Christopher Reeve, the iconic face of Superman, soared into hearts worldwide as a symbol of unshakable heroism. But as the new documentary “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story” reveals, his real-life narrative was far more complex, shadowed by personal struggles and human frailty. Launching next month to mark 20 years since Reeve’s death, the film pulls back the cape to present an unvarnished portrait of the man behind the hero.
At the heart of the documentary lies a candid reflection from Reeve’s eldest son, Matthew. Now a 44-year-old film producer based in Stockholm, Matthew recounts a strained relationship with his father, particularly during his early years. “The day after I was born, he flew to his friends and went skiing,” Matthew shares in the film. He describes his mother, Gae Exton, as a single parent in all but name during much of his childhood, noting that their connection was marked by missed opportunities rather than monumental moments.
Reeve’s meteoric rise as the Man of Steel was juxtaposed by personal challenges that, according to Matthew, only deepened after his relationship with Gae ended in 1987.
By then, Reeve’s career had hit turbulence following the Superman franchise’s success, forcing him into TV movie roles to make ends meet. “When I was young, the only cooler movie-star father would have been Luke Skywalker or Indiana Jones,” Matthew reflects. “But by the time I was ten, he was kind of doing TV movies of the week.”
The documentary, produced by the acclaimed Passion Pictures, doesn’t shy away from Reeve’s emotional complexities. It delves into his fractured bond with his own father, a relationship that only began to mend after Reeve’s life-altering 1995 equestrian accident left him paralyzed from the neck down. The tragedy served as a turning point, shaping his understanding of resilience, fatherhood, and heroism.
The film features poignant interviews with family members and rare archival footage. Notably, it highlights Reeve’s determination to teach his youngest son, Will, how to ride a bike despite his paralysis. Reeve’s evolution from an absent father to a deeply involved parent is captured with raw emotion. His reflections post-accident offer profound insight: “I needed to break my neck to learn some of this stuff.”
Reeve’s redefinition of heroism resonates throughout the documentary. Initially, he saw a hero as someone performing courageous acts without thought of consequence. Later, his experience reshaped this view. “Now, I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles,” he said.
The film also sheds light on Reeve’s influential advocacy for spinal cord injury research and his openness about living with a disability. Glenn Close, a supporter of Reeve’s charitable foundation, credits his courage with shifting public attitudes.
She even speculates that had Reeve lived, his friendship with comedian Robin Williams could have prevented Williams’ tragic 2014 death. “He and Robin were such good friends because they could match each other,” Close remarked.
“Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story” doesn’t just celebrate the actor’s legendary career; it honors the flawed but relentless human being who redefined heroism in ways far beyond the screen. For fans, it’s a powerful reminder that even the strongest among us are, ultimately, human.
