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HomeLocalFinding Light in the Shadows: Christopher Reeve's Children Reflect on His Legacy

Finding Light in the Shadows: Christopher Reeve’s Children Reflect on His Legacy

 

 

‘Super/Man’ – Children of Christopher Reeve Reflect on Their Father’s Accident’s ‘Positive Outcome’


Among the various memories shared by “Superman” star Christopher Reeve’s three children, one stands out.

 

“Oh yes, that would be the ‘eject button,’” remarks Alexandra Reeve, 40, as her brother Matthew, 44, and half-brother Will, 32, both chuckle.

The siblings recently met to discuss “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story,” a documentary highlighting their father’s journey from actor to advocate (showing in select theaters and available nationally on Friday).

“Dad could navigate his wheelchair with just one finger, and right next to it, he had a sticker that said ‘Eject,’” Alexandra recalls with laughter.

 

“Often, you’d see congressmen and other influential figures he met questioning, ‘Wait, is that button real?’” she adds. “That encapsulates him for me. He relished teasing people.”

Will adds, “Right, he believed in taking life seriously but not himself. That could have been our family motto.”

 

The title ‘Super/Man’ cleverly hints at the documentary’s aim to explore the complexities of Reeve’s life, who, with his strong physique and classic looks, embodied the iconic American superhero.

However, the film, directed by Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui, delves beyond his 1978 superhero role that made him famous, examining difficult aspects of his life, including his decision to part ways with the mother of his first two children, Gae Exton, due to personal struggles; the life-altering horse riding accident that nearly claimed his life; and his evolution into a devoted father and disability advocate.

 

The Reeve siblings have now watched the documentary multiple times and agree that the most challenging aspect is not recalling the tragic moment when their father fell from his horse during a 1995 competition.

 

“The hardest part is watching the interviews each of us did for the film. For me, it’s tough to see Will and Matthew struggle to hold back tears while remembering dad,” Alexandra shares.

Matthew, the eldest, recalls many good times with their father prior to the accident. He admits that seeing clips featuring his siblings was difficult because it revealed how deeply their father impacted each of them, their mother, and Dana (Will’s mother). Despite this, he feels that making the documentary has allowed them to bond more as siblings.

Christopher Reeve Faced Personal Struggles Due to His Strict Father

 

The film presents a sort of parable about Reeve, who, while cheerful and playful before his accident, struggles with emotional conflicts that only find resolution after he becomes dependent on a wheelchair. (Reeve died in 2004 while Dana Reeve passed away from lung cancer in 2006.)

 

For instance, Reeve’s parents’ divorce pushes him to pledge to create a stable family for his own children, yet he finds himself too constrained by his early relationship with Exton, whom he met while filming “Superman” in London, leading him to chase the excitement of mid-1980s New York.

Reeve wishes to set an example for his children but is constantly affected by the high standards set by his father, academic F. D. Reeve, resulting in Christopher trying to outdo his children in every sport—from skiing to soccer and horseback riding.

A poignant moment in the documentary shows Reeve, confined to his wheelchair, reflecting that it took him “breaking (his) neck” to finally connect with his children on a deeper level.

“The silver lining of his accident, you could say, was how it brought our family closer together and opened up honest communication,” Will reflects, now a correspondent for ABC News and “Good Morning America.”

 

“From that moment, our aim was to share our stories, emotions, aspirations, and to live with honesty and realism,” he explains. “We wanted to ensure we weren’t deprived of experiences that life—especially post-accident—had already taken from us.”

 

‘Super/Man’ showcases numerous memorable moments of Christopher Reeve

Will Reeve shares that one of the highlights of the documentary was getting to view behind-the-scenes clips and home videos of his father from the vibrant years before Will was born in 1992. A younger, slender Reeve, then an emerging actor, is seen building his physique in the gym for his iconic role, and sharing joyful moments with his close friend, Robin Williams.

“I heard countless stories about this energetic and adventurous man who was always on the go, riding horses, cycling, flying planes, and skiing. Even though I missed experiencing that with him, after the accident, I recognized that same zeal and zest for life in my dad,” he remarks.

 

Matthew particularly cherishes the moment when a playful Reeve raises his eyebrow, smirks, and gazes intently into the camera—typically held by his caring wife, Dana during home videos.

 

“I can’t count how many times my dad gave me that exact look from a distance,” Matthew reflects softly. “We shared that unique father-son stare countless times.”

For Alexandra, the most poignant moments in the film include two powerful instances in 1996 when Reeve appeared on stage at the Oscars and the Democratic National Convention, advocating for increased funding for disabilities.

 

“He understood that none of us are guaranteed tomorrow, and it’s vital to honestly reflect on who we are,” states Alexandra, who, along with her siblings, continues to actively support the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, dedicated to seeking cures for spinal cord injuries.

Now adults with families of their own, the Reeves are convinced that their involvement in countless interviews surrounding a traumatic experience has only led to positive outcomes.

 

“This documentary provides a comprehensive portrayal of an ordinary individual who accomplished remarkable things,” says Will Reeve. “Every time I watch it, I feel prouder and prouder.”