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I watched Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story and I didn’t expect Robin Williams to be the emotional heart of the documentary

Pabio December 16, 2024

When I first heard about Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve StoryI had a feeling this was going to be one of the most remarkable and moving experiences in the world. 2024 movie schedule. When I saw the beautiful trailer for the documentary over the summer I made a note to watch it as soon as it became available with a Maximum subscription. And I did it. I was blown away from start to finish, but there was one thing I didn’t really expect: Robin Williams being at its emotional core.

Of course I knew it the friendship shared by the two late actors was a key part of Christopher Reeve’s story – before and after the May 1995 accident that left him paralyzed – but the various stages of their decades-long relationship created some of the most magical and unforgettable moments of all the documentary. And I just have to talk about it…

Christopher Reeve as Superman — (Image credit: Warner Bros.)

Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story was a powerful and moving documentary, but the Robin Williams stuff hits so hard

In its entirety, Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story shows all the ways in which the deceased Superman The actor became a true superhero in the years between his tragic accident and his death nearly a decade later. as well as its lasting legacy 20 years after his death. Featuring home videos from his family’s collection, sets from his most famous films, and all the work he later devoted to his fight for disability rights, the nearly two-hour documentary doesn’t waste any time time exploring his life, legacy and impact.

But as I watched the documentary, and even now days after the credits rolled, the impact of Robin Williams on Reeves, and vice versa, is something I can’t help but think about. Knowing that Williams’ life would come to a tragic end just months before the 10th anniversary of his best friend’s death added even more weight to an already moving story. The triumph and tragedy of life, as well as the ecstasy and agony of existence, are all explored through this close bond shared by two former college roommates.

Robin Williams and Christopher Reeve in Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story

(Image credit: HBO Documentary Films)

Robin Williams dresses like a doctor after Reeve’s accident and shows the power of friendship

Although Williams battled his own demons throughout his life, the comedian always knew how to make us laugh with some much-needed comic relief. But it wasn’t just on screen or stage that the beloved comedian brightened the spirits of those around him with his signature humor, as detailed in Superman.

When the documentary focuses on the days and weeks following Reeve’s accident, there is a clip of Williams on Oprah where he talks about dressing like a Russian proctologist and playing with his dear friend to cheer him up. Immediately after, there is an old recording of Reeve talking about this moment and how his old friend had let him know that “one way or another, everything would be okay.”

This anecdote, which is just one of many told throughout the film, shows the true power of friendship and that there is nothing better than having someone who is dear to you, who makes you laugh and lets you know that everything will be okay.

Robin Williams and Christopher Reeve in Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story

(Image credit: HBO Documentary Films)

Remember the 1996 Oscars ceremony, where to everyone’s surprise, Christopher Reeve appeared on stage and made his first public appearance since the accident 10 months earlier? Well, Williams and his then-wife, Marsha, played a huge role in making this moment happen. In the documentary, it is revealed that the couple purchased a renovated van for Reeves so he could travel to the airport.

Even years after the accident, Williams continued to support his longtime friend. At one point in the doc, Reeve’s assistant Laurie Hawkins explains how the comedian, nicknamed “Brother Robin,” was on the list of people family and caregivers would call on to help his friend get out of jail. the state. of depression. Then, a few moments later, Glenn Close begins talking about Williams throwing a party for his friend every year on the anniversary of his accident, calling it a “celebration” and an “appreciation of life.”

One thing I found particularly interesting in this section of the documentary was an old recording of Reeve talking about his friendship with Williams and how they never really delved into conversations about disability or the fact that he is confined to a wheelchair. Instead, they laughed and carried on like they were just two friends hanging out together.

Robin Williams speaking at Christopher Reeve's funeral in Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story

(Image credit: HBO Documentary Films)

Robin Williams speaking at Christopher Reeve’s funeral was truly heartbreaking

I was seven when Reeve became paralyzed and 16 when he died in October 2004, so I knew very well how the story would end before I even started reading. However, I wasn’t ready to watch the clips of Williams giving the eulogy at his friend’s funeral. Gutted isn’t a strong enough word to describe how I felt watching one of the funniest comedians of all time look so sad, defeated and alone up there on stage.

Before sending his friend away with “Let the flights of angels sing to you for your rest” taken from William Shakespeare HamletWilliams talked about his “brother” and how, despite the chaos in Reeve’s life, there was joy. Even though he tried to make jokes to lighten the mood, I still can’t help but see the sorrow and anguish in Williams’ eyes as he said goodbye to someone so dear to his heart.

After watching the documentary, I miss Robin Williams even more

That’s probably the case for a lot of people my age, but few celebrity deaths have hit me as hard as that of Robin Williams in August 2014. A decade later, I’m still trying to understand this, I still trying to make sense of it. and I’m still trying to come to terms with the fact that someone who brought so much joy to so many lives could have gone through so much darkness in his final days.

I miss Williams. He was in the first movie I saw at the cinema (Hook). He made me laugh in his comic roles, he made me cry in his stellar dramatic performancesand he has been an inspiration to me for years. Look Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story not only helped me learn more about the man who played Superman and improved the lives of countless people around the world, but also say goodbye to your friendand my childhood hero.

Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story is a touching tribute to the actor by his name but also by the friendship he shared with Robin Williams. And with The next James Gunn Superman set to pay homage to Reeves in some wayhis legacy will live on for generations to come.

Super/Man Stream: Christopher Reeve’s Max Story.

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I watched Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story and I didn’t expect Robin Williams to be the emotional heart of the documentary

Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story was a powerful and moving documentary, but the Robin Williams stuff hits so hard

Pabio

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I watched Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story and I didn’t expect Robin Williams to be the emotional heart of the documentary

Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story was a powerful and moving documentary, but the Robin Williams stuff hits so hard

Pabio

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