Beyond Superman: The Must-See Films of Christopher Reeve

      Casey Chong highlights the key Christopher Reeve films outside of the Superman series…

      Christopher Reeve’s name is permanently linked to his legendary portrayal of Clark Kent/Superman in the Superman film series, appearing in the original movie from 1978 through to 1987’s The Quest for Peace, for a total of four films. His wholesome look and heroic charm have shaped the character for generations, influencing actors like Brandon Routh, Henry Cavill, and David Corenswet, who have taken on the role with varying degrees of success.

      However, beyond his Superman character, Reeve demonstrated his versatility as an actor, adeptly moving between genres such as crime thrillers, romantic dramas, and comedies. His acting career experienced a tragic halt after a horse-riding accident in Virginia, which left him paralyzed and reliant on a wheelchair and a ventilator. Though he passed away at 52 in 2004, his legacy continues. If you're planning to revisit or watch some of his films for the first time, here’s a curated list of essential Christopher Reeve movies beyond Superman…

      Street Smart (1987)

      An interesting fact about Street Smart is that Cannon Films agreed to fund Christopher Reeve’s passion project if he appeared in Superman IV: The Quest for Peace. It’s easy to see which film stands out in terms of quality. In this movie, Reeve plays Jonathan Fisher, a struggling journalist willing to compromise his integrity by fabricating a story. The tale is about a "real-life" pimp, which unexpectedly gains popularity but becomes problematic for Fisher after it links him to Fast Black (Morgan Freeman), a real pimp involved in a case of involuntary manslaughter.

      Reeve’s morally conflicted character in Street Smart showcases his dramatic talent, marking one of the finest performances in his career. His role contrasts well with Freeman’s Fast Black, whose intense and unpredictable portrayal earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Additionally, Jerry Schatzberg’s competent direction underscores the strong dynamic between Reeve and Freeman, one of the key elements that defines this gripping crime thriller.

      Somewhere in Time (1980)

      In 1978, Christopher Reeve was at the height of his fame, making audiences "believe a man can fly" in the groundbreaking Superman. Instead of just riding that wave of success, he showcased his ability to be a romantic lead in Somewhere in Time. Adapted from Richard Matheson’s novel Bid Time Return, the screenplay, written by Matheson himself, follows Richard (Reeve), a playwright who becomes obsessed with a vintage photograph of Elise McKenna (Jane Seymour), a stage actress from the early 20th century, while staying at the Grand Hotel.

      Somewhere in Time beautifully demonstrates how love can transcend time, both literally and figuratively. It effectively merges a classic romantic drama with a sci-fi element. Instead of using a conventional time machine, Richard travels back to 1912 via self-hypnosis, making sure that everything, from clothing to coins, fits the era.

      The film benefits from Reeve’s memorable chemistry with Seymour, showcasing a romance that’s both passionate and genuine. Jeannot Szwarc’s direction adds a melancholic tone throughout the film, complemented by John Barry’s lovely score and Isidore Mankofsky’s period-appropriate cinematography.

      Deathtrap (1982)

      While Michael Caine and Dyan Cannon may headline Deathtrap, a chamber mystery set in a home, Christopher Reeve’s role as Clifford, an ambitious student, also stands out. Clifford arrives at the home of struggling playwright Sidney Bruhl (Caine) after receiving an invitation to discuss his manuscript. The promising manuscript could potentially resuscitate Sidney’s flailing career. But instead of allowing Clifford to take credit, Sidney concocts a plan to claim it as his own, leading to a deadly plot to murder Clifford who is unaware of Sidney's intentions.

      This film, directed by Sidney Lumet and based on Ira Levin’s 1978 play, effectively uses its single location to craft a twist-filled mystery enriched by strong character interactions. While Caine delivers a compelling performance as the neurotic Sidney Bruhl, Reeve equally impresses with his flexibility in portraying a calculating playwright who shifts seamlessly between dark comedy and drama.

      Rear Window (1998)

      Remaking Alfred Hitchcock’s 1954 thriller Rear Window may seem daunting, but director Jeff Bleckner, along with screenwriters Eric Overmyer and Larry Gross, managed to produce a commendable version in 1998. Despite being a television film, Christopher Reeve’s performance as a wheelchair-bound architect confined to his apartment following a near-fatal accident is compelling.

      Reeve’s personal experience as a quadriplegic after his horse-riding accident adds a layer of authenticity and emotional depth to his character. His physical limitations required him to rely largely on his eyes and expressions for acting, which he accomplished admirably in Rear Window. The movie is