Decades before superheroes took over the movie screens, Christopher Reeve made the world believe that a man could fly. He went from unknown actor to iconic movie star as the definitive Superman on screen but taught everyone the true meaning of heroism with his activism after the accident that left him paralyzed and dependent on a ventilator.

Through unseen home movies and personal archives, filmmakers Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui weave a dual narrative in the documentary Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story, moving back and forth in time to explore the impact of two crucial moments in Christopher Reeve's career: his casting as Superman in 1978 and his paralysis in 1995.

In this documentary that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January of this year, and now hitting the big screen, Reeve's close associates reflect with remarkable candor on life before and after the accident.

Christopher Reeve, the definitive Superman

It also features the first-ever extended interviews with Reeve's three children about their father, as well as interviews with top Hollywood actors who were Reeve's colleagues and friends. 

The result is a profoundly moving film that puts the man behind Superman in the spotlight, showing a complete portrait that encompasses both the high and inspiring moments as well as the dark depths of Reeve's journey.

His career

Throughout his 34-year career, Reeve accumulated numerous credits in film and television, including the role of the titular character in the Superman movie and its three sequels (1978-1987), a career for which he won a British Academy Film Award, an Emmy Award, a Grammy Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award.

After the success of Superman, Reeve turned down roles in action movies, opting for smaller films and plays with complex characters. He appeared in critically acclaimed films like Somewhere in Time (1980), The Bostonians (1984), The Street Reporter (1987), and The Remains of the Day (1993), and in Broadway plays Fifth of July and West End play The Aspern Papers.

His activism

Starting in the 1980s, Reeve dedicated himself to advocating for environmental and human rights causes, as well as artistic freedom of expression. 

After his accident, Reeve advocated for spinal cord injury research, including research with human embryonic stem cells, and for better insurance coverage for people with disabilities and their social rights.

Christopher and Dana Reeve's dedication to curing spinal cord injuries and improving the quality of life for individuals, caregivers, and families affected by paralysis continues through the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. Reeve's life came to an end in 2004, at the age of 54.

*This article has been automatically translated using artificial intelligence