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Superman
1978 144 min United Kingdom, United States of America PG 18+
★7.8
Science Fiction, Action, Adventure
Director: Richard Donner
🎭 Based on
«Superman»
Trailers
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Description
Mild-mannered Clark Kent works as a reporter at the Daily Planet alongside his crush, Lois Lane. Clark must summon his superhero alter-ego when the nefarious Lex Luthor launches a plan to take over the world.
Budget:
$55M
US Gross:
$134.48M
Worldwide:
$300.48M
Starring
Christopher Reeve
Actor
Margot Kidder
Actor
Gene Hackman
Actor
Awards
Saturn Awards 1979
— Best Science Fiction Film
Saturn Awards 1979
— Best Actress
BAFTA 1979
— Best Breakthrough
Academy Awards 1979
— Best Film Editing
Academy Awards 1979
— Best Original Score
Saturn Awards 2002
— Best DVD Edition of a Classic Film
Saturn Awards 1979
— Best Costume Design
BAFTA 1979
— Best Breakthrough
BAFTA 1979
— Best Cinematography
Saturn Awards 1979
— Best Visual Effects
Saturn Awards 1979
— Best Production Design
Saturn Awards 1979
— Best Actor
Golden Globe 1979
— Best Original Score
Academy Awards 1979
— Special Achievement Award
Saturn Awards 1979
— Best Original Score
Saturn Awards 1979
— Best Director
Saturn Awards 1979
— Best Supporting Actress
BAFTA 1979
— Best Supporting Actor
BAFTA 1979
— Best Sound
BAFTA 1979
— Best Production Design
Key opinion
Superman (1978) is widely regarded as a foundational, culturally significant work that defined the superhero genre through sincere storytelling and an iconic performance by Christopher Reeve. While its legacy is cemented by its pioneering visual effects and John Williams' sweeping score, modern audiences are divided over its leisurely, sometimes disjointed narrative pacing.
| Acting | Christopher Reeve delivers an iconic performance that effectively distinguishes the dual identities of Superman and Clark Kent. | |
| Score | John Williams’ score is a standout element that provides the film with its definitive, heroic atmosphere. | |
| Production | The visual effects are frequently praised as groundbreaking for their era, maintaining a high level of effectiveness even by modern standards. | |
| Theme | The film’s tone is characterized by a sincere and charming naivety that helps it function as a classic piece of Americana. | |
| Runtime | The three-hour runtime is a point of contention; some viewers find it atmospheric and necessary, while others argue the narrative is lethargic and bloated with excessive exposition. | |
| Screenplay | Opinions on the screenplay are divided: supporters value its rich, dramatic origins, while critics cite structural disjointedness, plot holes, and a campy, cartoony portrayal of Lex Luthor. |