Superman (1978), directed by Richard Donner, remains one of the most influential superhero films of all time. With Christopher Reeve as the titular hero, it introduced generations to a cinematic version of the Man of Steel, setting a benchmark for superhero storytelling, visual effects, and character-driven drama. This analysis covers everything from the plot to behind-the-scenes trivia.
Table of Contents
ToggleDetailed Summary
The Fall of Krypton
The story begins on the doomed planet Krypton, where the scientist Jor-El (played by Marlon Brando) warns the ruling council about the planet’s imminent destruction. When they dismiss his warnings, Jor-El and his wife Lara send their infant son Kal-El to Earth in a small spacecraft, ensuring his survival. The destruction of Krypton is one of the earliest epic space sequences in film history, mixing grandeur with tragedy.
Clark Kent in Smallville
Kal-El’s ship crashes in the rural town of Smallville, Kansas, where he is found and raised by Jonathan and Martha Kent. Named Clark, he grows up with a sense of responsibility and unique powers, including super strength, speed, heat vision, and flight. After the death of Jonathan Kent, Clark travels to the Arctic, where he discovers the Fortress of Solitude, constructed from a crystal Jor-El left in his ship. There, Clark learns about his Kryptonian heritage and purpose.
Enter Metropolis and Superman
Clark moves to Metropolis, takes a job at the Daily Planet, and meets Lois Lane (Margot Kidder), the ambitious reporter. In Metropolis, he begins his dual life—mild-mannered reporter by day, caped superhero by necessity. His first public appearance—rescuing Lois from a falling helicopter—is an iconic moment in superhero cinema.
Lex Luthor’s Scheme
Enter the villain: Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman), a wealthy criminal mastermind who uncovers Superman’s vulnerability to kryptonite. Luthor devises a plan to launch two nuclear missiles—one to hit the San Andreas Fault, causing California to sink, and the other as a decoy aimed at the East Coast. He aims to destroy the West Coast and make his worthless desert property skyrocket in value once it becomes beachfront.
The Race Against Time
Superman tries to stop both missiles but can only intercept one. The second missile hits near the San Andreas Fault, triggering a massive earthquake. He saves a train, a school bus, and prevents a dam from bursting—but fails to save Lois, who is buried alive in her car. This emotional climax reveals Superman’s vulnerability not to physical harm, but to emotional loss.
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Movie Ending
In a bold and controversial move, Superman flies into space, circles the Earth at incredible speed, and turns back time. This act allows him to prevent Lois’s death and stop the entire disaster from occurring. While the science of this scene remains widely debated (and parodied), it underscores Superman’s desperation and love.
He returns Lex Luthor and his bumbling henchman Otis to prison and flies off into the sky, smiling—leaving audiences with a sense of closure and hope.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, there are no post-credits scenes in Superman (1978). This was well before the Marvel-style tradition of teasing sequels in the credits. However, the ending does conclude with a reassuring shot of Superman flying into space, accompanied by the classic John Williams score—a perfect final note.
Type of Movie
Superman (1978) is a superhero film blended with science fiction, fantasy, romance, and adventure. It’s also part coming-of-age drama and political thriller, but at its core, it’s an origin story and a character study of what makes a true hero.
Cast
- Christopher Reeve as Clark Kent / Superman
- Margot Kidder as Lois Lane
- Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor
- Marlon Brando as Jor-El
- Ned Beatty as Otis
- Jackie Cooper as Perry White
- Glenn Ford as Jonathan Kent
- Trevor Howard, Maria Schell, and Terence Stamp in supporting Kryptonian roles
Film Music and Composer
The unforgettable score was composed by John Williams, whose Superman Theme became as iconic as his work on Star Wars and Indiana Jones. The soaring brass lines and triumphant melodies perfectly mirror Superman’s larger-than-life presence.
Filming Locations
- New York City: Used as the real-world model for Metropolis
- Alberta, Canada: Smallville scenes were filmed in Pincher Creek
- Pinewood Studios, England: Interior sets, especially the Fortress of Solitude and Krypton scenes
- Gallup, New Mexico: Scenes involving the missile launch
These locations helped create a grounded, real-world feel that contrasted with the high fantasy of Krypton and the sci-fi design of the Fortress of Solitude.
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Awards and Nominations
- Won a Special Achievement Academy Award for Visual Effects
- Nominated for 3 Oscars:
- Best Film Editing
- Best Original Score (John Williams)
- Best Sound
- BAFTA win for Best Production Design
- Multiple Saturn Awards and critical acclaim
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Marlon Brando was paid $3.7 million for roughly 12 minutes of screen time.
- Christopher Reeve, relatively unknown at the time, trained intensely to develop Superman’s physique.
- Gene Hackman refused to shave his mustache for the role; Donner had to wear a fake one to convince him.
- Richard Donner was later fired during the sequel’s production, leading to the controversial Superman II production split.
Inspirations and References
- Based on the DC Comics character created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster.
- Krypton’s design was inspired by crystalline forms and art deco motifs.
- Jor-El’s monologues echo Biblical figures like Moses, who was also sent away in infancy to be saved.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
- The original ending of Superman was supposed to be used for Superman II—the missile that Superman diverts was originally going to free General Zod from the Phantom Zone.
- Several deleted scenes involve extended footage in Smallville and more dialogue between Clark and his adoptive parents.
- The restored “Extended TV Edition” includes over 40 minutes of additional footage.
Book Adaptations and Differences
- The film inspired a novelization by Elliot S. Maggin, a long-time Superman comic writer.
- The novel includes more internal dialogue and background lore, particularly on Krypton and the Kents.
- The movie alters several comic details (e.g., how Lex Luthor learns about kryptonite), but remains generally faithful to Superman’s core mythology.
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Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Superman’s first appearance saving Lois from the helicopter.
- The globe-spanning rescue montage (train, cat in tree, Air Force One).
- Lex Luthor revealing kryptonite’s effects.
- Superman reversing time after Lois’s death.
Iconic Quotes
- “You’ll believe a man can fly.” (Tagline)
- “I’m here to fight for truth, justice, and the American way.” – Superman
- “Some people can read War and Peace and come away thinking it’s a simple adventure story.” – Lex Luthor
- “You’ve got me? Who’s got you?!” – Lois Lane
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- Clark’s glasses are a nod to his comic-book disguise, but several scenes subtly show people suspecting he’s more than he seems.
- The number “1138” appears on Luthor’s underground lair door—possibly a nod to THX 1138 by George Lucas.
- One of the Daily Planet headlines reads: “Caped Wonder Stuns City”—the word “Wonder” could be a wink at Wonder Woman.
Trivia
- Richard Donner filmed Superman I and Superman II simultaneously until producers halted the process.
- Christopher Reeve originally wore muscle padding, but eventually built the body himself.
- Brando reportedly never read the script and had his lines fed to him via cue cards.
- The film’s budget ballooned to $55 million—massive for the time.
Why Watch?
Superman (1978) is the blueprint for modern superhero cinema. It blends emotion, idealism, and spectacle in a way few films have matched. If you enjoy origin stories, classic good-vs-evil narratives, and a dose of hopeful heroism, this film still holds up with timeless appeal.
Director’s Other Movies
- The Omen (1976)
- Ladyhawke (1985)
- Lethal Weapon (1987)
- The Goonies (1985)
- Scrooged (1988)