People praise ‘magical’ way Christopher Reeve became Superman using no special effects

Film fanatics have praised the 'magical' way Christopher Reeve became Superman using no special effects in the classic 1978 film.

In 2024, movies without special effects are well and truly few and far between.

For example, can you imagine the daring stunts in the Fast and Furious franchise without the help of CGI?

But back in 1978, when the original Superman movie released in theaters across the globe, special effects were certainly used far less.

For sure, they may have been used in a movie for the first time in 1895, but special effects back then were very different to what we see in blockbusters today.

Looking into the film archive, you'll be hard pressed to find a more loved movie than Superman.

There are many remarkable things about the superhero flick, including the obvious influence it has had on further titles and even every comic book movie that followed.

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The performance of the late Christopher Reeve was also hugely praised by fans and industry critics, with his distinctive portrayals both of Clark Kent and Superman.

And in Superman, Reeve was very much his own special effect - with one particular scene in the classic film showing this off perfectly.

If you can cast your mind back to the last time you watched Superman, you may have remembered Superman taking Lois (Margot Kidder) flying.

Well, this happens right before her date with Clark Kent - leading to the truth close to being revealed.

But without the need for special effects, you can clearly see how Reeve seamlessly shifts his body from Clark Kent to Superman.

Viewers of the film will know it doesn't require a costume change, though the body language and general demeanor of the two characters are completely different.

Superman (1978) pic.twitter.com/jQl1swHyTw

— Video Archives (@VideoArchivesVA) February 22, 2024

And heck, Reeve certainly does a stellar job of selling the transition and doing so convincingly.

While the film may be over 40 years old nowadays, people online are still reacting to Reeve's 'magical' performance.

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one user penned: "Christopher Reeve was and is the real Superman."

A second added: "He was the only one so far to pull off all aspects of Superman correctly. His Superman could be sweet to a child, could care about regular people & never seem arrogant. He seemed happy, not troubled. He had values. All that and he still seemed tough & like he meant business."

Commenting on a video of the Superman-Kent transition, another penned: "This is why he was the best Superman."