Original Release Date: December 15, 1978
Directed by Richard Donner
Creative Consultant: Tom Mankiewicz
Written by Mario Puzo (story and screenplay), David & Leslie Newman (screenplay), and Robert Benton (screenplay), based on the character “Superman” created by Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster
Cast: Marlon Brando, Gene Hackman, Christopher Reeve, Ned Beatty, Jackie Cooper, Glenn Ford, Trevor Howard, Margot Kidder, Jack O’Halloran, Valerie Perrine, Maria Schell, Terence Stamp, Phyllis Thaxter, Susannah York, Jeff East, Marc McClure, Sarah Douglas, Harry Andrews, John Hollis, Rex Reed, Steve Kahan, Ray Hassett, Randy Jurgensen, Michael Ensign, Larry Hagman, John Ratzenberger, Shane Rimmer
Soundtrack: John Williams
Of all the movies I went to see theatrically in 2016, none got me more excited than this one.
There are people out there who will try to convince you that 1978’s Superman is overrated, or that it doesn’t hold up, or even that it’s flat-out bad.
Don’t believe them, because this film is still the Gold Standard for superhero motion pictures.
What the non-believers don’t take into account is that this movie had no template. There was no other comparable film to use as a reference point, and, by-and-large, when the filmmakers wanted to do something new, they had to straight-up invent whatever technology it took to do so (e.g. the flying sequences). These were the days when special effects were still special, and to watch money burn on screen usually meant something actually burning and/or blowing up. Frankly, even now there are still a few things that I see and can’t figure out how they were done, which is a true testament to the level of craftsmanship.
No, Superman is not entirely perfect (most movies aren’t). It’s a bit clunky at times, it’s got some plot holes (heaven forbid!), and the ending doesn’t make any logical sense (kind of sounds like The Dark Knight Rises), but it’s big, adventurous, fun, exciting, and charming. Some call it corny; I call it earnest.
And, let’s not mince words here: Christopher Reeve IS Superman.
Although, it’s not like he’s the only one who’s impeccably cast, because just about everybody is great in this. Yes, Reeve, Margot Kidder, and Gene Hackman are your core, but even people who barely get five minutes of screen time, like Glenn Ford, give you so much in their performances.
And did I mention how BIG this movie is? Honestly, the scale is like Star Wars and James Bond combined, which makes sense given that production designer John Barry and second unit director John Glen had the same roles on A New Hope and The Spy Who Loved Me, respectively (not to mention plenty of other cast and crew overlaps). The set of Lex Luthor’s lair alone is award-worthy (yet, somehow, the production design was not even nominated; come on, man).
Of course, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention John Williams’ score, which…it’s perfect. There’s nothing else I can say.
Most of all, I have to give credit to director Richard Donner (who somehow is not nearly as recognized as many of his contemporaries) for holding everything together. Superman was one of the largest productions ever taken on (three countries on two continents), with an all-star cast, and unbelievable hype from name-recognition alone, yet somehow he pulled it off. It’s truly a shame he was not allowed to finish the sequel at the time (though he got some of his own back with the 2006 home release of his cut).
Even beyond being a fantastic film, Superman actually added to the mythos of the D.C. Universe, namely the the ‘S’ on the chest being an El family symbol, and the Kryptonian crystalline technology. On the flip side, it’s s shame that the character of Lex Luthor hadn’t yet transitioned from criminal mastermind to corrupt business magnate, but as John Byrne’s ‘The Man of Steel’ wouldn’t come around until 1986, I can hardly hold this against the movie; it’s merely a thought.
Truly though, Superman is an emotionally-charged visual spectacle for the ages. It’ll make you laugh, cry, swoon, and cheer.
Again, it’s not perfect, but I give it five stars for effort. I can’t recommend it highly enough as an all-time great film, a cultural touchstone, and a lasting example of movie magic.
I count myself blessed for having been able to see it on 35mm.
Rating: ★★★★★