Christopher Reeve, the iconic Superman actor, shared a poignant moment from his life in a new documentary that explores his journey before and after a paralyzing accident.
As reported by The Independent, the film Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story offers an intimate look at Reeve's struggles and triumphs, including a pivotal conversation with his wife that he credits with saving his life.
The documentary, produced by DC Studios, had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in January and is set to be released in select theaters next month.
It promises to be an emotional retrospective of Reeve's life, chronicling his rise to fame as Superman and his subsequent advocacy work for paralysis sufferers following his own accident in 1995.
In the documentary footage, Reeve candidly discussed the dark thoughts he experienced during his initial recovery period. The actor, who was paralyzed from the neck down after a horse-riding accident, admitted to feeling that he had ruined not only his own life but also the lives of those around him. He recalled thinking about the activities he would no longer be able to do, such as skiing, sailing, or playing catch with his son.
Reeve revealed that he had reached a point where he considered giving up. However, it was at this critical moment that his wife, Dana, spoke seven words that changed everything. According to Reeve, Dana said, "You're still you. And I love you."
These simple yet powerful words gave Reeve the strength to continue fighting and ultimately led him to become a prominent advocate for spinal cord injury research and treatment.
"Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story" aims to provide a comprehensive look at Reeve's life, both before and after his accident. The film includes interviews with Reeve's three children: Matthew, Alexandra, and Will. It also features contributions from his late wife, Dana, who passed away in 2006 from lung cancer.
The documentary doesn't shy away from the difficult moments in Reeve's life. His son Matthew recounts the last time he saw his father before the accident, describing a poignant farewell wave that would be the final image of his father standing. This personal perspective adds depth to the story of Reeve's accident and its impact on his family.
In addition to family interviews, the documentary includes stories and memories from many of Reeve's Hollywood friends. Notable contributors include Whoopi Goldberg, Susan Sarandon, Jeff Daniels, and Glenn Close. Their insights provide a well-rounded view of Reeve as both an actor and a person.
The film also delves into Reeve's extensive advocacy work following his accident. It highlights his leadership of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation and his co-founding of the Reeve-Irvine Research Center. These efforts played a significant role in advancing research and support for individuals with spinal cord injuries.
Reeve's commitment to advocacy extended to his acting career as well. In 2003, he made two cameo appearances in the television series "Smallville," using the opportunity to promote the work of his foundation.
"Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story" offers a comprehensive look at the life of Christopher Reeve, from his iconic role as Superman to his transformative journey following a paralyzing accident. The documentary reveals the crucial role his wife, Dana, played in his recovery and highlights his subsequent advocacy work. With contributions from family, friends, and Hollywood colleagues, the film promises to be an emotional and inspiring tribute to Reeve's indomitable spirit and lasting legacy. Reeve passed away in 2004 at the age of 52, leaving behind a powerful impact on both the entertainment industry and the world of spinal cord injury research.
