When you think about legendary figures, few names spark as much admiration and nostalgia as Christopher Reeve, the beloved actor who brought Superman to life on the big screen. But beyond his iconic role, Reeve’s story is one of resilience, family, and profound transformation. Recently, his three children—Alexandra, Matthew, and Will—sat down to reminisce about their father and discuss the documentary “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story,” which dives deep into both his heroic portrayal of the Man of Steel and his incredible journey as a father and advocate for those with disabilities.
The Eject Button Memory
Among the many memories they share, one stands out: the infamous “eject button.” Alexandra, 40, chuckles as she recalls, “Oh yes, that would be the ‘eject button,’” which brings immediate smiles from her siblings Matthew, 44, and Will, 32. This playful detail reflects their father's playful spirit and his ability to lighten the mood, even in serious situations.
“Dad could control his wheelchair with just one finger, and right near that finger, he placed a sticker that read ‘Eject,’” she continues, laughing heartily. “You should have seen the faces of congressmen and other important people he met—thinking, ‘Wait, is that button for real?’” To Alexandra, this anecdote perfectly encapsulates her father’s personality. “He loved playing with people,” she says, embodying the warmth and humor that defined Christopher Reeve.
Will chimes in, sharing a family motto that echoes through their memories: “Yes, his feeling was, take life seriously, but don’t take yourself too seriously. That could honestly have been on the family crest.” It’s a sentiment that highlights the balance Reeve maintained between gravitas and levity, an essential lesson he imparted to his children.
A Deeper Dive into the Documentary
Titled “Super/Man,” this documentary cleverly deconstructs the myth of Christopher Reeve, showcasing the man behind the cape. Directed by Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui, it goes beyond the iconic superhero role that catapulted him to fame in 1978. The film takes a raw look at Reeve's life, exploring his struggles with personal demons, the heart-wrenching horse riding accident that left him paralyzed, and his evolution into a devoted family man and tireless advocate for individuals with disabilities.
As the Reeve siblings have viewed the documentary multiple times, they agree that the most challenging part isn’t reliving the accident itself. “The hardest thing is watching the interviews we each did for the movie,” Alexandra explains. “For me, it’s tough to see the moments when Will and Matthew choke up thinking about Dad.” It’s a testament to the profound impact their father had on each of their lives, and the emotional weight of revisiting those memories.
A Legacy of Vulnerability
Matthew, the eldest, carries a wealth of memories from before the accident. “Watching clips of my siblings was tough because you see what he meant to each of us, to our mom, to Dana (Will’s mother),” he reflects. “Doing this was ultimately cathartic, especially since we’ve spent more time together as a result.” Their shared experience of exploring their father’s legacy has forged a deeper connection among them.
Christopher Reeve’s journey is portrayed in the film as a parable of self-discovery. Before the accident, he was a charismatic figure grappling with the complexities of life. The documentary shows how he worked to overcome the emotional scars left by his demanding father, F.D. Reeve, a renowned academic. This complicated relationship led Christopher to make a vow: to create a stable environment for his own children. Yet, even as he aspired to be a role model, he wrestled with the feeling that he was constantly competing with his kids in various activities, from skiing to horse riding.
One particularly poignant moment in the film captures Reeve’s realization of the importance of vulnerability and connection. “It took ‘breaking my neck’ to finally grow truly close to my kids,” he admits, highlighting how his tragic accident forced him to reevaluate his priorities and his approach to fatherhood.
Will reflects on this transformation: “The silver lining of his accident, you might say, is how it became a catalyst for our family to never leave anything unsaid.” He shares how this shift led to more open communication, where they could express stories, feelings, hopes, and dreams without reservation. “The goal was to live a life that was open and honest, and yes, realistic too,” Will explains. “We wanted to ensure we didn’t feel robbed of anything more than what was already taken from us.”
Discovering Joy in the Documentary
One of the highlights of “Super/Man” for Will is the behind-the-scenes footage and home movies that capture his father’s vibrant life before he became a household name. “I heard stories of this dynamic, adventurous, active man who couldn’t sit still,” he shares. “He rode horses, flew planes, skied—those were the tales I grew up with.”
Even after his accident, Will saw that same passion for life in his dad. “I didn’t experience the adventurous side of him directly, but I witnessed that same intensity and thirst for life after the accident,” he reflects. This understanding adds another layer to his father's legacy, showing how Reeve’s spirit endured, even in the face of adversity.
Matthew’s favorite moments in the documentary revolve around the playful exchanges with his father. “There were countless times when Dad would give me that look,” he reminisces, his voice quieting at the memory. “I can’t tell you how many times from across the room he would shoot me that same look—so familiar, so special.” These shared glances encapsulate their bond, a connection that transcended words.
For Alexandra, the documentary’s most impactful scenes are from 1996, when Reeve took to the stages at the Oscars and the Democratic National Convention to advocate for disability funding. “He knew that the day is not promised to any of us,” she states. “We need to reflect honestly about who we are as people.” Her passion for the cause is evident, as she, alongside her siblings, remains actively involved with the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, which aims to find cures for spinal cord injuries.
The Power of Reflection and Growth
As they navigate the complexities of their father’s legacy, the Reeve siblings have found that the process has brought nothing but positive outcomes. “This is about showing a 360-degree view of an ordinary human who achieved extraordinary things,” Will says proudly. With each viewing of the documentary, he finds himself swelling with pride. “I’m prouder and prouder each time I watch it,” he declares.
In a world that often emphasizes the superhuman, “Super/Man” serves as a reminder that even icons face challenges. Through Christopher Reeve’s journey, the documentary underscores the power of vulnerability, the importance of family, and the strength found in authenticity. The Reeve children’s willingness to share their memories and emotions showcases not just their love for their father but also the lessons learned from his life.
Final Thoughts
The story of Christopher Reeve is a testament to the human spirit—a journey that transcends the glitz and glamour of Hollywood to reveal the heart and soul of a man who fought for what he believed in. The documentary “Super/Man” invites us to reflect on our own lives and relationships, encouraging us to embrace vulnerability, communicate openly, and cherish our loved ones.
As Alexandra, Matthew, and Will continue to carry forward their father's legacy, they remind us that it’s not about the capes we wear but the connections we foster that truly define us. Their shared laughter, tears, and memories paint a vivid picture of a family that turned tragedy into triumph—a family that knows how to celebrate life, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
Login