Christopher Reeve, the Hollywood icon synonymous with Superman, experienced a life-altering moment that transcended any fictional narrative. In an instant, a tragic horseback riding accident irrevocably shifted his reality, leaving him paralyzed from the neck down. However, amidst the despair and uncertainty, a powerful force emerged: hope.
Reeve, celebrated for his captivating portrayals of strength and heroism on screen, found himself facing a battle unlike any he’d encountered before. This time, his greatest challenge was not battling supervillains but navigating the complexities of a life profoundly changed. The accident, which occurred on May 27, 1995, during a routine equestrian event, resulted in severe spinal cord injuries, leaving him a quadriplegic.
Christopher Reeve became a household name after starring as Superman. (Photo by Hulton-Deutsch/Hulton-Deutsch Collection/Corbis via Getty Images)
Christopher Reeve rose to fame playing the iconic Superman in four films. Picture: Getty
A new documentary, “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story,” delves into the aftermath of this tragedy, exploring Reeve’s journey with profound honesty and sensitivity. The film goes beyond the headlines, offering a deeply personal glimpse into his struggles, triumphs, and unwavering commitment to advocacy.
Director Peter Ettedgui emphasizes the crucial role played by Reeve’s wife, Dana, in his life after the accident. Dana’s unwavering love, resilience, and insistence on “choosing hope” became a beacon of light during their shared journey. Ettedgui highlights Reeve’s conscious decision to allocate a specific time for sadness and self-pity, after which he would resolutely focus on moving forward.
“He did allow himself fifteen to twenty minutes of pity a day, and that was it,” Ettedgui shared with People magazine. “Otherwise, it was like, there’s not a single f**king minute in the day to waste. He’d be thinking, ‘I’m sad,’ but then you could almost see him calculating like, ‘That’s it. Now it’s time to get on with it.'”
Dana’s strength and positivity profoundly impacted their children as well. Will Reeve, their youngest son, speaks of his mother’s unwavering spirit, noting, “My mom was maybe the most special person to ever grace this earth. And it’s a testament to her singular spirit that she lived every day by choosing hope. There was a relentless positivity that was not manufactured, it’s just who she was. And it helped our family move forward.”
Christopher Reeve, wife Dana, and Reeves' good friend Robin Williams in 1996. (Photo credit: Vince Bucci/AFP via Getty Images)
Christopher Reeve with his wife, Dana, and close friend, Robin Williams. Picture: Getty
Despite the immense challenges, Christopher Reeve refused to let paralysis define him. He channeled his energy and platform into advocating for others with spinal cord injuries, establishing the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. The foundation, dedicated to funding groundbreaking research and improving the quality of life for individuals living with paralysis, stands as a testament to his enduring legacy.
“Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story” does not shy away from the raw, emotional realities faced by the Reeve family. Archival footage captures Reeve’s initial despair, revealing his candid admission to Dana about wanting to end his life. Dana’s response, however, exemplified the depth of her love and commitment.
“I am only going to say this once,” she told him. “I will support whatever you want to do because this is your life and your decision. But I want you to know that I’ll be with you for the long haul, no matter what. You’re still you. And I love you.”
Her words, imbued with unwavering love and acceptance, became a turning point for Reeve, reminding him of the life they shared and the possibilities that still lay ahead. He lived for another decade after the accident, tirelessly advocating for others and challenging perceptions of disability.
In a cruel twist of fate, Dana Reeve passed away from lung cancer just seventeen months after her husband, leaving their children orphaned. Will Reeve, only thirteen at the time, reflects on the profound impact of their loss, stating, “I think the most important element of the grief process is healing, and you can find healing by honouring people you’ve lost in the way we live our lives. We learned how important the family unit, and the love within a family, is to living a fulfilling and meaningful life.”
“Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story” is more than just a documentary; it’s a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the human spirit’s indomitable will to persevere. It invites viewers to reexamine their perceptions of strength, reminding us that even in the face of unimaginable adversity, hope can flourish. Through intimate interviews, archival footage, and the Reeve family’s poignant reflections, the film paints a moving portrait of a life lived with purpose, courage, and unwavering love.
