NEW YORK — Christopher Reeve’s children aim to present a comprehensive portrayal of their father’s life, blending his strengths and flaws in their new documentary, “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story.” They believe this approach reflects Reeve’s own wishes for an honest narrative.
The documentary features an array of family home videos along with interviews and film clips showcasing Reeve’s dynamic career, during which he gained fame as Superman in four films. Matthew, Alexandra, and Will Reeve, the late actor’s three children, emphasized that no subject was off-limits when recounting their father’s journey.
“Viewing things through a sentimental lens wasn’t something he would entertain. He cherished authentic storytelling and artistic expression, and that’s precisely what we aimed to deliver,” shared Will Reeve. “It was essential for us to be forthright, vulnerable, and to encapsulate the multifaceted experiences of a real family navigating life’s ups and downs.”
Reeve, often referred to as the Man of Steel, was known for his active lifestyle as an athlete and equestrian before a tragic horse-riding accident in 1995 rendered him paralyzed. Following this life-altering incident, he passionately advocated for disability rights and established a foundation in his name to support those with similar challenges.
The filmmakers, Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui, gained access to previously unseen home footage of the Reeve family, recorded before and after the accident. Bonhôte highlighted the Reeve children’s commitment to transparency, noting, “They were eager to share everything with us, including their emotional experiences. This marked the first occasion they chose to fully reveal their story.”
Reeve had left behind audio recordings of his memoir, which are woven into the documentary, enhancing its emotional depth. He had two children, Matthew and Alexandra, with his former partner Gae Exton, during a period when they were living in the United Kingdom. The film capturesExton’s insights on that era, while Matthew and Alexandra candidly express their feelings about their father’s absence during their formative years.
The documentary also features contributions from notable actors, including Susan Sarandon and Glenn Close, who share reminiscences of their friendship with Reeve after he graduated from Juilliard, initiating his acting career in New York City. Close proposes in the film that both Reeve and his close friend Robin Williams shared a profound bond, suggesting that if Reeve had lived, Williams might still be alive today.
Reflecting on the filmmaking process, the Reeve children expressed how delving into their family’s archives afforded them newfound insights and appreciation for their father. Will, who was just twelve when Reeve passed away, acknowledged the significant role that family and friends played in his upbringing. He considers himself “reasonably well-adjusted,” thanks to the foundational values instilled in him by his parents, which prepared him for both life’s challenges and pleasures.
“There are scenarios where things could have unfolded quite differently,” Will noted. “However, our parents’ teachings about openness regarding life—both its highs and downfalls—prepared us for whatever came our way.”
The filmmakers were particularly struck by Reeve’s resilience in pursuing advocacy, even after becoming physically restricted. Following his transformation into a quadriplegic, he and his family realized the severe inadequacies in resources available for the disabled community, which led to the establishment of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation aimed at improving quality of life and funding research.
“He allowed himself brief moments of self-pity, then committed to an ambitious mission to effect change,” Bonhôte remarked. “The family’s journey was fraught with formidable challenges, including extensive caregiving requirements and associated costs. Yet, he championed the rights of the less fortunate.”
Alexandra Reeve Givens is actively continuing this legacy by working with the foundation as an attorney in Washington and leading the Center for Democracy and Technology. She characterized reflecting on her father’s life as deeply impactful, noting how certain traits remained steadfast throughout his journey—traits of commitment, passion, and resilience which were redefined after his injury.
The documentary is set for a broad release this Friday, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of Reeve’s passing this month. Matthew Reeve, a writer-producer-director, stated that the film renewed their family’s understanding of the lessons imparted by their parents, especially regarding life’s precarious nature.
“It instilled in us an early appreciation for life itself, from the gift of survival post-accident to the understanding that tomorrow is never guaranteed. It encourages us to truly cherish the moment,” he added.
