Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story
A touching and intimate portrait of American actor Christopher Reeve, whose portrayal of Superman set the standard for all subsequent superhero films. His life took a dramatic turn after a near-fatal horseback riding accident in 1995.
The role of Superman catapulted Reeve's career to spectacular heights, yet he showcased his versatility in numerous other roles. In 1995, a nearly fatal horseback riding accident left him paralyzed from the neck down, sparking his activism for spinal cord injury research and advocacy for disability rights. Despite his disability, he continued his career both in front of and behind the camera, while remaining devoted to his family. Reeve passed away from heart failure in 2004 at the age of 52, followed by his wife Dana two years later from lung cancer at the age of 44.
Directors Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui, known for their work on the documentary MCQUEEN, blend footage from Reeve's career with never-before-seen home videos and personal archives. The film also features interviews with Reeve's wife, their three children who continue his campaign, and Hollywood friends including Susan Sarandon, Glenn Close, Robin Williams, and Whoopi Goldberg. Reeve himself narrates much of his story through extensive audio recordings from his life. This moving film received a standing ovation at its premiere during the opening night of Sundance 2024. (ek)