Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story offers a moving exploration of the life of Christopher Reeve, delving beyond his iconic role as Superman to portray his journey following a life-altering accident. Produced by Lizzie Gillett and Robert Ford, the documentary presents a vivid portrayal of Reeve’s transformation into a powerful advocate, devoted father, and resilient individual who inspired countless people. Through interviews, archival footage, and family insights, Super/Man reveals an intimate look at Reeve’s life and legacy, showcasing his strength, humor, and the incredible support of his loved ones. In this interview, Gillett and Ford discuss their approach to bringing Reeve’s story to life.
During the BFI London Film Festival, we sat down with Gillett and Ford to hear about the process behind this heartfelt tribute to an icon. From the challenges of balancing truth with respect to the profound role Reeve’s family played in shaping the film, they shared invaluable insights into what it means to honour a legacy.
Q: Christopher Reeve’s Superman is a generational character. How did making this film change your perception of Christopher Reeve as a person, or Superman as a symbol?
Lizzie Gillett: That’s a great question. I honestly knew very little about Christopher Reeve before this film. Of course, I knew he was Superman, but my view has changed entirely. Beyond his incredible talent, Reeve’s true strength became evident after his accident. He transformed into an even more present father, partner, and overall person. For me, that’s when he became a real hero, showing a resilience and depth that few could imagine in such difficult circumstances.
Robert Ford: I had a similar experience. I wasn’t aware of his personal journey before this, but I learned how much of a family man he was, and his love story with Dana is truly beautiful. That warmth, his kindness and humility, is something that his children continue today. So, at its heart, this story is about family, and that was powerful to discover.
Q: How did you balance showing Reeve’s flaws and difficulties with respecting his legacy?
Lizzie Gillett: The Reeve children, who were involved from the beginning, didn’t want a one-dimensional portrayal. They didn’t want a simple, cradle-to-grave biopic. They wanted something powerful, and they trusted us with emotional interviews and archives, some of which they hadn’t even watched themselves. And when we finally showed them the rough cut, it was nerve-wracking, but their feedback was positive. They trusted us to handle his legacy carefully, without needing final creative control, so we were able to walk that line respectfully.
Q: What was your creative approach to telling his story, especially with the use of archives and interviews?
Robert Ford: Directors Peter and Ian have this guiding mantra: “emotion over information.” Rather than a linear story, the film begins with Reeve’s accident and shifts between flashbacks of his career and his life afterward. Some of it even feels like a dream, his memories surfacing in fragmented moments, making the film more emotional.
Lizzie Gillett: Absolutely. They chose to start with the accident, which was a bold decision, and then follow two main narratives: the ten years after the accident, and flashbacks to his career, including Superman. Their clear vision helped us keep the story focused, even though we went down various rabbit holes that didn’t make the final cut. Their boundaries and approach to archives were essential.
Q: Was managing Reeve’s legacy a responsibility that weighed on you?
Lizzie Gillett: Definitely. Reeve’s legacy is significant, particularly through his work for disability rights and the Reeve Foundation. The children embody that legacy today: Matt as a filmmaker, Alexandra as an activist, and Will as a TV presenter. By showcasing them as the main characters, we aimed to celebrate how they carry their parents’ values and love forward.
Q: Is there another actor or public figure connected to a character you’d consider for a documentary?
Lizzie Gillett: I’d love to do something on Jean-Claude Van Damme!
Robert Ford: For me, I’ve thought about Jack Nicholson or Heath Ledger. Ledger’s story is incredibly tragic yet resonates deeply in popular culture. It’s crucial, though, to handle such subjects carefully to avoid exploitation.
Lizzie Gillett: And that care is what makes Super/Man unique. The film doesn’t shy away from difficult moments but remains uplifting. It’s about love, family, and resilience, which people crave amid so much darkness in the world.
Q: The documentary is emotionally intense, especially during scenes recounting Reeve’s final moments. Was there a concern about going too far emotionally?
Lizzie Gillett: We want audiences to feel. Film is powerful because it combines music, cinematography, and narrative to create an emotional experience. While it was difficult to show both Christopher’s and Dana’s deaths, the film ends with hope by highlighting their children’s work, offering a sense of wholeness despite the sadness.
Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story, which premiered at Sundance and was showcased at the BFI London Film Festival, took nearly three years to create. Now showing in theatres, the film offers a profound look at an icon whose legacy endures through family, resilience, and unyielding hope.
