Margot Kidder as Lois Lane
As an 80s kid, I grew up watching Christopher Reeve’s Superman. But it wasn’t the superhero in the red cape that captured my attention — it was the woman with the notebook and pen chasing the story. Now that I am a journalist, I have to say that Margot Kidder‘s Lois Lane inspired me in her work. Even though Lois Lane is a fictional journalist, she still portrayed someone who searched for truth and justice. I was reminded of that fact when Kidder passed away in May at the age of 69.
Kidder’s Lois Lane was so cool to me. She was smart, headstrong, and independent. Yes, she had great chemistry with Reeve, but as a standalone character, she kicked butt.
When Clark met Lois
When Clark Kent first meets Lois Lane, we get everything about her character in a couple minutes. She’s fighting for her story with editor Perry White, and even as a kid, I knew how important it was to me to see a female journalist stand up to a newsroom that is most likely male. We see that spark that’s so vital to her character, and I love that closing shot of Clark’s gaze lingering on Lois. He likes what he sees — and so do I.
Compare that scene with Lois meeting Superman for the first time. She’s flustered and flirty, and she makes this scene a lot of fun. And yes, I loved her apartment! I liked that we got to see her mix in business with pleasure, and again, that chemistry with Superman was off the charts!
One of the most memorable scenes is when Lois and Superman fly over the city. As a kid watching this, it was so magical and romantic, and rewatching it now on Youtube transports me to that same sort of awe and wonder. It made me feel like these two could trust each other and it only cemented the fact that they really liked each other.
And you have to mean a lot to Superman for him to turn back time in order to save you! I remember seeing this scene as a kid for the first time, devastated that they had killed off Lois, but I cheered when Superman literally moved the world to bring her back to life.
But this is my favorite scene because of Lois’s famous line: “You’ve got me? Who’s got you?” Again, it’s that trademark snark and as a romantic at heart, I love seeing Superman swoop in to save her.
Kidder would go on to portray Lois in Superman II, Superman III, and Superman IV, but the first Superman will always remain the strongest and best in the series.
Although Lois Lane is her most recognizable role, Kidder got her start in genre movies like the thriller Sisters and the horror movie Black Christmas. A year after Superman was released, she also starred in The Amityville Horror. Kidder was still acting up to 2017, but I will always remember her Lois Lane. For not being a damsel in distress. For not being a sidekick. But for being someone to stand eye-to-eye and toe-to-toe with Superman. Other actresses have played the iconic journalist, but Kidder’s Lois Lane will always be mine.
All images from IMDB.com.
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