Trailer:
“His name is Kal-El, he will call himself Clark Kent, but the world will know him as Superman.”
It’s about a man who flies around in tights with his underwear worn blatantly on top, yet Richard Donner manages to craft a compelling story that remains true to the character who wears the large S.
Still in the early years of Superhero films, the majority of adaptions at this point had been TV shows, or a big screen incarnation of one of the TV shows. This is of course not including Danger: Diablolik which, though based on a superhero, leaned closer to a spy flick. So it is not too much of a stretch to consider the 1978 Superman to be the first legitimate entry into the genre, one that would not only kick start a massive franchise but also ignite the entire subgenre.
Richard Donner might be considered the only person who has really got the character of Superman. He knew that aspects of him were goofy and thus set out to make a film that was both dramatic, romantic, and comedic. A balance that would allow viewers to buy into the exaggerated reality in which the film took place.
The movie starts much the same way as Superman and the Mole Men, with an opening credit sequence through the stars. Except rather than models hanging from strings Donner's film had an epic, universally sized opening that accompanied by John Williams unforgettable iconic score grabbed the audience instantly. Williams musical finesses added so much to the film that it is almost impossible to see Superman fly now without thinking of his work.
This is a true origin story, starting at Kyrptons destruction and Kal-El’s escape to earth. The entire origin is well paced into the first third of the film, building up to the characters eventual transformation into the costumed hero. It is neither too fast nor too slow and adds to both the theme of the story and its end message. The introduction is complemented by the screen presence of legendary actor Marlon Brando (On The Waterfront, Godfather) who gives a pitch perfect performance as Superman's Krypton father Jor-El.
The film centers around Superman's early years and his establishment as the greatest hero of metropolis. Beginning on the planet of krypton where Kal-El is fired off into space to escape a dying planet, it follows Clark Kents struggles through high school to find his place, his training by Jor-El, and his eventual unveiling as the caped Superman. Throughout the film Superman is looking to find his purpose and place in the world. Seeing his own limitation and when he can toe the line. As if this wasn't enough he also has to contend with Lex Luthor, the self proclaimed "greatest criminal mastermind" who plots California's destruction.
The real success of the film though is in the choice of its two leads. Christopher Reeve without a doubt is the best Superman too this date. He has the versatility to play both the awkwardly hunched Clark Kent, and the slick tall and handsome Superman. He does it so well that he completely convinces the audience that he can hide his identity with a pair of glasses and bad haircut even though realistically everyone would have to be an idiot to fall for that.
Margot Kidder plays the primary love interest of Lois Lane. She manages to capture her flippant nature and disregard for safety to go after the best stories. She is both comedic and fun to watch on screen, but her greatest asset to the film is the chemistry she had with Reeve. They both play off of each other well and its amusing to watch them on screen together.
As for the villain Lex Luthor, played by Gene Hackman, he is as goofy as any other comic book villain up to this point. Unlike his comic counterpart, Luthor’s played up for laughs a lot of the times and doesn’t seem as big of a menace as maybe he should. Hackman does a brilliant job with what he is given and is probably the funniest character in the film, but he just seems too overly simple and campy to provide the film with a real sense of danger.
Not to mention his ludicrous plan of gaining rich “real estate” by blowing up half of California with a nuke. Yet again the film does not take itself overly seriously so such things are instantly forgiven and not thought much of. The real strength of the film does not come from the action scenes or sense of danger. In fact the weakest part of the film is the climax where the film drops into a slough of lackluster effects that don’t all hold up.
The power of the film is completely within the story of Superman’s establishment as a hero and how he comes to terms with his place on earth. The film is complemented by the great chemistry between actors and a tone that is not overly melodramatic. These are what make the Richard Donner Superman not only the best Superman film to date, but one of the strongest Superhero films yet, despite any technological limitation. It is just a great story that is still easily enjoyed today.
FINAL RATING: 8/10 (80%)
Precious DAY 3: http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/100superherodays/news/?a=41273
NOTE: Polls used in final ranking of the films PLEASE VOTE if you have seen it.