The marketing tagline for the 1978 Superman film was, infamously, “you’ll believe a man can fly.” Effectively, this was a subtle hint to moviegoers that the film was going for realism in its portrayal of America’s many beloved superhero. (At the time.) Well, Richard Donner was the man who made it possible, making him the dad of modern superhero movies. Donner’s profession is storied for numerous reasons. He directed episodes of classic television series like The Twilight Zone, The Rifleman, and Perry Mason. He personally sent millions of lapsed Catholics back to church with The Omen just before taking on the man of Steel. even if he’d never taken on Supes, The Goonies is a beloved masterpiece for ‘kids’ of a certain age. Yet, I personally, will always love him for the gift that is Superman, and how it set the tone for the future of comic book movies.

This is a unusual thing to write the same day another Hollywood celebrity again trashed superhero film fare, but what Donner created in Superman was clearly cinema despite what any other renowned directors say. In fact, even those who dislike cape-and-tights whimsy agree that Superman stands alone when it concerns talking about the superhero genre such as it is. like star Wars: A new Hope, Superman came at a time in cinema where the antihero was king. Donner had nothing short of guts of Steel when he agreed to adapt the most significant young boy Scout in fiction during the era of Taxi chauffeur and death Wish. His legacy is secure, and his list of triumphs is a long one. but for me? Superman will forever be his masterpiece.

Donner changed the game When He Took Superman Seriously

image through Warner Bros.

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Even better, Donner delivered a film that really did make kids of a certain age believe that man could fly. Sure, with kids the buy-in element is really low. Yet, because the non-flying stuff looked just like every other “realistic” movie, it captivated them. It’s a children’s film that doesn’t talk down to kids, even with gene Hackman’s scenery-chewing and earth rotational physics shenanigans aside. Where Donner eschewed realism, he never avoided being earnest. It makes sense considering that Donner made his bones in television. The Adventures of Superman TV show where George Reeves donned the cape, which the director likely viewed as a kid, also played their stories straight unlike the 1960s Batman show. (To be clear, both interpretations are fine and good.)

Still, there is something about viewing Donner’s Superman and all the best parts of Superman II (i.e. the parts he directed), that defines what “movie magic” really means. If you doubt me, just ask Patty Jenkins about Superman. She was inspired by Donner’s take on Superman for wonder woman 1984. like or dislike that film, I think the influence is apparent in the look and tone of the movie. later in his career, Donner’s company produced a number of X-Men films. Donner also wrote some stories for action Comics, bringing his association with Superman full circle. So, while his profession includes numerous outstanding credits, Richard Donner will always be the dad of modern superhero films to me, even if he was unhappy with the direction the genre had gone.

Richard Donner was 91.

What do you think? What are your favorite Richard Donner films with or without a superhero in it?