10 Things You Didn’t Know About Christopher Reeve’s Superman
5. This Epic Kick Was A Practical Effect (As Was A Lot Of Other Stuff)
Computer Generated Imagery was very much in its infancy in the 1970s, meaning that Superman: The Movie is dominated by practical effects, as well as featuring the aforementioned technological accomplishments of the Zoptic flying rig. One particularly impressive moment that isnt enhanced by computers in any way is the scene in which Jeff Easts frustrated young Clark angrily kicks a football into orbit.
This memorable shot was achieved using an air cannon, which was rigged underground. Jeff East waves his leg, and the cannon activates, thrusting the ball high into the air and creating the illusion of a super-strength kick. Most people may have assumed this was some form of technological trickery, but its actually all practical.
Likewise, the snazzy glowing costumes worn by Marlon Brando and the other Kryptonian characters may look like they were enhanced in post-production, but this effect was actually created on set. Their costumes are covered in the same material as the front-projection screens used in the film. Lights attached to the cameras would shine on the actors, causing their clothes to glow in-camera.
The scene in which Superman flies off, Lois walks to the door, and Clark Kent walks in was also achieved cleverly on set. Theres no cut between Superman leaving and Clark arriving, which was made possible by projection. The Superman that Lois saw flying off was actually pre-recorded footage, while Christopher Reeve was waiting out of shot to make his entrance as Clark. Clever, isnt it?