Christopher Reeve, the iconic movie legend, captivated millions with his portrayal of the heroic Superman, saving the world from peril. However, behind the scenes, Reeve struggled to fulfill his role as a loving father and husband.
A recent film uncovers a side of him that proves he wasn’t always the superhero we know him to be. As RadarOnline reports, this film highlights his human side, showing that he was just as relatable as the rest of us.
In a revealing documentary, the untold story of the tragic star’s life is unveiled. Released two decades after the actor’s untimely death at the age of 52, the film sheds light on his preference for skiing over fatherhood.
In the book “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story,” Matthew, the eldest son, reveals that he felt neglected by his father since he was very young.
“In the film, Matthew shares a poignant memory from his childhood, recalling how his father went skiing with friends the day after he was born,” he reflects. “As a result, my mother effectively became a single parent during most of my childhood. Our relationship wasn’t particularly close. After all, it’s the small, everyday moments that truly shape our connections, not just the grand gestures and significant milestones.”
Matthew, a 44-year-old film producer residing in Stockholm, Sweden, expressed that Reeve’s relationship with his mother, Gae, falling apart in 1987, coincided with his career hitting a roadblock following the triumph of the four Superman movies.
“When I was a child, my father was one of the biggest movie stars in the world. Mark Hamill, best known for his role as Luke Skywalker, was the epitome of a cool movie-star dad. Another iconic character that I idolized was Indiana Jones.
However, as I grew older, I noticed a shift in my father’s career. By the time I reached the age of ten, he was predominantly working on TV movies of the week in order to make ends meet,” he reminisced.
My mom had a tough time dealing with it. She said, “He didn’t want to continue anymore”. My dad faced a major problem. He refused to make a commitment.
The film, produced by Passion Pictures, delves into Reeve’s tumultuous relationship with his demanding father. Despite years of silence between them, they eventually reconciled after Reeve’s paralyzing accident in 1995, which occurred when he fell off a horse.
Matthew expressed that the film’s objective was to present a sincere and unfiltered portrayal of his father. “He said the intention was never to idolize him because that’s not who he was, and it wouldn’t have been his wish.”
Throughout his life, he maintained a remarkable level of honesty, both prior to and following the accident. Whether he was discussing the intricacies of portraying Superman, the difficulties that accompanied his fame, or the realities of living with a debilitating spinal cord injury and relying on the assistance of others, he never shied away from sharing his truth.
Reeve and Dana Morosini tied the knot in 1992 and were blessed with another son. Their marriage lasted until Reeve’s passing in 2004.
The film incorporates archival footage and heartfelt interviews with Reeve’s family to chronicle his journey as he embraces his role as a devoted father. We witness his remarkable transformation through his unwavering determination to teach his youngest son, Will, how to ride a bike, despite facing the challenges of being a wheelchair user.
Will, a correspondent for ABC News, described it as remarkable that he was unable to move.
Reeve, in the film, reflects on how the “catastrophic” accident transformed his perspective. He goes on to say that he had to experience breaking his neck in order to gain these insights.
“We all seek heroes, not just young children. Superman was a role that I portrayed, but I want to clarify that I am not that man. The image of Superman is constructed by others and is quite distant from who I truly am.”
Glenn Close, an actress and supporter of Reeve’s charitable foundation, praised his bravery in openly discussing his disability, stating that it played a significant role in changing people’s perspectives. Close also expressed her belief that Robin Williams, a close friend of Reeve’s, would not have taken his own life in 2014 if he were still alive.
According to Close, the strong bond between him and Robin was due to their ability to keep up with each other. He expressed that not many people could match Robin’s energy and pace, but he was able to do so. Close firmly believes that if Chris had been alive, Robin would still be alive today.
Reeve acknowledged that his perspective on what constituted a hero underwent a transformation over the course of his life.
