Superman (stylized as Superman: The Movie) is a 1978 superhero film directed by Richard Donner, supervised by Alexander and Ilya Salkind, produced by their partner Pierre Spengler, written by Mario Puzo, David Newman, Leslie Newman, and Robert Benton from a story by Puzo based on the DC Comics character of the same name. It is the first installment in the Superman film series. An international co-production between the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Panama and the United States,[3] the film stars an ensemble cast featuring Marlon Brando, Gene Hackman, Christopher Reeve, Jeff East, Margot Kidder, Glenn Ford, Phyllis Thaxter, Jackie Cooper, Trevor Howard, Marc McClure, Terence Stamp, Valerie Perrine, Ned Beatty, Jack O'Halloran, Maria Schell, and Sarah Douglas. It depicts the origin of Superman (Reeve), including his infancy as Kal-El of Krypton, son of Jor-El (Brando) and his youthful years in the rural town of Smallville. Disguised as reporter Clark Kent, he adopts a mild-mannered disposition in Metropolis and develops a romance with Lois Lane (Kidder) whilst battling the villainous Lex Luthor (Hackman). Ilya had the idea of a Superman film in 1973 and after a difficult process with DC Comics, the Salkinds and Spengler bought the rights to the character the following year. Several directors, most notably Guy Hamilton, and screenwriters (Mario Puzo, David and Leslie Newman, and Robert Benton), were associated with the project before Richard Donner was hired to direct. Tom Mankiewicz was drafted in to rewrite the script and was given a "creative consultant" credit. It was decided to film both Superman and its sequel Superman II (1980) simultaneously, with principal photography beginning in March 1977 and ending in October 1978. Tensions arose between Donner and the producers, and a decision was made to stop filming the sequel, of which 75 percent had already been completed, and finish the first film.[5] The most expensive film made up to that point, with a budget of $55 million,[6][7] Superman was released in December 1978 to critical and financial success; its worldwide box office earnings of $300 million made it the second-highest-grossing release of the year. It received praise for Reeve's performance and John Williams' musical score,[8] and was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Film Editing, Best Music (Original Score), and Best Sound, and received a Special Achievement Academy Award for Visual Effects.[9] Groundbreaking in its use of special effects and science fiction/fantasy storytelling, the film's legacy presaged the mainstream popularity of Hollywood's superhero film franchises. In 2017, Superman was selected for preservation by the Library of Congress's National Film Registry.
Superman (1978 film)
Influences
for Influences in Thunderstorm: Rising
Suggested by keatoncarpenter
Fifteen-year-old Tommy Fry, an awkward but bright teen with a passion for science, lives in the shadow of his father, Dr. Anthony Fry, a top-secret government scientist working for the clandestine agency ARROW. Dr. Anthony Fry’s research focuses on climate and weather manipulation, a field that fascinates Tommy and his two best friends, Michelle and Miguel. Though curious and inventive, the trio often overestimates their abilities and dives into situations they probably shouldn’t. One fateful night, the friends sneak into the high-security weather research facility where Dr. Anthony Fry works. While poking around, they accidentally trigger an experimental system, causing a massive explosion that alters their lives forever. Tommy discovers he can control the weather and adopts the name Thunderstorm. Michelle, now with the ability to move at lightning speed, becomes Swift, while Miguel, infused with the power of fire, takes on the moniker Burn Notice. As Tommy learns to navigate his new abilities, he struggles to balance school, friendship, and the burden of being a hero. When a dangerous figure emerges from the shadows, threatening to harness ARROW’s technology for destruction, Thunderstorm must rise to the occasion. With Swift and Burn Notice at his side, he faces the ultimate challenge: embracing responsibility, protecting the city, and proving that even a kid can change the forecast of the future.
