“Superman Lives”! Or, The Story Of How He Died!
It’s “Cult Movie Monday”, and what better film that one that is all about the failure to get a movie made!
“Highly creative people have a hard time getting their movies made. Full stop. That’s all it is. Because they bring stuff that blows everyone away, and as much as the claim is they want something original, they’re terrified of it. That’s what happens. So, you don’t see those movies because they scare everybody up the chain of command.”
That quote sums up the failure of acclaimed Director Tim Burton and star Nicolas Cage, fresh off his Oscar win, to make the ultimate Superman film, “Superman Lives!”
Now there’s a terrific documentary that tells the whole, fascinating story – with tons of behind-the-scenes footage – and almost everyone participates!
First, check out the trailer:
Documentary Filmmaker Jon Schnepp tells the story, and while the trailer shows too much of his on-camera antics, he’s not obtrusive that way in the film itself – the documentary is beautifully made, and Schnepp got a ton of great on-camera interviews with everyone involved!
Kevin Smith’s Hilarious Anecdotes!
Kevin Smith is laugh-out-loud funny as he recounts his role in this saga. He tells hilarious stories about developing the screenplay – and getting forced out when Tim Burton came on board.
What makes this documentary so compelling is a brand new, INDEPTH and CANDID interview with Director Tim Burton, who explains how the entire project fell apart just weeks before filming was to begin.
The documentary has a ton of behind-the-scenes footage, and a long and very funny interview with legendary Producer Jon Peters, plus Warner Brothers Executives, special effects artists, costume designers – and Kevin Smith has a funny story about being asked to come up with a Giant Spider for Superman to fight!
The Giant Spider Battle!
The documentary has some real fun as Smith tells the giant spider story, intercutting various people contradicting Kevin, who has a lot of fun remembering the spider! It really shows how the collaborative effort can be upstaged by ego.
Here is a fun fact: Kevin Smith directed some episodes of the second season of Supergirl (2015), the first titled “Supergirl Lives” as a reference to the film. Smith joked he expected Supergirl to fight a giant spider as in the infamous battle scene proposed for this film.
As I said, just weeks before filming was set to begin, the entire film fell apart. As one Graphic Artist Sylvian Despretz says in the film:
“Highly creative people have a hard time getting their movies made. Full stop. That’s all it is. Because they bring stuff that blows everyone away, and as much as the claim is they want something original, they’re terrified of it. That’s what happens. So, you don’t see those movies because they scare everybody up the chain of command.”
This is a great film, and a fascinating look at what it takes to make a film in Hollywood.
Legendary Movie Producer Jon Peters is interviewed as well – and is very candid and honest about his background:
His tale is a real “True Hollywood Story” – click on my story here to find out why he made millions for NOT producing a “Superman” film:
As for Nicolas Cage: well, he continues to make movies of all kinds, with his own unique style:
I watched SIX of his recent movies and lived to talk about it – click here to see which ones:
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Let me know if you’ve seen Nicolas Cage as Superman!
Categories: Action Films, Art, Books / Media, Cult Movies, documentary films, Film Fight Club, Great Films, Hollywood, Memoirs, Movies, Movies About Movies, Obscure Movies, Pop Culture, Talent/Celebrities
johnrieber 
I remember when this was happening. One of the strangest movie projects. Nic Cage as Superman? I didn’t see him in the role (but then I didn’t see Keaton as Batman either). Burton? I don’t think that would have worked. Because of Burton’s soft spot for misfits, Batman was a better fit anyway — Bruce Wayne and his archenemies are the ultimate outsiders. Anyhow, I HATED Man of Steel (I don’t think Zack Snyder understood the character) so maybe Burton’s film wasn’t such a bad idea after all.
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I agree that Snyder’s films in the DC universe are dour, ponderous and lacking ANY personality at all! Keaton was a bit of a smart aleck as “Batman”, so Cage may have been quirky and refreshing! Anything the doceumtnary is great! Thanks for commenting!
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I’m definitely interested in watching the documentary. Thank you for bringing it to my attention!
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Maybe, John, the young prefer other superheroes and my generation prefer to retain the clean cut image of Christopher Reeve as superman. Your quote able highly creative ideas is completely correct.
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I’ve always loved Nicholas Cage movies. This was interesting.
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I know it’s possible to typecast an actor or actress, but Nicholas Cage as Superman doesn’t look or feel right.
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If you see the documentary, you might have a different opinion…only because no one rally thought Michael Keaton as Batman but the casting worked because of the quirks of the Director Burton
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This sounds amazing — I’ve not heard of this before so I’m definitely going to give it a watch!
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It is really fascinating – so much great footage shot, plus really compelling new interviews that details how it all de-railed!
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It’s a fascinating film! Thanks for commenting!
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I’d live to see this doc!
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It’s fascinating…tons of great shined-the-scenes footage and new interviews!
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I don’t mind Cage, as he rarely takes himself too seriously. But not as Superman, that wouldn’t have worked. Chris Reeve was perfect casting.
Best ishes, Pete.
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Reeves was legendary, Pete…but considering they uyltaimtely made a film without Burton or Cage, but used Brandon Routh…oh my he was dreadful. I would have thought that Cage would have given it some “character”…oh well!
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I didn’t bother to watch the Routh film, John. 🙂
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One of the worst ever made…lifeless, every single character was dull or strident…dreadful in every way
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It was never on my bucket list. I did not mind Cage in Moonstruck, but I have since tried to avoid his other movies. His idea of acting is a fine example of HAM.
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He is indeed way over the top…to me the key to a superhero character, which I’m not really a fan of, is to give them a personality…the latest Supermans have been DULLLLLLLLLL
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