Director: Richard Donner
Starring: Christopher Reeves, Marlon Brando and Gene Hackman
‘A Captivating Classic’
Few superheroes in the world have achieved a fan following as huge as Superman. Following his soaring introduction in comic books in the 1940’s, Superman has played an essential role in movies. With his larger-than-life persona, charisma and heroism, Superman has stood the test of time as an icon in Cinema. Due toward his massive fan following, Superman is a hero that has been depicted many times in movies. Some film adaptations have been successful in celebrating the icon while others have failed to bring to life the hero with superpower abilities.
I love all the movies that have brought the man of steel to the big-screen, but “Superman” certainly stands out the most. Richard Donner’s film is a comic-book classic that introduced the iconic hero on the big-screen for the first time. Released back in 1978, the movie launched interest in a hero that comic-book fans appreciate. Packed with breathtaking production-design, suspenseful storytelling and powerful performances, it’s a comic-book movie which works on every level imaginable. For a movie made in the 1970’s, “Superman” has aged incredibly well. At the centre of the film is Christopher Reeves, who embodies the iconic hero in a memorable performance. Ultimately, it’s a comic-book classic and there are several strong reasons why it remains the best Superman film ever made.
Based on the iconic comic books, “Superman” tells the origin story of how the man of steel came to be. Christopher Reeves depicts Clark Kent, a man gifted with special superpowers. Clark is unaware of his family history that has made him a superhero with powerful ability. However, Clark’s life forever changes when witnesses crime in the city of Metropolis orchestrated by the evil Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman). Deciding to take initiative, Superman strives to save his precious city from a villain that’s destructive.
Richard Donner is a newcomer to the comic-book genre. Before he directed “Superman”, Donner had never made a superhero movie. He was a filmmaker best known for directing beloved horror movies such as “The Omen”. “Superman” marked his first comic-book movie. It marked the filmmaker’s first attempt to bring an iconic superhero on the big-screen but he succeeded immensely. Through gorgeous cinematography, Donner captures a superhero’s journey to discover identity. Donner effectively employs montages to capture a superhero on a journey to find his identity. Montages elevate the flying scene where Clark discovers his superpowers for the first time. Donner expertly uses clever montages to capture a superhero’s feelings of excitement discovering his superpowers. Using breathtaking visuals, Donner captures a superhero building a soaring legacy.
Another soaring aspect of “Superman” that contributes to its success is the action. For a movie made back in the 1970’s, the film features thrilling action sequences that have aged incredibly. Donner effectively employs breathtaking practical effects to stage action demonstrating a superhero’s soaring powers. For the scenes of Superman flying through the skies, Donner effectively utilizes wires to create realistic action sequences. For instance, wire rings are a technique which elevates the flying scene. During this unforgettable scene, Superman takes flight for the first time to save his city from a villain that’s terrifying. One admires practical effects which were way ahead of their time. Moreover, the musical score is another aspect of “Superman” that I adore. John Williams’ iconic music captures the beauty of a soaring hero building a legacy that’s lasting. Through strong production, Donner honours a hero that’s soaring.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Superman” remains a soaring classic. The film is beautifully written, and expertly uses narration to capture the world of Superman. Most movies about famous superheroes that are driven by action leave little room for character development. Thankfully, though, Donner avoids pitfalls of the comic-book genre. Donner successfully uses voice-over narration to capture Clark Kent’s evolution into Superman. Throughout the movie, Jor El narrates Superman’s journey into becoming a superhero. Narration elevates the scene where Jor El narrates Superman’s family history. Narration is a tricky technique to use in comic-book movies. As suggested by Stephen King’s “The Shawshank Redemption”, narration elevates literature adaptations. Nevertheless, it works tremendously. Through a spectacular screenplay, Donner celebrates an iconic superhero soaring in skies today.
One acknowledges astonishing performances.
Christopher Reeves delivers one of his greatest career performances as the titular hero. Before acting in “Superman”, Reeves wasn’t an actor which was well-known in Hollywood. It was the star’s first role in a comic-book movie but he pulled it off successfully. With captivating expressions, Reeves captures the courage, heroism and perseverance of a superhero on a journey to find his identity. Not only does he convey Clark Kent’s nerdy personality but he also demonstrates Superman’s journey of self-discovery. It’s a strong performance which launched the career of one of the world’s most iconic movie-stars today.
The supporting cast is spectacular, creating soaring bonds. Marlon Brando is magnificent, capturing the sorrow of a father forced to let go of his beloved son that has become an iconic superhero. Gene Hackman is great, bringing terror to a mean villain seeking to carry out a plan of destroying cities whose crimes which are hidden in plain sight are not always seen. Lastly, Margot Kidder deserves appreciation. As Lois Lane, she brings romance to the movie.
Finally, “Superman” is a film everyone would enjoy due to its soaring message. Unlike most comic-book movies, the movie tackles themes which are universal. It tackles strong themes including identity, mental health and parenting. Viewers aren’t required to be massive fans of comic-book movies in order to appreciate it. It delivers a universal message about importance of finding identity that everyone would relate to. Hence, “Superman” is one of those rare comic-book movies which everyone would be able to appreciate.
Fans of the beloved superhero will definitely enjoy “Superman” and so will movie-goers seeking exhilarating entertainment. A soaring classic, it celebrates a legacy of a comic-book hero that’s iconic.
Nearly 90 years following the inspirational introduction of a beloved superhero saving cities from destruction that built a legacy which is long-lasting, it’s an inspiring reminder of a classic film that forever changed the world through introducing a world-famous superhero whose timeless movies soaring through the skies at fast speeds that haven’t lost abilities to captivate audiences are definitely without any doubt worth celebrating.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 
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