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Whether you’ve seen a Superman movie or not, chances are you know the story of Kal-El from the planet Krypton. Of the hundreds of adaptations over the years, there’s one film that has stuck out: Superman: The Movie from 1978. Not only did this movie prove that superheroes could be blockbusters, but it set the precedent for every successful comic book movie. Though times have changed, Superman is still a classic, and the perfect movie to bring a smile to our faces today, from its characters to special effects.
Superman Today
After thousands of Superman comics, thirty-five movies, almost twenty television shows, and over seventy-five years, our hero has changed a lot. Instead of the literally comical Clark Kent created in 1933, Henry Cavill’s portrayal in the 2013 movie Man of Steel is brooding and humorless. The villains are ruthless and Superman is riddled with guilt. Current films throughout our comic book universes, like Avengers Endgame (2019) and Batman v Superman (2016), feature broken superheroes as well.
Yet, in today’s world, shouldn’t movies provide a much-needed respite from our own cold realities? Throwbacks are especially therapeutic, and that respite can be found in Richard Donner’s Superman: The Movie, starring Christopher Reeve as our Underoo-clad hero fighting Gene Hackman’s Lex Luthor to save California from sliding into the sea.
What Makes This Superman Different?
It’s innocent. That’s the simplest way to put it. There is literally no hand-to-hand combat in the whole movie. Though there is enough action to have you on the edge of your seat, villains are brought to justice without a fight, and even Lex Luthor’s rare physical violence is politely implied. That’s what stands out the most, and keeps in tune with Superman’s “swell” and wholesome ideals.
Though not adhering to the comic book timeline of 1978, specifically Reeve’s musculature and Clark Kent’s career at the Daily Planet, instead of at WGBS-TV, the spirit of the comic is undeniably a part of the movie. From his classic suit to his oversized seventies glasses, Reeve’s character is the most visually similar to the original. Even though the dichotomy of his two identities is distinct, both Kent and Superman are good Midwestern boys. Even as a world-renowned superhero, he doesn’t make an effort to be anything other than himself.
Delightful Supporting Characters
Gene Hackman’s portrayal of Lex Luthor is even more comical than the original character. Since Gene refused to shave his head for the role, the director chose to have his hairstyles change from one scene to the other to insinuate that he was wearing a wig. The character comes off as goofy and simply self-absorbed. His evil plan is as silly as it sounds, his outfits are bizarre, and his cohorts are bumbling fools. This makes him an enjoyable villain. He’s just offensive enough to root against while still giggling at his antics.
There’s a lot of focus on Superman’s relationship with Lois Lane (Margot Kidder) and some key moments in this romance make this movie very enjoyable. In one scene, Superman takes her flying around the city as Lois starts to recite spur-of-the-moment poetry. Yes, this scene defies all physics and leaves you with more questions than answers, but it’s endearing and good for a laugh.
The dialogue itself is something out of a middle school diary: “Here I am, like a kid out of school. Holding hands with a god. I’m a fool. Will you look at me? Quivering. Like a little girl, shivering.” This scene is so strangely iconic it was made into a song sung by Maureen McGovern in 1979. You can’t imagine that Warner Bros. would allow a scene like that in a Superman movie today, which is what makes it so special.
This movie truly recalls a feeling of innocence and nostalgia. It feels like sitting in front of the TV on a Saturday morning in the 1970s with a bowl of Cheerios (as seen in the movie’s subtle product-placement), and if we need anything today, it’s a return to that feeling of childhood.
That Nostalgic Feeling
The first thing you’re greeted with when watching Superman (1978) is John Williams’s score. His theme has become synonymous with Superman over the years. If you love the scores of the Harry Potter, Indiana Jones, or Star Wars franchises, this is no different. Some think that this theme was derived from the Star Wars theme written the year prior. Just hearing the familiar composition brings up a swell of nostalgia.
It’s to be expected that Superman‘s special effects are ancient by today’s standards, though at the time, it was the most expensive film to date. Young Clark Kent’s bones look dislocated when he runs, and for all the flying that this movie includes, very little of it is convincing. This isn’t a problem, in fact, if you enjoy older movies or television shows, it’s quite endearing.
(Right) Land of the Lost “The Pylon Express” (1975) | Sid and Marty Krofft Productions
These effects are especially reminiscent of Sid and Marty Krofft’s television shows, such as Land of the Lost, H.R. Pufnstuf, and Wonderbug, which ran from the seventies to the early eighties. Even if you were born long after these shows aired, those kitschy, colorful effects are simply synonymous with childhood and reflected in much of Superman.
Why Do We Need This Movie?
It’s lighthearted and stress-free. Though those who saw this debut in theaters may not think that “kitsch” is the best moniker, the colorful wardrobe and goofy acting of Superman: The Movie are unlike anything else we see today. It’s innocent and simple and positive. It’s a good laugh and if we need anything right now, it’s that. If it gets hard to handle life in quarantine, just sit back with a glass of milk, watch Christopher Reeve fly around the world, and imagine it’s a Saturday morning way back when.