I recently sat through a few Batman films of varying quality, not being a huge fan of superhero films. Though these films were relatively old, ranging from the 80s to the 90s. Old, perhaps, in terms of superhero flicks. I had a lot of fun doing this despite not enjoying all of them. It was a nice dive into a genre I typically go out of my way to avoid. With this, I tried to remember whether I had seen any of these films as a child, perhaps I had at some point. But all it really did was remind me of some films I absolutely did remember watching: Superman. Growing up I didn't really have much interest in superhero films and shows either, but the Christopher Reeves Superman films are ones I have great nostalgia over. These films would air mostly around weekends, or around Christmas. Having that sort of festive appeal to them despite not really having any festive events depicted. I can't remember the last time I saw these films, only remembering brief moments here and there. But I went back to it and leaving it with a newfound appreciation for it.
Much of this is due to the time. Coming at the late 70s, the same general time as many other science fiction hits. In case you don't remember, Star Wars came at just a year before Superman. This was a pretty pivotal time for cinema, as the sphere of special effects and fantasy worlds had really been giving the greenlight. Showing a time in humanity that was incredibly ambitious regarding space and technology. The time of computing was really taking off. Naturally, cinema would follow with each of these ambitions and advancements in technology. Just a few years later, Spielberg would take some of these advancements and completely change how Hollywood would think. Superman is sort of in the middle ground. Being something that took advantage of the changes in technology, but also was just a few years too early to enter the era of the big science fiction blockbuster. I think this makes me appreciate it even more, the fact that it stands on its own.
Superman
This Superman film may not seem as different as you might think for a film from 1978. For the most part it is just an introductory story for the Superman and Clark Kent characters. The story of his world and how his people were wiped out, how he was saved and sent to Earth in hopes that he would survive and live on as the last of his kind. Landing in a rural part of the United States, a couple discover him on their land and essentially adopt him, teaching him certain values and skills. Though coming to realise that their strange orphaned child has incredible strength and speed. A small portion of the film is focused on his childhood, the challenges faced and the simple life in a rural area, shortly before growing up and moving on to pursue education and work. As an adult, Clark works as a typist for a huge newspaper. This is where me meets and pretty much instantly falls for Lois.
What I like about this version of Superman is how grounded it is. This isn't trying to be anything super action packed and full of characters. We see the different sides of the Superman character, his charismatic and strong saviour type, and the shy, quiet side that nobody expects much from. Though with a terrible disguise of just glasses. Somehow nobody seems to notice. But his activities are simple, he adapts to life in this chaotic big version of New York City. The crime filled streets, the accidents it is prone to. Superman, for the most part here, is really just flying around helping everyday people (mostly Lois who seems highly accident prone). For me it's a great thing to see. No over the top designs of villains. No huge action packed fights. Just a man with superhuman abilities battling hiding them while saving citizens as the world watches.
Of course, the film sets up the love interest with Lois. Clark can't really show his true feelings and strengths to her, he seems wholesome and caring but ultimately incapable of sticking up for himself. Whereas his Superman side can show and say all he wants. This dynamic shows the struggles of a personal life and the dangers that could arise in the event that someone discovers his identity. The pains of having to stay in the shadow, to avoid those he cares for getting caught and used to target him. This is where we see that more human, realistic side of Superman. Not over the top dramatic sequences, but the basic internal conflicts and decisions that are made in everyday life to protect, even if it hurts him. We see him break at one point, which adds more depth to his character. His inability to accept fate. Quite literally flying around the world and reversing time to undo certain events. A bit ridiculous, sure, but again showing that character he has.
To add to this film are of course those special effects and incredible soundtrack. At times the special effects look quite dated. But I think it adds charm to see more physical effects mixed with digital rather than full digital. Throw in the film grain and gritty look of the late 70s, and it has a very fun science fiction look to it. The directing itself shows it was made in a different time, and definitely for a more mature audience. But this is more down to the fact that back then studios didn't have all the data they now have to build a typical audience member. I quite like it for this. But I'd say the real icing on the cake here is the soundtrack. The music is highly memorable. It's fun, epic, and simple. Immediate connection to the character of Clark, the greatness of such an individual, the goodness in him as a person. Very different from the more politically fuelled adaptations of his character that question his agendas and abilities as what could be considered a God capable of snapping at any moment. Instead, it's positive. And there's nothing quite like it.
While I am sure everyone has seen this at some point, if you haven't, I highly recommend it. It's different to the more modern films, but probably the best of them. Featuring all the fun of changing times and the silliness of theatrical acting back then. For me, Christopher Reeves is Clark Kent. Made for the quirkiness of his character. Making him really enjoyable to watch.
