Exploring Love and Loss: The Life of Christopher Reeve in “Super/Man”

In 1995, Christopher Reeve’s life took a tragic turn when a horseback riding accident left him paralyzed from the neck down. This incident highlighted the stark irony of his transformation from Hollywood’s iconic Superman to a vulnerable figure facing immense challenges. However, this marked only the beginning of Reeve’s journey, as he became a passionate advocate for those with spinal cord injuries and disabilities until his death in 2004.

The documentary “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story” presents a poignant and deeply human exploration of Reeve’s life as an actor, advocate, husband, and father. Directed by Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui—known for their work on the Netflix Paralympic documentary “Rising Phoenix” and “McQueen”—the film dives into universal themes of love and loss, providing insights that resonate with anyone who has faced adversity.

Bonhôte reflects on the profound lessons learned during the making of the documentary, particularly about grief. “You don’t overcome grief; you live with it,” he explains in a recent interview with CNN. This sentiment underlines the film’s exploration of Reeve’s struggle and resilience as he navigated the aftermath of his accident.

Central to the narrative is Reeve’s adaptation to a new reality. The film candidly addresses the immediate aftermath of his injury—his doubts about life and the difficult journey through rehabilitation. As Ettedgui notes, “It’s twofold, that purpose.” Reeve not only became an extraordinary advocate for the disabled but also resumed his career in an industry that often overlooked such individuals.

Just two years after his accident, Reeve directed “In the Gloaming,” a heartfelt film about a family supporting a son with AIDS, which garnered five Primetime Emmy nominations. This marked the beginning of his determined return to filmmaking, during which he directed several projects and continued to act in various roles.

Reeve’s commitment to advocacy is highlighted through his work with the American Paralysis Association, which later evolved into the Christopher Reeve Foundation. The documentary captures his transformation from someone who initially struggled to identify as part of the disabled community to a champion for it, culminating in an emotional speech at the 1996 Academy Awards.

Ettedgui, a lifelong fan of Reeve, expresses admiration for his impact on those around him and emphasizes the actor’s internal struggle. He recalls Reeve’s poignant question after his accident: “Man has conquered outer space—how come we can’t understand what is going on in our deep tissue?” This reflects Reeve’s mission to push for advancements in understanding spinal cord injuries and rehabilitation.

The film goes beyond a chronological recounting of events, offering an intimate look at Reeve’s formative years as a theater actor in New York. His friendship with Robin Williams and collaborations with notable actors like Jeff Daniels are also explored. Daniels shares captivating anecdotes from their time together, including Reeve’s revelation about his potential casting as Superman.

Ettedgui encapsulates the film’s essence: “Everything comes down to being about the human condition.” He notes that while few may relate to being cast as Superman, the experiences of love, loss, and mortality are universal. This connection makes Reeve’s story deeply resonant for all audiences.

Tragically, the documentary also confronts the duality of loss. After Reeve’s death from heart failure in 2004, his wife Dana was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer, passing away in 2006. The film poignantly portrays the impact of these losses on Reeve’s younger son, Will, and his two older children from a previous relationship. In a heart-wrenching moment, Will shares his feelings of isolation following the death of his father and later his mother.

The candidness and vulnerability expressed by Reeve’s children serve as the emotional core of the film. Bonhôte reflects on the importance of their contributions, noting how they approached the project ready to share their truths. “They’re passionate about the memory of their father,” he adds, acknowledging their strength in the face of profound loss.

“Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story” premieres in theaters on Wednesday, presented by CNN Films, HBO Documentary Films, and DC Studios. The documentary promises to be a moving tribute to Reeve’s legacy, exploring the complexities of love, resilience, and the human spirit in the face of adversity.