The Most Important Scene from Superman: The Movie

In 1978, Warner Bros. released a movie based on one of the most popular DC characters. Superman, directed by Richard Donner, is a super hero movie classic. Christopher Reeve became synonymous with Superman himself because of his outstanding performance as the Man of Steel. Even to this day, quite a few fans favor Reeve’s version above all other depictions.

What was it that made him so good? It could have been his charisma. Or, perhaps, it was his ability to play both Superman and Clark Kent. After all, the most interesting thing about Superman is that he chooses to live his life as an everyday human.

There’s one specific scene that defines Christopher Reeve’s depiction. So, let’s take a look and explore the impact that it had on comics and creatives across all mediums.

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The Myth

The history of secret identities is long and complicated. And yet, Clark Kent was one of the first heroes to even have a proper secret identity. He fell to Earth in a spaceship and lived his childhood as Clark Kent. It was only when he got older that he became Superman.

For a while, fans believed that the only thing separating Clark Kent and Superman was a flimsy pair of glasses. Over the years, different comic book artists and writers each offered different explanations for the pitiful disguise. One comic book even posited that these glasses used powerful Kryptonian technology to completely alter Superman’s appearance. Ultimately, despite all the different ideas in comics, Superman (1978) explained it best.

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The Scene

Superman carries Lois Lane home in his arms. After safely returning her home, she is completely dumbstruck. Suddenly, there’s a knock at the door! Well, who could it be except for Clark Kent himself? He’s there for a date. Still completely distracted by Superman’s charm, Lois goes to grab a coat. While Lois is in the other room, the camera focuses on Clark Kent.

Clark takes off his glasses, fixes his posture, and uses his true booming voice. With just three seemingly little changes, Clark Kent becomes Superman for one quick moment as he attempts to tell Lois his secret. Yet the transformation is so much more than that. It’s his confidence, his speech patterns, and his entire persona. Clark Kent and Superman are different people! Truly, this scene reveals how the world could believe his secret identity.

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The Impact

Christopher Reeve’s depiction of Clark Kent turning into Superman became an everlasting inspiration. Sure, it was impressive acting. But, even beyond that, it pushed the artists and minds behind the iconic character to be more creative. So when Frank Quietly was asked to do the art for DC Comics’ All Star Superman, he began sketching immediately.

Some of those sketches were included in the trade paperback edition of the graphic novel. Clearly, the sketches were inspired by Superman (1978). Here, the sketches reveal how an artist can push posture and create the same effect with carefully planned and intentional illustrations.

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The Implication

Truthfully, Clark Kent’s ability to change his demeanor allows him to embody two fully distinct people. Believe it or not, it works! There have been multiple stories and versions of a Lex Luther who learns Superman’s secret identity. However, he never believes it!

Simply put, Lex Luther cannot wrap his head around the idea that an all-powerful Kryptonian would diminish himself to the poor stature and status of reporter Clark Kent. As the world sees him, and as Sideshow’s Superman: The Movie Premium Format™ Figure displays, Superman is the epitome of a hero.

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Which depiction of Superman is your all time favorite? Do you prefer Superman comics, movies, games, or TV shows?

Let us know by joining the conversation with other DC Comics fans over at Sideshow Social Network or at side.show/geekgroup, and don’t forget to Let Your Geek Sideshow!