Revealing the heart of a hero: Christopher Reeve’s journey transcends biopic conventions

Revisiting the legend of Superman

When embarking on a journey to tell the story of Christopher Reeve, Peter Ettedgui and Ian Bonhôte delved deep into the life of the iconic actor. Their mission was clear: this wouldn’t be just another biopic. Christopher Reeve, the man who famously donned the cape of Superman in the late 1970s and 1980s, lived a life that was much more than his cinematic persona.

The challenge of a dual narrative

In portraying Reeve’s heroic journey, Ettedgui and Bonhôte were conscious of the dichotomy in the actor’s life. Reeve, a symbol of strength and resilience, faced a life-altering horseback riding accident in 1995, which left him paralyzed from the neck down. This incident could have easily bifurcated the narrative into two contrasting elements: the actor as the standing superhero and the paralyzed advocate for spinal cord injuries.

“We were worried that the film would be half Christopher as an actor standing on his legs, and then Christopher disabled, sitting,” confesses Bonhôte. However, the filmmakers aimed for an inspiring story filled with strength, courage, perseverance, and determination.

Crafting an emotional narrative

Despite their determination to avoid a traditional biopic, Ettedgui and Bonhôte maintained a focused vision — to emphasize what it means to be a hero both on and off the screen. The narrative takes a heartfelt approach, driven by genuine emotions, steering clear of any gimmicks.

The role of meticulous editing

Enter Otto Burnham, the editor who played a crucial role in shaping the documentary. Burnham spent six to seven months weaving together archival footage and fresh interviews with Reeve’s family and close friends, including Whoopi Goldberg, Susan Sarandon, and Glenn Close. These elements were essential in hitting those emotional notes.

Burnham’s editing technique was meticulous. Each transition was handled uniquely, merging Reeve’s pre-accident and post-accident life seamlessly. One powerful example showcases Reeve learning to fly as Superman, immediately transitioning to his arrival home from the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation. This poignant moment is enhanced by Richard Donner’s insight: “Chris convinced me that he would fly. He also convinced me he will walk again.”

Burnham consistently sought ways to bind these emotional spaces within the narrative, ensuring that the documentary’s heart remained intact throughout.

The power of personal connections

A crucial aspect of the documentary is its intimate interviews. Close, Goldberg, and Sarandon weren’t just mere interviewees. Their deep connection to Reeve brought an added emotional depth. Bonhôte notes, “They are so close that when you interview them, they crack. They crack naturally because they love and cherish that person.”

Equally important were the family interviews, particularly with Reeve’s children — William, Alexandra, and Matt. Their honest and intimate insights added a spine to the story, offering a profound glimpse into their father’s life. Ettedgui recalls their first in-person meeting in New York after multiple Zoom calls. “We came out of that lunch, and we thought, ‘Well, you know, we almost don’t need to interview anyone else.’ Of course, we did. But we just knew that we could build the film around the three of them.”

Exploring emotional resonance

Ettedgui highlights the emotional layers of the documentary. Watching Chris Reeve grapple with his new reality, accepting his disability, and finding a renewed purpose in life juxtaposed against his past health offers a deeply moving experience.

“There is something emotional about seeing Chris going through the process of learning about disability and accepting it and finding a new purpose in his life, and juxtaposing that with looking back at his past as he says, ‘When I was home and when I was healthy,’” said Ettedgui.

The film’s foundational structure

Ettedgui and Burnham’s collaborative effort ensured the film’s emotional resonance. Burnham provided a structure that allowed the emotion of Reeve’s journey to unfold to its fullest potential. This harmony between the film’s technical prowess and its heartfelt storytelling creates a captivating narrative that transcends the boundaries of a conventional biopic.

this documentary is not just about presenting the life of an iconic actor but exploring the profound human experiences of resilience, advocacy, and unyielding spirit. A must-watch for those who seek inspiration from real-life heroes.

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