“Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story,” a look back at the life of the actor who brought the DC superhero to life, revolutionized the festival
Before David Corenswet, Henry Cavill and Brandon Routh; the paper from Clark Kent/Superman He was played by Christopher Reeve. The actor slipped into the superhero suit four times and his first film, “The Last Son of Krypton,” directed by Richard Donner and titled “Superman,” shaped the modern superhero genre. Now Reeve is back in the news for the documentary Super/Man: The Christopher Reeves Story that has revolutionized Sun Dance causing Applause and tears.
The actor died in 2004 after 9 years of paralysis. In 1995, the actor fell from his horse during an equestrian competition and was paralyzed. He was 42 years old. The documentary takes a tour of his life before and after that pivotal moment.
One of the most emotional moments is when Reeve is in the hospital after the accident “I couldn’t avoid the darkest thoughts”. There was even an argument between his relatives as his mother felt they should take him off life support. Reeves' first clear words, according to The Guardian, were to his wife Dana: “Maybe we should let me go.”. She replied, “You’re still you and I love you.”
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The actor's three children are key to the documentary, which also details how Reeve changed his approach to fatherhood after the accident. “I had to break my neck to learn some things”says the interpreter.
Another relationship the documentary delves into is that between Reeve and actor Robin Williams. The two had known each other since their youth, when they studied at the prestigious Juilliard Academy in New York and tried to find a place in the industry. After the accident, their friendship grew even stronger.
Gleen Close, another of Reeve's friends, appears in the documentary and talks about their relationship. “I always thought that Robin would still be alive if Chris was here”says the actress. Williams died in 2014.
Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story, directed by Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui, will premiere at Sundance on the 20th anniversary of the actor's death. The feature film includes home movies that Reeves' children wanted to show and share with the rest of the world. There is currently no release date for the documentary in Spain.
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