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“Getting to know the three Reeve children and sharing their story was a profound honor,” said director Peter Ettedgui in a recent interview. “Incredible narratives like this don’t simply emerge from nowhere.”
Ettedgui and his collaborator Ian Bonhote were approached for a documentary on Christopher Reeve after completing a film on the Paralympics. The opportunity to work with Reeve’s children — Matthew, Alexandra, and William — came with a wealth of archival materials they were eager to share. “It was an obvious choice for us,” Bonhote remarked. “It had all the components we were looking for. What surprised us was that no one had previously told this story, which became an unexpected challenge throughout the film’s development.”
Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story received critical acclaim upon its release last year, earning several prestigious awards including a BAFTA and multiple Critics Choice Documentary Awards. It is currently nominated for an Emmy in the Outstanding Documentary category, following its omission from the Academy Awards.
Gold Derby: What was your initial approach to this project?
Ian Bonhote: We aimed to explore the contrast between real-life heroism and fictional superheroes. We questioned what it means to be a father and the repercussions of a sudden disability on family dynamics.
Peter Ettedgui: When we met the children, we quickly felt a connection with them, each reflecting aspects of their father. They became genuine film characters rather than mere commentators.
Did you have any apprehensions about collaborating closely with the family? Did you feel you retained creative control?
Bonhote: We brought this up with them from the start. They had been approached for numerous projects over the years, particularly after Chris’s passing nearly two decades ago. They were open to sharing their thoughts and emotions but expressed a desire to remain uninvolved in the editing process to focus on their lives.
Ettedgui: We spent significant time discussing our vision for the film with them. Matthew, who works in film, appreciated our non-linear storytelling approach, which allowed us to explore various facets of his father’s life without adhering to a chronological format.
Why opt for a non-linear narrative?
Bonhote: Often, challenges in storytelling inspire creativity. A linear approach would risk a tedious 43-year narrative that culminated in his accident and subsequent struggles. We felt it was vital to avoid melodrama and maintain engagement, knowing that many were aware of his accident. Thus, we presented it briefly and then shifted focus to his earlier life, his passion for acting, and his friendships, including those with Robin Williams.
What surprising insights did you gain about Christopher Reeve during this process?
Ettedgui: His bravery in facing his situation and his commitment to understanding his injury were revelations. He was deeply invested in the science behind spinal injuries, advocating for research in a field often neglected by the medical community. His love story with Dana, as well as with his first partner, Gae Exton, added a deeply personal layer to our understanding of him.
Bonhote: That narrative became a pivotal aspect of the film.
What about his friendship with Robin Williams?
Bonhote: Their bond has left a lasting impression on those who knew both men. Their friendship blossomed not from fame but from their shared passion for their craft. In times of need, Robin didn’t hesitate to step in, from financial support to emotional rescue, showcasing a depth of friendship that transcended traditional boundaries.
Ettedgui: It’s fascinating how these two different personalities complemented each other. Chris’s grounded, intellectual demeanor balanced Robin’s chaotic creativity. Generosity from Robin extended beyond simple acts; he took tangible steps to ensure Chris’s safety and well-being.
Yet, he was not without flaws, which you addressed candidly.
Ettedgui: We were upfront with the Reeve children from the beginning, emphasizing that portraying him as flawless wouldn’t serve the narrative. Chris was famously talented and charismatic, but he was also human, acknowledging his past mistakes, including complicated family dynamics. His children’s experiences reveal the complexities of being tied to such a renowned figure.
What do you believe his legacy is?
Ettedgui: Our aim wasn’t to create a glorified biography. This story remains significant and underscores the ongoing work of the Reeve Foundation, which plays a critical role in providing support for individuals with disabilities.
Bonhote: In a country as vast as the U.S., the Reeve Foundation is often the only resource for individuals who become disabled. With advances in medicine, people are living longer despite severe disabilities, making it essential to guide them through rehabilitation and support avenues.
Ettedgui: Additionally, Chris fundamentally changed the superhero genre. His portrayal influenced the very foundation of modern cinematic universes, paving the way for both Marvel and DC.
As filmmakers, what insights did you gain from this project?
Bonhote: Reflecting on this a year and a half post-project gives a different perspective than when we were in the thick of production. The emotional connection the film has forged with audiences has been truly remarkable. It’s gratifying to see the film resonate deeply.
Ettedgui: We believe in the transformative power of storytelling, whether in documentary or fiction. It allows audiences to experience empathy in ways that challenge their everyday perceptions, potentially encouraging them to rethink their own lives and relationships. This narrative, despite its origins, feels profoundly applicable today.
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