American actor Christopher Reeve is the subject of a new documentary from directors Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui, Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story.

Ettedgui co-wrote the script with Otto Burnham, taking its title from the role Reeves played on the big screen between 1978 to 1987.  

The film chronicles Reeves’ early life as an actor and his rise to fame. We’re eventually led to the horse riding accident which left Reeve paralysed. The journey then follows Reeve’s subsequent work as an activist for disability rights. 

Deeply moving, the film is one part ‘Great American Tragedy’ and one part ‘Great American Love Story’. Reeves’ relationship with his late wife Dana Morosini is the beating heart of the film. 

Much is made of Reeve’s complicated family life, where the sins of Reeve’s father – the scholar F.D. Reeve – are to a degree played out with his son. 

As is well documented, everything in Christopher’s life changes in an instant when his horse fails to take a jump. 

As the story plays out, the film is inter-cut with Reeve’s cinematic moments as the man of steel. It’s almost worth the price of admission to see Reeves playing Superman on the big screen again, even if it is only in grabs. 

Super/Man would translate well to the small screen, but while it’s playing theatres that’s where you need to see it. A-list actors from Glenn Close to Robin Williams all appear, but it’s the footage of Reeves in his most famous role that lights up the room. 

Take your tissues though, for all the rush of seeing Reeves in his most iconic role, at the heart of this film is heartbreak. There’s a certain triumph of will and an heroic part played by Reeves and his family to assist in easing awareness for others, but a heavy sadness will wash over you as the film plays out its final moments. 

This is easily one of the best documentaries of a major Hollywood figure to be released in many a year. 

Time Off (3.5/5)