Chris and Rob discuss the recently released documentary SUPER/MAN: THE CHRISTOPHER REEVE STORY.
E-MAIL: fwpodcasts@gmail.com
You can find SUPERMAN MOVIE MINUTE on these platforms:
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/superman-movie-minute/id1234199776
- Amazon Music
- Spotify
Opening theme and closing theme by John Williams.
This podcast is a proud member of the FIRE AND WATER PODCAST NETWORK:
- Visit the Fire & Water WEBSITE: http://fireandwaterpodcast.com
- Follow Fire & Water on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/FWPodcasts
- Like our Fire & Water FACEBOOK page: https://www.facebook.com/FWPodcastNetwork
- Support The Fire & Water Podcast Network on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/fwpodcasts
- Use our HASHTAG online: #FWPodcasts
Thanks for listening!
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Great episode, fellas! My allergies acted up a few times during this movie. Damned pollen.
I see the spectre of Superman 4 looms large over you two. Bite that speeding bullet, guys! The audience had to!
I’m not going to lie. I unashamedly ugly cried while watching this documentary. Like you, Rob, Christopher Reeve has the distinction of being one of only two celebrities whose deaths hit me hard. The other was Princess Diana, but, in that instance, I believe it was more the suddenness of her death from the car accident. Reeve’s death, although deeply saddening, was always a looming possibility given his spinal injury. Still, I mourned his passing and remember keenly feeling the loss when his death was announced.
I also struggle with films on subjects I know very well. If you remember, Rob, we talked about Being the Ricardos on the Fade Out episode I did about Lucille Ball. I, too, had the experience of finding nothing new in that film the same way you found nothing new in Saturday Night, this documentary, and probably the upcoming biofilm on Bob Dylan. However, I always try to set aside the factual truth being presented in a film and lean into the emotional journey being conveyed. Is that aspect interesting and authentic? If so, then the movie has done its job. If not, then something is unfortunately missing.
Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story definitely had a clear emotional journey in mind. And I was right there for it the whole time.
Adding to the conversation about documentaries and biopics and what audience they are geared towards…this is something I’ve had to come to terms with as well. Not only are they made with a general audience in mind, but the filmmakers have a narrative they want to tell. So as much as I hate that most comic book documentaries focus on the films and television series and do sweeping generalizations when it comes to the comics I know in my head that regular viewers are going to be more interested in what they are familiar with.
Once I came to terms with that I was able to relax.
Looking forward to seeing this movie. I will admit that I’m a little nervous. I’m in a weird place at the moment and I’ll either ugly cry a lot or not at all, which means I’m broken as a person. Every single one of my fellow Superman fans that have seen it have raved and talked about crying and I’m concerned that there will be something wrong with me if I don’t have a similar reaction.
Wonderful discussion, Chris and Rob!
This unforgettable documentary manages to be all things to all people. For fans of Reeve’s films, short clips are skilfully and appropriately edited into the main narrative. And for those interested in the workings of the Hollywood dream factory, we are dazzled by a procession of some very big name stars, and given a glimpse into the art of making movies. For anyone wanting a more honest depiction of a famous person, this is also a very candid look at Reeve’s life, and those seeking hope regarding paralysis recovery and research will find much to be inspired by.
But perhaps most of all, Super/Man is a powerful love story, about a fragmented family brought back together under the most challenging of circumstances and Reeve’s relationship with his truly super wife Dana. To borrow from the tagline of 1978’s Superman: The Movie: ‘you will believe a man, (or woman), can cry’ – so bring tissues!
In preparation for your inevitable Superman IV coverage, I’ll repeat my comment from an earlier podcast episode: Watching Mariel Hemingway in Superman IV as a kid made me realize I like tall women and am a leg man. Thank you and good night!