"Superman in Concert"

 
Last night I finally went to see Superman in Concert, in which the London Symphonic Orchestra played the iconic John Williams soundtrack, as the 1978 movie played on the big screen, purposely placed at the majestic Royal Albert Hall in London. 

It’s a movie that I have seen hundreds of times as a young kid and in my adolescent years, but never did I have the opportunity to see it in the big screen... let alone with the music being played live. 

Even before the time I saw a man fly on my TV screen, I was already enamoured with Superman, thanks to the classic cartoons of “Up, Up and away” fame, which ultimately turned out to be my favourite comic book and most likely the ultimate fictional reference in my life.

I can't quite recall how I was first introduced to the character or the cartoons themselves, but I’m pretty sure my Dad had something to do with it, even if just by following the logic that it was in his house that on early mornings I would take up the living room and emulate everything I saw on TV, including stretching out both my arms as I pretended to fly (even at one point donning the costume for that effect). 

That’s why, for yesterday's special evening, I decided to take my Dad along with me, by wearing his watch and a double breasted blazer I inherited from him. I should have brought a tie too (Dad was of the opinion that a man should always look his best and wear a tie), but that detail only occurred to me later. 

As cheesy as it may sound, I somehow felt his presence as I rewatched one of my all-time favourites, this time as an adult.

Last night also provided me the chance to introduce Richard Donner’s timeless classic to my girlfriend, who had patiently (and I mean this!) heard me talk about the character and watched several videos about Superman, Christopher Reeve or the making of the movie.

I was confident she would embark on this journey with an open mind and an open heart...

The movie, being a big product of the late 70's, had various elements that already piqued her interest. From the star-studded cast (including the likes of Marlon Brando and Gene Hackman), the iconic soundtrack (with the added bonus of being played live), the Mario Puzo (of The Godfather fame) writing involvement, the dominant presence of Reeve's legacy and the production value of a big-budget movie for that time.

Most of all, I felt that being introduced to something that I deeply cared about had already made the evening special before it even began. 

Sure enough, as I flew through memory lane, I learned new things and caught fresh details that I had not noticed or understood before during my younger days of watching that run-down BETA tape (also known as Betamax).

Feeling privileged to have such an opportunity, with good seats at such a cultural staple and surrounded by many, who like me, are massive fans of the movie and comic books (many in attendance came with some sort of Superman merch, some even in full costume) it made this night one for the ages. 

 

From the opening credits right til the very last frame, I was gripped to my seat and fully aware that a dream of mine - no matter how small or silly it may sound - had been fulfilled in that moment.

Maybe that same awareness was the trigger that made me emotional several times, in moments that I had not been emotional before.

I don't know. 

All I can say is that I felt that room feeling incredibly grateful and hoping to one day share this movie with kids of my own.