## SUPER/MAN: The Christopher Reeve Story – A Testament to Love and Resilience
Ian Bonhote and Peter Ettedgui’s documentary, *SUPER/MAN: The Christopher Reeve Story*, transcends a typical biographical film. It’s a deeply moving exploration of the iconic Superman actor’s life, showcasing not only his extraordinary career but also his unwavering resilience and inspiring advocacy following a life-altering accident. The film masterfully intertwines Reeve’s public persona with intimate glimpses into his private life, revealing the strength and determination of both Christopher and his wife, Dana Reeve.
The narrative begins with Reeve’s early days, from his time as a Juilliard roommate of Robin Williams to his burgeoning acting career. The documentary explores his attempts to escape the shadow of Superman, highlighting roles in films like *Somewhere in Time* and *Death Trap*. However, the central focus shifts dramatically following Reeve’s devastating 1995 riding accident, which left him a quadriplegic. It is here that Dana’s unwavering love and support become a cornerstone of the film, embodied in her powerful words to a near-death Christopher: “You are still you, and I love you.”
Through poignant home movies, interviews with Reeve’s children, ex-wife Gae Exton, and colleagues like Whoopi Goldberg, Jeff Daniels, and Glenn Close, the film offers a deeply personal portrait. We witness Reeve’s post-injury career in acting and directing (including his 1998 TV movie, *Rear Window*), but it’s his transformation into a tireless activist for spinal cord injury research that truly captivates. His speeches, including one at the Democratic Convention, and appearances, such as at the Academy Awards less than a year after his accident, demonstrate his remarkable spirit and unwavering dedication to improving the lives of others. Dana, ever by his side, was instrumental in his fundraising efforts and medical research initiatives, showcasing her own extraordinary strength and determination.
The film culminates in a devastatingly emotional sequence depicting the family’s visit to Reeve’s deathbed at the age of 52. The cruel irony of fate is underscored by the subsequent diagnosis and death of Dana from lung cancer at just 44 years old, a mere 17 months after her husband’s passing. This profoundly moving documentary offers a rare and intimate look into the lives of Christopher and Dana Reeve, leaving a lasting impression and reminding us of the true values in life – a legacy far more profound than any superhero cape.
(Personal Anecdote): I had the unexpected pleasure of sitting near Christopher Reeve at an NFL playoff game in 1979. He engaged in some good-natured trash talk with me, a young Cowboys fan, until his team pulled ahead, at which point he departed. It’s a small memory but one that adds a layer of personal connection to this already impactful film.