Superman
Directed by	Richard Donner
Produced by	Alexander Salkind Ilya Salkind Michael Thau (2000 Director's Cut)
Written by	Screenplay: Mario Puzo David Newman Leslie Newman Robert Benton Creative Consultant: Tom Mankiewicz Story: Mario Puzo Comic Book: Jerry Siegel Joe Shuster
Starring	Marlon Brando Gene Hackman Christopher Reeve Margot Kidder Ned Beatty Valerie Perrine Glenn Ford Jackie Cooper
Music by	John Williams
Cinematography	Geoffrey Unsworth
Editing by	Stuart Baird Michael Ellis Michael Thau (2000 Director's Cut)
Distributed by	Warner Bros.
Release date(s)	December 15, 1978
Running time	Theatrical Cut: 143 min. Richard Donner (born April 24, 1930) is an American Film director, and also a Film producer through the production company Alexander Salkind (June 2 1921 – March 8 1997 was the second of three generations of successful international Film producers Biography Born in Gdańsk Ilya Salkind (born Ilya Juan Salkind Dominguez, July 27, 1947 in Mexico City) is a film and Michael Thau is a Film editor and preservationist who is most notable for recent restoration and production work on the Christopher Reeve Superman Mario Gianluigi Puzo ( October 15, 1920 &ndash July 2, 1999) was a two time Academy Award -winning Italian American David Newman may refer to David Newman (jazz musician, American jazz saxophonist David Newman (composer, American composer Leslie Newman is a screenwriter who co-wrote the first three Superman films with husband David Newman, who died in 2003 Robert Benton (born September 29, 1932 in Waxahachie Texas) is an American, Academy Award winning Screenwriter and Tom Mankiewicz (born June 1, 1942) is an American Screenwriter and director. Jerome "Jerry" Siegel (October 17 1914 – January 28 1996 who also used pseudonyms including Joe Carter, Jerry Ess, Siegel was a fan of movies Joseph "Joe" Shuster (July 10 1914 - July 30 1992 was a Canadian -born American Comic book Artist best known for co-creating the DC Comics Marlon Brando Jr (April 3 1924 – July 1 2004 was an Academy Award -winning American Actor, whose body of work spanned over half a century Eugene Allen "Gene" Hackman (born January 30, 1930) is a two-time Academy Award -winning American actor and author Christopher D'Olier Reeve ( September 25, 1952 – October 10, 2004) was an American Actor, director, Margot Kidder (born October 17, 1948) is a Canadian-American Film and Television actress best known for playing Lois Ned Thomas Beatty (born July 6, 1937) is an Academy Award -nominated American Actor. Valerie Ritchie Perrine (born September 3, 1943) is an Academy Award -nominated American actress and model Gwyllyn Samuel Newton "Glenn" Ford ( May 1, 1916 &ndash August 30, 2006) was a Canadian -born American Jackie Cooper (born September 15 1922 is an American Academy Award -nominated Actor, Emmy Award -winning TV director, and TV John Towner Williams (born February 8 1932) is an American Composer, conductor and Pianist. Geoffrey Unsworth OBE, BSC (1914 Leigh Greater Manchester - October 28 1978, Britanny) was a British Cinematographer Stuart Baird (born 30 November 1947) is an Academy Award nominated English Film editor, producer, and director This is a list of all 45 episodes from the television series Monty Python's Flying Circus: Series 1 (Oct Warner Bros Entertainment Inc (or Warner Bros, Warner Bros Pictures) is one of the world's largest producers of Film and Events 533 - Byzantine general Belisarius defeats the Vandals, commanded by King Gelimer, at the Battle of The year 1978 in film involved some significant events Top grossing films (U 2000 Director's Cut: 151 min.
Country	United Kingdom
Language	English
Budget	$55 million (estimated)
Gross revenue	$300,218,018
Followed by	Superman II Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut
Official website
Allmovie profile
IMDb profile

Superman (also known as Superman: The Movie) is a 1978 superhero film based on the fictional DC Comics character Superman created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain,is a Sovereign state located English is a West Germanic language originating in England and is the First language for most people in the United Kingdom, the United States Superman II is the 1980 Sequel to the 1978 Superhero film Superman. Superman II The Richard Donner Cut is a 2006 re-edit of the 1980 Superhero film, Superman II. The year 1978 in film involved some significant events Top grossing films (U A Superhero film is an action, fantasy or science fiction Genre film that is focused on the actions of one or more Superheroes who DC Comics is an American comic book and related media company Superman is a fictional Comic book Superhero widely considered to be one of the most recognized of such characters and an American Cultural icon Jerome "Jerry" Siegel (October 17 1914 – January 28 1996 who also used pseudonyms including Joe Carter, Jerry Ess, Siegel was a fan of movies Joseph "Joe" Shuster (July 10 1914 - July 30 1992 was a Canadian -born American Comic book Artist best known for co-creating the DC Comics Richard Donner directed the film, which stars Christopher Reeve as Superman, as well as Gene Hackman, Margot Kidder, Marlon Brando (who was given top-billed credit), Ned Beatty, Valerie Perrine, Glenn Ford and Jackie Cooper. Richard Donner (born April 24, 1930) is an American Film director, and also a Film producer through the production company Christopher D'Olier Reeve ( September 25, 1952 – October 10, 2004) was an American Actor, director, Eugene Allen "Gene" Hackman (born January 30, 1930) is a two-time Academy Award -winning American actor and author Margot Kidder (born October 17, 1948) is a Canadian-American Film and Television actress best known for playing Lois Marlon Brando Jr (April 3 1924 – July 1 2004 was an Academy Award -winning American Actor, whose body of work spanned over half a century Ned Thomas Beatty (born July 6, 1937) is an Academy Award -nominated American Actor. Valerie Ritchie Perrine (born September 3, 1943) is an Academy Award -nominated American actress and model Gwyllyn Samuel Newton "Glenn" Ford ( May 1, 1916 &ndash August 30, 2006) was a Canadian -born American Jackie Cooper (born September 15 1922 is an American Academy Award -nominated Actor, Emmy Award -winning TV director, and TV The film depicts the origin story of the character from being infant Kal-El of Krypton, to his teenage days in Smallville. Krypton (ˈkrɪptən or /ˈkrɪptɒn/ from kryptos "hidden" is a Chemical element with the symbol Kr and Atomic number 36 In addition he takes up the secret identity of mild mannered reporter Clark Kent in Metropolis, falls in love with Lois Lane, and finds himself facing off against the villainous Lex Luthor, who sets in motion a fiendish plot that will have dire consequences for Superman. Nerd is a term often bearing a derogatory connotation or Stereotype, that refers to a person who passionately pursues Intellectual activities Esoteric Clark Joseph Kent (middle name is also Jerome according to some versions is a Fictional character created by Joe Shuster and Jerry Siegel. Metropolis is a Fictional city that appears in Comic books published by DC Comics, and is the home of Superman. Lois Lane-Kent is the primary love interest in the DC Comics ’ Superman stories Lex Luthor is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by DC Comics.

The film was initially conceived as far back as 1973 by Alexander Salkind, his son Ilya and fellow partner Pierre Spengler. Alexander Salkind (June 2 1921 – March 8 1997 was the second of three generations of successful international Film producers Biography Born in Gdańsk Ilya Salkind (born Ilya Juan Salkind Dominguez, July 27, 1947 in Mexico City) is a film and Pierre Spengler is a French film producer Among many international hits he is best known for initiating the first three Superman movies and producing them with The project went through various directors (most notably Guy Hamilton) and scripts by Mario Puzo, David Newman with wife Leslie, and Robert Benton before Richard Donner was brought in to direct and Tom Mankiewicz was given further rewrite work. Guy Hamilton (born September 16, 1922) is a noted English Film director. Mario Gianluigi Puzo ( October 15, 1920 &ndash July 2, 1999) was a two time Academy Award -winning Italian American David Newman may refer to David Newman (jazz musician, American jazz saxophonist David Newman (composer, American composer Leslie Newman is a screenwriter who co-wrote the first three Superman films with husband David Newman, who died in 2003 Robert Benton (born September 29, 1932 in Waxahachie Texas) is an American, Academy Award winning Screenwriter and Richard Donner (born April 24, 1930) is an American Film director, and also a Film producer through the production company Tom Mankiewicz (born June 1, 1942) is an American Screenwriter and director. Locations during the shoot included Shepperton Studios, Canada, New York City and New Mexico. Shepperton Studios, located in Shepperton, Surrey, England is a film studio with a long history of film making Country to "Dominion of Canada" or "Canadian Federation" or anything else please read the Talk Page The City of New York New Mexico ( is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States of America. Due to the film's excessive budget, tensions rose between Donner and the Salkinds, and it was decided to finish filming Superman while Superman II was already 80% finished. Superman II is the 1980 Sequel to the 1978 Superhero film Superman. This would eventually give birth to Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut. Superman II The Richard Donner Cut is a 2006 re-edit of the 1980 Superhero film, Superman II.

Superman was released to positive reviews and a box office success. Some critics found analogies similar to Jesus, which Mankiewicz claims were set purposely as he himself finds the character to be a symbol of Christ^[1]. Jesus of Nazareth (7–2 BC / BCE —26–36 AD / CE) It was this film that sparked and inspired the birth of modern comic book movies with its use of high-budget special effects in comparison to the low-budget films, serials and TV series that had been produced before. This is a list based on comics. It includes films that are adaptations of Comics and those films whose characters originated in those comics

Plot

On the planet Krypton, using evidence provided by the eminent scientist Jor-El, the Ruling Council sentences three insurrectionists, General Zod, Ursa and Non, to "eternal living death" in the Phantom Zone for attempting to install a dictatorship. Krypton is a Fictional planet in the DC Comics universe. No longer in existence it is the native world of the super-heroes Superman and in Jor-El is a Fictional character from the Superman Comic books, published by DC Comics. General Zod is a Fictional character that appears in Comic books published by DC Comics. Non is a fictional Villain appearing in the DC Comics universe The Phantom Zone is a Fictional Prison Dimension featured in the Superman Comic books and related media Following this success, Jor-El attempts to convince the Council of his belief that the Kryptonian sun will shortly explode and destroy their planet, but they dismiss his theory as "outlandish". Jor-El is a Fictional character from the Superman Comic books, published by DC Comics. Threatened with his own imprisonment in the Phantom Zone if he makes his theory public or attempts to flee, Jor-El instead launches a spacecraft containing his infant son, Kal-El, towards Earth, a distant planet with a suitable atmosphere, ensuring he will survive. The Phantom Zone is a Fictional Prison Dimension featured in the Superman Comic books and related media Jor-El is a Fictional character from the Superman Comic books, published by DC Comics. Superman is a fictional Comic book Superhero widely considered to be one of the most recognized of such characters and an American Cultural icon Barely after the ship launches, the sun explodes and Krypton is destroyed.

Three years later, the ship reaches Earth, crashing near an American farming town, Smallville, where little Kal-El is found by Jonathan Kent and wife Martha Kent and raised as their own son, Clark. Jonathan Kent may refer to Jonathan Kent (director, British actor then later theatre and opera director Jonathan Kent (fictional character Martha Clark Kent and Jonathan Kent, also known as Ma and Pa Kent, are Fictional characters published by DC Comics. Fifteen years later, after Jonathan Kent suddenly dies, Clark hears a psychic 'call', and discovers it is coming from a glowing green crystal in the remains of his ship. Compelled to travel north, he leaves the homestead and heads to a specific point in the Arctic, where the crystal somehow builds a "Fortress of Solitude", resembling the architecture of Krypton. Activating a control panel inside the fortress, a vision of Jor-El appears before him and takes him on a journey through time and space, explaining his origins and educating him in his powers and responsibilities. After twelve years, with his powers fully developed, he leaves the fortress and, as Clark Kent, finds a job at The Daily Planet in Metropolis. The Daily Planet is a Fictional Broadsheet Newspaper that appears in Superman stories published by DC Comics. Metropolis is a Fictional city that appears in Comic books published by DC Comics, and is the home of Superman. He meets and develops a crush upon fellow reporter Lois Lane, but the feelings are not returned, though she comes to regard him as a friend. Lois Lane-Kent is the primary love interest in the DC Comics ’ Superman stories Shortly afterwards, she is involved in a helicopter accident where conventional means of rescue are impossible, requiring him to use his powers in public for the first time in order to save her.

Later, he visits her at home, takes her for a flight over the city and allows her to interview him for a newspaper article in which she dubs him "Superman. " Meanwhile, criminal genius Lex Luthor has developed a cunning plan to make a fortune in real estate, by buying large amounts of 'worthless' western desert land and then diverting a nuclear rocket from a missile testing site to the San Andreas fault line. Lex Luthor is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The San Andreas Fault is a geologic Transform fault that runs a length of roughly 800 miles (1300 km through California in the United States. This will destroy California and leave Luthor's desert as the new West Coast, increasing its value exponentially. After his incompetent henchman Otis accidentally redirects the first rocket to the wrong place, Luthor's girlfriend Eve Teschmacher successfully changes the course of a second missile. Realizing Superman could stop his plan, Luthor lures him to his underground hideaway, where he exposes him to Kryptonite, the only substance known to cause him harm. Kryptonite is a mineral from the Superman mythos originating in the Superman Radio show series As Superman weakens, Luthor taunts him by revealing the first missile is headed to Hackensack, New Jersey, knowing Superman could not stop both impacts. Hackensack is a city in Bergen County, New Jersey, United States and the county seat of Bergen Miss Teschmacher is horrified by this, as her mother lives in Hackensack, but Luthor does not care and leaves Superman to a slow death.

Miss Teschmacher, after some hesitation, rescues Superman, on the condition that he deals with the New Jersey missile first. He is consequently too late to stop the second impact; the missile explodes, causing a massive earthquake which Superman battles to correct. However, while he is busy saving others, Lois Lane is killed, when the earthquake causes her car to fall into a crevice, and she suffocates from debris. Distraught at being unable to save Lois, Superman ignores Jor-El's warning not to interfere with human history, preferring to take Jonathan Kent's advice that he is here for "a reason" and travels back in time in order to save Lois. Having finally corrected the disaster, Superman delivers Luthor and Otis to prison, until they can get a "fair trial. "

Cast

• Christopher Reeve as Kal-El / Clark Kent / Superman: After discovering his roots and origins from his native planet Krypton, he sets himself to fulfill his destiny and help those on Earth. Christopher D'Olier Reeve ( September 25, 1952 – October 10, 2004) was an American Actor, director, Superman is a fictional Comic book Superhero widely considered to be one of the most recognized of such characters and an American Cultural icon Krypton (ˈkrɪptən or /ˈkrɪptɒn/ from kryptos "hidden" is a Chemical element with the symbol Kr and Atomic number 36 In his wake, he finds the villainous Lex Luthor which sets dire consequences. As a means to protect his identity, he works as mild mannered reporter Clark Kent at The Daily Planet. The Daily Planet is a Fictional Broadsheet Newspaper that appears in Superman stories published by DC Comics.
• Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor: A villain armed with an excessive amount of money and various knowledge of science. Eugene Allen "Gene" Hackman (born January 30, 1930) is a two-time Academy Award -winning American actor and author Lex Luthor is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. His only counterparts are bumbling henchman Otis and gorgeous girlfriend Eve Teschmacher.
• Margot Kidder as Lois Lane: A fellow reporter at The Daily Planet who becomes a crush of Clark Kent. Margot Kidder (born October 17, 1948) is a Canadian-American Film and Television actress best known for playing Lois Lois Lane-Kent is the primary love interest in the DC Comics ’ Superman stories The Daily Planet is a Fictional Broadsheet Newspaper that appears in Superman stories published by DC Comics. She is madly in love with Superman and often ignores Clark.
• Marlon Brando as Jor-El: Kal-El's father on Krypton. Marlon Brando Jr (April 3 1924 – July 1 2004 was an Academy Award -winning American Actor, whose body of work spanned over half a century Jor-El is a Fictional character from the Superman Comic books, published by DC Comics. Krypton (ˈkrɪptən or /ˈkrɪptɒn/ from kryptos "hidden" is a Chemical element with the symbol Kr and Atomic number 36 He has a theory of the planet exploding, though the Council refuses to listen. He dies as the planet explodes but successfully sends his infant son to Earth as a means to help the innocent.
• Ned Beatty as Otis: Lex Luthor's bumbling henchman. Ned Thomas Beatty (born July 6, 1937) is an Academy Award -nominated American Actor. Otis, played by Ned Beatty, is the short Henchman of Lex Luthor who appears in the 1978 film Superman and its sequel Superman
• Valerie Perrine as Eve Teschmacher: Lex Luthor's girlfriend. Valerie Ritchie Perrine (born September 3, 1943) is an Academy Award -nominated American actress and model She falls in love with Superman's charms when Luthor nearly kills him with Kryptonite and walks away. Kryptonite is a mineral from the Superman mythos originating in the Superman Radio show series As such she saves him (and kisses him), though strikes a deal for him to stop the missile heading towards Hackensack. Hackensack is a city in Bergen County, New Jersey, United States and the county seat of Bergen She is very sexy and seductive with her long cigarette holder. Sometimes she smokes long slim cigars to turn men on.
• Glenn Ford as Jonathan Kent: Clark Kent's father in Smallville during his teenage years. Gwyllyn Samuel Newton "Glenn" Ford ( May 1, 1916 &ndash August 30, 2006) was a Canadian -born American Jonathan Kent may refer to Jonathan Kent (director, British actor then later theatre and opera director Jonathan Kent (fictional character He is a farmer who teaches his son ideal skills that will help him in the future. He later suffers a heart attack that will forever change Clark's philosophy on life.
• Jackie Cooper as Perry White: Clark Kent's tempering boss at The Daily Planet. Jackie Cooper (born September 15 1922 is an American Academy Award -nominated Actor, Emmy Award -winning TV director, and TV Perry White is a Fictional character who appears in the Superman comics. He assigns Lois to uncover the news of an unknown businessman purchasing a large amount of property in California.
• Marc McClure as Jimmy Olsen: A teenage photographer at The Daily Planet. Marc A McClure (born March 31 1957) is an American Actor. McClure was born in San Mateo California. James Bartholomew "Jimmy" Olsen is a Fictional character, a Photojournalist who appears mainly in DC Comics ’ Superman stories He is present with Lois in California, though doesn't die as he is at a different location.
• Jeff East as Young Clark Kent: He is confused over how to use his abilities in either sport, or simply helping others in trouble. Jeff East (born October 27, 1957) is an American actor East is well-known for his role in the 1978 hit film Superman as the young He is guided by fellow parents Johnathan and Martha and after finding out about his heritage, he ultimately finds his path into becoming Kal-El, "The Last Son of Krypton. "
• Phyllis Thaxter as Martha Kent: Clark's faithful mother who also helps in raising him in addition to Jonathan. Phyllis Thaxter (born Phyllis St Felix Thaxter November 20, 1921 in Portland Maine) is an actress Martha Clark Kent and Jonathan Kent, also known as Ma and Pa Kent, are Fictional characters published by DC Comics.

Both Kirk Alyn and Noel Neill cameo as young Lois Lane's mother and father on the train when the young Clark Kent is running alongside, racing the train. Kirk Alyn ( October 8, 1910 - March 14, 1999) was an American actor best known for being the first actor to play Superman Noel Neill (born November 25, 1920) is an American actress in motion pictures and television best known as Lois Lane in the television series Lois Lane-Kent is the primary love interest in the DC Comics ’ Superman stories

Production

For more details on this topic, see Ilya Salkind#Superman film series. Ilya Salkind (born Ilya Juan Salkind Dominguez, July 27, 1947 in Mexico City) is a film and

Richard Donner read the script, but thought there still were too many comedic aspects. Richard Donner (born April 24, 1930) is an American Film director, and also a Film producer through the production company ^[2] This included an infamous scene featuring Telly Savalas in Kojak appearance interacting with Superman. Aristotelis “Telly” Savalas (Αριστοτέλης Σαβάλας in Greek January 21, 1922 – January 22, 1994) was an American Kojak refers to two separate but related American Crime drama Television series, with the original airing on CBS and the second series Donner brought in fellow friend Tom Mankiewicz for rewrite work and sets started to be constructed at Shepperton Studios for Marlon Brando's filming dates that would happen in less than three months. Tom Mankiewicz (born June 1, 1942) is an American Screenwriter and director. Shepperton Studios, located in Shepperton, Surrey, England is a film studio with a long history of film making Marlon Brando Jr (April 3 1924 – July 1 2004 was an Academy Award -winning American Actor, whose body of work spanned over half a century ^[3] The casting for Superman continued with James Caan being brought up once again. James Edmund Caan (born March 26, 1940) is an American Academy Award - Emmy - and Golden Globe -nominated American Other well-known actors such as Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Kris Kristofferson, Charles Bronson, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone auditioned for the role of Superman, but were turned down. Paul Leonard Newman (January 26 1925 &ndash September 26 2008 was an Academy Award Charles Robert Redford Jr (born August 18 1936) is an Academy Award -winning American Film director, Actor, Charles Bronson (born Charles Dennis Buchinsky, Lithuanian name Karolis Bučinskis, November 3, 1921 – August 30, Arnold Alois Schwarzenegger ( German ˌaɐnɔlt aloʏs ˈʃvaɐtsənɛɡɐ born July 30 1947 is an Austrian American Bodybuilder, Actor Sylvester Gardenzio Stallone (born July 6 1946 is an American Actor, director, producer and Screenwriter. Neil Diamond expressed heavy interest but was also turned down. Neil Leslie Diamond (born January 24, 1941) is an American Singer-songwriter and occasional Actor. James Brolin, Lyle Waggoner and Perry King were looked at as well though nothing happened beyond that. James Brolin (born July 18 1940) is an American Television, Film, Character actor, producer, and director Lyle Waggoner (born April 13 1935 in Kansas City Kansas) is an American Actor and former model best known for his work on Perry Firestone King (born April 30, 1948) is an American Television and Film Actor. It was eventually decided to cast an unknown actor, and the filmmakers brought in casting director Lynn Stalmaster to help out with the complicated situation. ^[4]

Stalmaster first came up with Christopher Reeve though Donner and Ilya Salkind felt he was "too skinny"^[3] and too young. Christopher D'Olier Reeve ( September 25, 1952 – October 10, 2004) was an American Actor, director, Ilya Salkind (born Ilya Juan Salkind Dominguez, July 27, 1947 in Mexico City) is a film and Dozens of other unknowns auditioned (including a very young Christopher Walken and then Olympic gold medalist Bruce Jenner). Christopher Walken (born March 31 1943 is an American Film and Theatre Actor. The 1976 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXI Olympiad, were an International Multi-sport event held in Montreal, Quebec William Bruce Jenner (born October 28, 1949, in Mount Kisco New York) is a U The casting notice became so desperate, that the dentist of Ilya's then wife at the time was screen tested as the filmmakers felt he had an uncanny resemblance to Superman. Dentistry' is the "evaluation diagnosis prevention and/or treatment (nonsurgical surgical or related procedures of diseases disorders and/or conditions of the oral cavity Stalmaster still felt Reeve would be the best choice and convinced Donner and Ilya to have him audition. ^[4] Reeve impressed the filmmakers with his performance, and they were to have him wear a "muscle suit," thinking that he couldn't possibly obtain the muscular physique. Reeve refused to do so,^[5] and enhanced his muscular tone from 170 lbs. to 212 in roughly six weeks, trained by David Prowse (known for wearing the Darth Vader suit in the original Star Wars trilogy). David Prowse, MBE (born 1 July, 1935) is an English bodybuilder weightlifter and actor most widely known for his role as the physical form Anakin Skywalker Darth Vader is a fictional character in George Lucas ' Science fiction saga Star Wars. Star Wars is an epic Space opera franchise initially conceived by George Lucas during the 1970s and significantly expanded ^[3]

From March 1977 through May, the casting call for Lois Lane took place, eventually having over a hundred actresses read for the part. Lois Lane-Kent is the primary love interest in the DC Comics ’ Superman stories It was summarized between Anne Archer, Lesley Ann Warren (coincidentally portrayed Lois in the TV special of It's a Bird...It's a Plane...It's Superman), Deborah Raffin, Stockard Channing, Margot Kidder (personally suggested by Stalmaster) and Susan Blakely. Anne Archer (born August 24 1947 is an Academy Award -nominated American Actress. Lesley Ann Warren (born August 16, 1946) is a Golden Globe Award -winning Oscar nominated American stage film and television actress It's A Bird It's A Plane It's Superman is a musical with music by Charles Strouse and Lyrics by Lee Adams, with a book by Deborah Iona Raffin (born March 13, 1953) is an American film and television actress Stockard Channing (born February 13, 1944) is an American Academy Award - and Golden Globe Award-nominated three time Emmy Margot Kidder (born October 17, 1948) is a Canadian-American Film and Television actress best known for playing Lois Susan Blakely (born September 7, 1952) is an American movie actress who has mainly played supporting roles The choice went between Kidder and Channing, though it was Kidder who won the part, as Ilya Salkind felt Channing was too famous. Ilya Salkind (born Ilya Juan Salkind Dominguez, July 27, 1947 in Mexico City) is a film and Peter Boyle and Jackie Cooper auditioned for Otis as did various other actors (one of them even had a heart attack during his audition). Peter Lawrence "Pete" Boyle ( October 18, 1935 &ndash December 12, 2006) was an American Actor. Jackie Cooper (born September 15 1922 is an American Academy Award -nominated Actor, Emmy Award -winning TV director, and TV Otis, played by Ned Beatty, is the short Henchman of Lex Luthor who appears in the 1978 film Superman and its sequel Superman Ned Beatty ultimately won the role,^[4] while Cooper was coincidentally cast as Perry White once Keenan Wynn had to drop out due to heart problems. Ned Thomas Beatty (born July 6, 1937) is an Academy Award -nominated American Actor. Perry White is a Fictional character who appears in the Superman comics. Keenan Wynn ( July 27, 1916 – October 14, 1986) was an American Character actor and member of a well-known show-business Myocardial infarction ( MI or AMI for acute myocardial infarction) also known as a heart attack, occurs when the blood supply ^[6]

Principal photography

Superman started filming on March 24, 1977. It was shot simultaneously with Superman II, including eleven different units on location. Superman II is the 1980 Sequel to the 1978 Superhero film Superman. The scenes of Krypton were shot at both Pinewood and Shepperton Studios. Krypton (ˈkrɪptən or /ˈkrɪptɒn/ from kryptos "hidden" is a Chemical element with the symbol Kr and Atomic number 36 Pinewood Studios is a major British Film studio situated in Iver Heath, Buckinghamshire. Shepperton Studios, located in Shepperton, Surrey, England is a film studio with a long history of film making Smallville was shot on location in High River, Alberta while Metropolis was filmed in New York City. High River is a town in southwestern Alberta, Canada with a population of 10716 Alberta (ælˈbɝtə is one of Canada's prairie provinces. It became a province on September 1 1905 A metropolis (from the Greek μήτηρ mētēr meaning 'mother' and πόλις pólis meaning 'city/town' is a big City, in most cases with The City of New York For scenes involving The Daily Planet, The New York Daily News was put in its place. The Daily Planet is a Fictional Broadsheet Newspaper that appears in Superman stories published by DC Comics. The Daily News of New York City is the fifth most-widely circulated daily Newspaper in the United States with a daily circulation of 703137 ^[7] Filming was to remain very secretive as Christopher Reeve would have to walk in a bathrobe between shots to avoid revealing the Superman suit to magazine photographers. Christopher D'Olier Reeve ( September 25, 1952 – October 10, 2004) was an American Actor, director, During the stressful shoot, tensions rose between the Salkinds and Donner as the two were barely speaking. Salkind blamed it on being over budget, behind schedule, and lacking a teaser trailer. A teaser trailer, or teaser is a short trailer used to advertise an upcoming movie game or television series ^[4]

Tom Mankiewicz claims that Donner was never given a budget or a schedule, and was constantly told by the Salkinds that he was either over budget or behind schedule. Tom Mankiewicz (born June 1, 1942) is an American Screenwriter and director. Warner Brothers would eventually step up and provided more money for the film. Warner Bros Entertainment Inc (or Warner Bros, Warner Bros Pictures) is one of the world's largest producers of Film and Richard Lester, who directed the Salkind's previous films The Three Musketeers and its sequel The Four Musketeers, was brought in as an uncredited producer, setting a balance between Donner and the Salkinds, who were barely speaking. Richard Lester (born January 19, 1932) is a British -based Film director famous for his work with The Beatles in the 1960s The Three Musketeers is a 1973 film based on the novel by Alexandre Dumas père. The Four Musketeers is the title of a 1974 Richard Lester film which follows upon his film of the previous year The Three Musketeers Mankiewicz claims the Salkinds brought in Lester because they were either waiting for Donner to quit, or having Donner go so over budget that he would be fired. Lester refused to be credited for his work. Although Donner and Lester got along well, it was Lester who came up with the idea to stop filming Superman II and instead focus on finishing Superman. By this time 80% of II was finished; that included every scene featuring Marlon Brando and Gene Hackman, as it would be impossible bringing back the two high profile actors. Marlon Brando Jr (April 3 1924 – July 1 2004 was an Academy Award -winning American Actor, whose body of work spanned over half a century Eugene Allen "Gene" Hackman (born January 30, 1930) is a two-time Academy Award -winning American actor and author This would eventually spark the birth of Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut. Superman II The Richard Donner Cut is a 2006 re-edit of the 1980 Superhero film, Superman II. The remaining 20% of Superman II would be finalized provided Superman were a financial success. ^[4]

Special effects

Superman is well-known for its large-scale special effects sequences, all of which were created without the benefit of computer-generated imagery. Computer animation Computer-generated imagery (also known as CGI) is the application of the field of Computer graphics or more specifically 3D computer graphics The sets of Krypton were built at Pinewood Studios with the "Kryptonian Council Dome" being designed as a miniature. Krypton (ˈkrɪptən or /ˈkrɪptɒn/ from kryptos "hidden" is a Chemical element with the symbol Kr and Atomic number 36 Pinewood Studios is a major British Film studio situated in Iver Heath, Buckinghamshire. The Golden Gate Bridge miniature stood 70 feet long, and 20 feet wide. The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension Bridge spanning the Golden Gate, the opening of the San Francisco Bay onto the Pacific Ocean During the construction of the scene involving the Hoover Dam, a miniature was built and as an effect to simulate the vast amount of water, slow motion (an over-cranked camera) was put in process. Hoover Dam, also sometimes known as Boulder Dam, is a Concrete Arch-gravity dam in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River, on the The Fortress of Solitude was a full-scale set, though some scenes required matte paintings. The Fortress of Solitude is the occasional Headquarters of Superman in DC Comics. The Destruction of Krypton was also filmed on a full-scale set, which would eventually be crushed to pieces. Young Clark Kent's long-distance football punt was executed with a wooden football loaded into an air cannon placed in the ground. Discarded footage exists of Superman flying in lava during the earthquake scene though for unknown reasons it didn't appear in either of the original release or Richard Donner's director's cut. Richard Donner (born April 24, 1930) is an American Film director, and also a Film producer through the production company ^[8]

Publicity still emulating screen shot.

Actual screen shot for comparison. Suit has greenish hue, for use with blue-screen effects.

Of all the visual effects, the flying sequences were the hardest. The first test involved simply catapulting a dummy out of a cannon. Another technique was to have a remote control cast of the character flying around. Both were discarded due to lack of movement. High quality, realistic-looking animation was tried, with animated speed trails added to make the effect more convincing. Finally, a technique was developed that combined front projection with specially designed zoom lenses. ^[8]

The illusion of movement was created by zooming in on Christopher Reeve while making the front projected image appear to recede. Christopher D'Olier Reeve ( September 25, 1952 – October 10, 2004) was an American Actor, director, For scenes where Superman has to interact with other people or objects while in flight, Reeve and fellow actors were put in a variety of rigging equipment with careful lighting and photography to hide the equipment. The Superman costume was originally a much darker blue, but had to change to a more turquoise color in order to composite better with the blue screen. Chroma Key is the name under which ex- Dream Theater Keyboardist Kevin Moore records ^[8]

Music

See also: Superman music

Richard Donner originally had in mind for Jerry Goldsmith to compose the music for the film as the two had worked together on The Omen. The various film and television renditions of the Superman character have been accompanied by musical scores Richard Donner (born April 24, 1930) is an American Film director, and also a Film producer through the production company Jerrald King "Jerry" Goldsmith ( February 10, 1929 – July 21, 2004) was an American Film score Composer The Omen is a 1976 suspense / horror Film directed by Richard Donner. Goldsmith was set to work on the film but backed out due to scheduling conflicts. However, pieces of Goldsmith's musical notes for Capricorn One coincidentally found its way into the teaser trailer of this film, and years later, Goldsmith would find himself writing the film score for Supergirl. Capricorn One is a 1978 thriller movie about a Mars landing Hoax. A teaser trailer, or teaser is a short trailer used to advertise an upcoming movie game or television series Supergirl is a 1984 Superhero Film. It stars Helen Slater in her first motion picture role in the title role of the DC Comics It was decided to hire John Williams as the filmmakers were impressed with his work on Jaws. John Towner Williams (born February 8 1932) is an American Composer, conductor and Pianist. Jaws is a 1975 thriller / horror Film directed by Steven Spielberg and based on Peter Benchley 's best-selling Salkind also felt comfortable in hiring Williams as he felt "he could bring a 'bigger-than-life' feeling [for the film]" in comparison to 2001: A Space Odyssey. 2001 A Space Odyssey is a 1968 Science fiction film directed by Stanley Kubrick, written by Kubrick and Arthur C In the scene whereas Lois Lane and Superman are flying through the New York City atmosphere, it was originally intended for Margot Kidder to sing the words to "Can You Read My Mind?" rather than narrating. The City of New York Margot Kidder (born October 17, 1948) is a Canadian-American Film and Television actress best known for playing Lois Can You Read My Mind is the love theme from the 1978 film Superman, with music by John Williams and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse. Lyrics were written by Leslie Bricusse though the idea was ultimately dropped in favor of a "vocal" recitation. Leslie Bricusse (born 29 January 1931) is a British lyricist and composer ^[4]

Themes

Various Christianity references were used when discussing the themes of the storyline. Religious perspectives on Jesus is the specific significance some Religions place on Jesus. Tom Mankiewicz has claimed they were set purposely, while Richard Donner is somewhat skeptical. Tom Mankiewicz (born June 1, 1942) is an American Screenwriter and director. Richard Donner (born April 24, 1930) is an American Film director, and also a Film producer through the production company Most notably they include Jor-El casting out Zod from Krypton parallels God casting out Satan from Heaven. Jor-El is a Fictional character from the Superman Comic books, published by DC Comics. General Zod is a Fictional character that appears in Comic books published by DC Comics. Krypton (ˈkrɪptən or /ˈkrɪptɒn/ from kryptos "hidden" is a Chemical element with the symbol Kr and Atomic number 36 God is the principal or sole Deity in Religions and other belief systems that worship one deity. Satan, ( Standard Hebrew Satan'el, English accuser) is a term that originates from the Abrahamic faiths, being traditionally Heaven may refer to the physical heavens the sky or the seemingly endless expanse of the Universe beyond ^[6] The ship that brings Kal-El to Earth is in the form of a star (the star of Bethlehem). Bethlehem ( بيت لحم,, lit "House of Meat" Βηθλεέμ Bethleém בית לחם Beit Lehem, lit "House of Bread" is a Kal-El comes to a couple unable to have children, as Martha Kent quotes, ". Martha Clark Kent and Jonathan Kent, also known as Ma and Pa Kent, are Fictional characters published by DC Comics. . . how we prayed and prayed the good Lord see fit to give us a child". ^[6] Others also felt there were similarities between Lara and Mary. Lara Lor-Van, usually referred to as simply Lara, is a Fictional character who appears in Superman comics published by DC Comics. ^[4]

Just as there is not much known about Jesus during his middle years, Clark travels into the wilderness to find out who he really was and what he had to do. Jor-El says, "You must live as one of them, but always hold in your heart the pride of your special heritage. They can be a great people Kal-El, they wish to be, they only lack the light to show the way. For this reason above all, their capacity for good, I have sent them you, my only son," a resemblance to God sending his only son Jesus to Earth in hope for the good of mankind. Jesus of Nazareth (7–2 BC / BCE —26–36 AD / CE) ^[6]

In the scene whereas Lois Lane is interviewing Superman on the balcony, Superman says, "I never lie, Lois. Lois Lane-Kent is the primary love interest in the DC Comics ’ Superman stories " Ilya Salkind felt this was a generally important standing-point in the film, as carrying his secret identity as Clark Kent is "telling the biggest lie of them all," and through this status of his romance with Lois, he eventually goes against Jor-El's orders of not altering human history. Ilya Salkind (born Ilya Juan Salkind Dominguez, July 27, 1947 in Mexico City) is a film and Clark Joseph Kent (middle name is also Jerome according to some versions is a Fictional character created by Joe Shuster and Jerry Siegel. Jor-El is a Fictional character from the Superman Comic books, published by DC Comics. This ensues with turning the world back in time to save her from dying. ^[4] Jules Feiffer has argued that Superman's real innovation lay in the creation of the Clark Kent persona, noting that what "made Superman extraordinary was his point of origin: Clark Kent. Jules Ralph Feiffer (born) is an American syndicated comic-strip Cartoonist and Author. " Feiffer develops the theme to establish Superman's popularity in simple wish fulfilment. ^[9]

Reaction

Superman opened on December 15, 1978 in the United States in 806 theaters, accumulating $7,465,343 over its opening weekend. Events 533 - Byzantine general Belisarius defeats the Vandals, commanded by King Gelimer, at the Battle of The year 1978 in film involved some significant events Top grossing films (U The United States of America —commonly referred to as the The film went on to gross $300,218,018 worldwide, more than five times the amount of its production budget, making it a financial success. ^[10] Based on 45 reviews collected by Rotten Tomatoes, Superman received an average 93% overall approval rating;^[11] the film was more balanced with the five critics in Rotten Tomatoes' "Cream of the Crop", which consists of popular and notable critics from the top newspapers, websites, television and radio programs,^[12] receiving a 80% approval rating. Rotten Tomatoes is a Website devoted to reviews information and news of Movies. ^[13] By comparison, Metacritic calculated an average score of 88 from the 12 reviews it collected. Metacritic is a Website that collates reviews of music Albums games, movies, TV shows, DVDs and Books. ^[14]

Roger Ebert was fascinated by overall aspects that included the storyline, Marlon Brando's dialogue and the special effects. Roger Joseph Ebert (iːbɝt born June 18, 1942) is an American film critic and Screenwriter. Marlon Brando Jr (April 3 1924 – July 1 2004 was an Academy Award -winning American Actor, whose body of work spanned over half a century He also cited that the tongue-in-cheek humor came at perfect moments and that Christopher Reeve was perfectly cast, commenting "Reeve sells the role; wrong casting here would have sunk everything. Christopher D'Olier Reeve ( September 25, 1952 – October 10, 2004) was an American Actor, director, " In the end he quoted, "The movie is, in fact, a triumph of imagination over both the difficulties of technology and the inhibitions of money. Superman wasn't easy to bring to the screen, but the filmmakers kept at it until they had it right. "^[15] Film critic Danny Graydon from BBC quoted, "Superman: The Movie remains a defining high point of Hollywood's tumultuous relationship with superheroes. "^[16] Steven Greydanus of Decent Films Guide called it, "A classic tribute to an American pop-culture icon, Superman is the first great comic-book movie and a nostalgic ode to the ideals of a more innocent time. Combining epic, portentous 2001-style sci‑fi mythmaking and Adam West "Batman"-style camp, the Mario Puzo-scripted movie embraces both the christological resonances implicit in the Superman myth and the over-the-top cartoon villainy of Gene Hackman’s Lex Luthor and his buffoonish henchman Otis. 2001 A Space Odyssey is a 1968 Science fiction film directed by Stanley Kubrick, written by Kubrick and Arthur C Adam West (born William West Anderson on September 19, 1928) is an American Actor who is best known for playing the role of Batman is a 1960s American Television series, based on the DC Comic book character of the same name. Mario Gianluigi Puzo ( October 15, 1920 &ndash July 2, 1999) was a two time Academy Award -winning Italian American Religious perspectives on Jesus is the specific significance some Religions place on Jesus. Eugene Allen "Gene" Hackman (born January 30, 1930) is a two-time Academy Award -winning American actor and author Lex Luthor is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. Otis, played by Ned Beatty, is the short Henchman of Lex Luthor who appears in the 1978 film Superman and its sequel Superman "^[17]

Dave Kehr of the Chicago Reader criticized how "the tone, style, and point of view [seem to] change almost from shot to shot" calling it "the definitive corporate film. Dave Kehr is an American Film critic. He was a critic at the The Chicago Reader for many years and currently writes a weekly column on DVD releases The Chicago Reader is an Alternative newsweekly in Chicago, Illinois, USA A corporation is a separate legal entity usually used to conduct business " In the end he quoted, "The film is best when it takes itself seriously, worst when it takes the easy way out in giggly camp, as it does, finally and fatally, when Lex Luthor enters the action; Gene Hackman plays the arch-villain like a hairdresser left over from a TV skit. "^[18] Harry Knowles of Ain't It Cool News claims he is a longtime dire fan of the film, but was overly critical of elements that didn't represent the Superman stories as seen in the comics. Harry Jay Knowles (born December 11, 1971) is an American online film critic known for his movie news and review Website, Ain't It Cool News (AICN is a Website founded and run by Harry Knowles dedicated to rumors and reviews of upcoming and currently playing Films and ^[19]

Superman was nominated for three categories at the Academy Awards with Best Film Editing, Best Music, Original Score and Best Sound, though failed to convert any of them into wins. "The Oscar" redirects here for the film see The Oscar (film. The Academy Award for Film Editing was first given for films issued in 1934 The Academy Award for Original Music Score is presented to the best substantial body of music in the form of dramatic underscoring written specifically The Academy Award of Merit for Best Sound Editing is an Academy Award granted yearly to a film exhibiting the finest or most aesthetic However, the film was able to receive a "Special Achievement Award" for its Visual Effects. Visual effects (commonly shortened to Visual F/X or VFX) are the various processes by which imagery is created and/or manipulated outside the context of a Live ^[20] At The Saturn Awards Margot Kidder, John Barry, John Williams and the Special Effects crew won their respective categories, as well as winning Best Science Fiction Film. The Saturn Award is an award presented annually by the Academy of Science Fiction Fantasy & Horror Films to honor the top works in Science fiction, Fantasy Margot Kidder (born October 17, 1948) is a Canadian-American Film and Television actress best known for playing Lois John Barry may refer to Sir John Barry (fl 1529 rector of Chew Stoke John Barry (naval officer (1745&ndash1803 officer in the Continental John Towner Williams (born February 8 1932) is an American Composer, conductor and Pianist. The following are a list of Saturn Award winners for Best Science Fiction Film: See also Science fiction film Christopher Reeve, Richard Donner, Valerie Perrine and the costume design team were nominated for their work as well. Christopher D'Olier Reeve ( September 25, 1952 – October 10, 2004) was an American Actor, director, Richard Donner (born April 24, 1930) is an American Film director, and also a Film producer through the production company Valerie Ritchie Perrine (born September 3, 1943) is an Academy Award -nominated American actress and model ^[21] The film was once again nominated for its DVD release in 2001. ^[22] Superman proved to be a success in England at the BAFTA Awards. The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA is a British charity that hosts annual awards shows for film television television craft video games and forms of animation Reeve won Best Newcomer, while Gene Hackman, Geoffrey Unsworth, Barry and the Sound design team were given nominations. Best British Director Producer or Writer in the First Film 2006 - Red Road - Andrea Arnold Eugene Allen "Gene" Hackman (born January 30, 1930) is a two-time Academy Award -winning American actor and author Geoffrey Unsworth OBE, BSC (1914 Leigh Greater Manchester - October 28 1978, Britanny) was a British Cinematographer ^[23] Unsworth, who died before the release of this film, and to whom the film was dedicated in its opening credit,^[7] was given a nomination by the British Society of Cinematographers. The British Society of Cinematographers or BSC was formed in 1949 by Bert Easey the then head of the Denham and Pinewood studio camera departments ^[24] In addition Williams was given a nomination at The Golden Globes^[25] and won a category The Grammys. The Golden Globe Awards are American awards for motion pictures and Television programs given out each year during a formal dinner The Grammy Awards (originally called the Gramophone Awards)—or Grammys —are presented annually by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences ^[26] The film won the Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation. The Hugo Awards are given every year for the best Science fiction or Fantasy works and achievements of the previous year The Hugo Awards are given annually by members of the World Science Fiction Convention for the best science fiction or fantasy works ^[27] The Visual Effects Society listed Superman as the #44 most influential use of visual effects of all time. The Visual Effects Society (VES is the Entertainment industry 's only organization representing the full breadth of Visual effects practitioners including artists ^[28]

References

External links

• Superman at the Internet Movie Database
• Superman: The Movie at RottenTomatoes.com