“Both Christopher and Dana didn’t want barriers or borders, they wanted people to achieve their dreams”: Peter Ettedgui and Ian Bonhôte on Super/Man – The Christopher Reeve Story at London Film Festival 2024

A hero in more ways than one, the story of Christopher Reeve – from donning the cape of Superman to the horrific horse-riding accident that rendered him paraplegic – is a journey full of sadness, sorrow and hope. Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story is more than just a look into the actor’s tragic fall; it’s a film documentary focused on love, family and friendship. Directed by Peter Ettedgui and Ian Bonhôte – known for their work on the 2018 film documentary McQueen on fashion designer Alexander McQueen – Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story recounts Reeve’s early acting efforts, his journey with the Superman character, life after paralysis and his two encompassing love stories with Gae Exton and Dana Morosini.

The feature highlights Reeve’s family and the impact his work and paralysis had on each of them, specifically his children. It’s seeing their father’s struggle and the hard work Morosini put into The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation that stands as the emotional backbone of the storytelling. Several other actors who were once good friends of Reeve also make an appearance: the likes of Glenn Close, Whoopi Goldberg, Susan Sarandon and Jeff Daniels. Archival footage of Reeves and his former roommate Robin Williams is also showcased to highlight the longstanding and enduring friendship between the two men. The Upcoming caught up with the directors Ettedgui and Bonhôte to discuss the film’s two-part love story, contesting opinions regarding disabilities and finding cures, and the importance of structure in documentary filmmaking.

Mae Trumata

Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story is released on 1^st November 2024.

Read more reviews from our London Film Festival coverage here.

For further information about the event visit the London Film Festival website here.

Watch the trailer for Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story here: