Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story

 Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story


“I feel that while I'm sitting down I've actually landed on my feet.”

“I think the game is worthwhile, I really do."

“The catastrophic event was probably necessary to change my perspective. I needed to break my neck to learn some of this stuff.”
-Christopher Reeve, Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story

It is difficult to nail down what Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story is trying to say. Don't get me wrong, Christopher Reeves' journey from before and after his quadriplegic injury is well explored in this documentary. It is a harrowing tale of loss, acceptance, family, triumph and love. It is all of these things and more. The film is a document of how an actor became the real life embodiment of his most famous on-screen persona. He became a real life Superman. An example of perseverance and fortitude. Mingle all of this with Reeves' ever present struggle with his flawed humanity, and you have a powerful mixture that demonstrates the nuances of the human experience.
Yet somehow, this documentary struggles to find its purpose, the perspective it wants to leave you with. It may seem strange to say it but, the film asks too many questions. It gets in the way of experiencing the tragedies and triumphs of what it means to live a life defined by quadriplegia. Just as the film asks you to ponder a struggle or a triumph in Reeves’ life another quickly takes its place. Asking you then to ponder another answer. As a result, the film’s impactful and thought-provoking moments eventually become diluted by the realization that you are watching a film, rather than journeying with Christopher and his family as he and they accept or challenge their new normal.
That said, Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story does take tremendous care of its subjects, and as a general biographical documentary it succeeds to a great degree. However, its lack of a thematic focus seems evident as the film struggles to bring its conclusions to bear In the end in a meaningful way. Though it is certainly worth a watch.

Rated PG-13 for some strong language and thematic elements



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