Christopher Reeve: Hope in Motion

"Some people can learn to live with a severe disability" says Christopher Reeve in Hope In Motion, "but I am not one of those people." Therein lies the basic theme of this intimate documentary directed by Reeve's son, Matthew, during the period of 2002-04. Actually, two separate pieces (“Hope in Motion” and “Choosing Hope”) are presented here, chronicling Reeve's struggle to overcome paralysis caused by a horse-riding accident in 1995. As a high-level quadriplegic who depended on a ventilator to breathe, Reeve was the nation's most visible advocate for research to cure spinal cord injury paralysis, and these films (which have the quality of a well-made home video, with professional music and editing) show how Reeve's determination to walk again was an all-consuming effort in the years prior to his death in October 2004. Both films focus almost exclusively on Reeve's dogged pursuit of recovery, his campaign to promote controversial stem-cell research, and his focused efforts to coax motion from his severely paralyzed body. Only passing reference is made to the fact that Reeve's defiance of his disability was controversial to some in the disabled community (and there's no mention of the specific cause of his death). Depending on your own personal perspective, Reeve comes across as either a heroic crusader for a cure, or a desperate man who couldn't bear to live with paralysis. What remains, however, is Reeve's important legacy: not only the certainty that his cause will continue (through the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation), but also the belief that curing paralysis is a noble and achievable goal. DVD extras include bonus interviews and a featurette on the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Resource Center. Given Reeve's popularity, this is recommended, overall. Aud: P. (J. Shannon)