Jesus Christ Superstar

In this version, however, you have Norman Jewison's brilliant vision of the show. Shot entirely on location in Israel (in the desert), there is a timelessness to the story that makes the music even more compelling. The 70s-style clothing and modern diction combine with the formlessness of the desert to create an almost surreal atmosphere.

Carl Anderson as Judas is one of the all-time best portrayers of Judas. His voice and characterization are fascinating insights into the character of Judas, and his torment is clearly visible. Ted Neeley is wonderful as Jesus; he looks the way we imagine Jesus to look, and the fact that he is short makes his charisma and power even more impressive. Some people have criticized Neeley for being a bad singer or too rock-and-roll, but he is a good singer doing a raw interpretation of Jesus. His "Gethsemene" is worth the price of the DVD alone, and the combination of his vocals, the cinematography, and the crucifixion montage during this song still give me chills, no matter how many times I watch it. Yvonne Elliman is also very good as Mary, although sometimes she seems too fragile and sad to really have any impact. And yet, it works for her on "Could We Start Again, Please?"

As for the others, Simon is a little disturbing, especially during the final close-up of his big number when he seems seriously strung out. Herod is both funny and surprisingly cruel, and Pilate is effectively tormented, although he has a rather unfortunate tendency to scream some of his lines.

The ending of the film is incredibly powerful and SPOILER ALERT: I love that after the crucifixion, when the film shows all the actors getting back on the bus to away, you never actually see Ted Neeley again.

About the revival DVD version: buy the 1973 version. This newer one has Glen Carter turning Jesus into a simpering, selfish, weak character and Jerome Pradon making Judas an eardrum-shattering screecher. Mary is good, and so is Simon, but this whole production falls so far short of the '73 film that it is quite painful at times.

As for the reviewer who reviewed not the film but the concept of Jesus: the whole idea is to review the product, in this case the film, and not a religious figure. If you have problems with Christianity, this is not the forum to take those issues up. DId you even watch the movie or listen to the music? Most importantly, did anyone involved in this movie or this musical insist that it was historical or that people accept it as such? Mythology and/or religion is one of the most fertile sources of inspiration for literature, film, and music.

I am not Christian, but I love this film, I LOVE this music, I have seen the stage show three times and would see it a hundred more, and I think Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's reimagining of this story and emphasis on Jesus and particularly Judas's psychological states and motivations is sheer brilliance.


Better than the book?   July 11, 2005
rubsley (England)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

There's something about this film that shines through the dated outfits and minimalist scenery that really keeps me hooked, time after time. Great songs, great characters - and don't forget the really great hippy threads! - and a really interesting angle on the Jesus story. Judas has the best tunes, though Herod's turn wins the award for comic performance. The lyrics are cool and memorable; you really gotta take your hat off to Lloyd-Webber and Tim Rice. Definitely worth checking out, even if you're a sceptic.


Most powerful movie ever produced!   June 29, 2004
Darren Newman (Fresno, CA United States)
3 out of 4 found this review helpful

Too many people miss the point. This movie was not made as a literal portrayal of Jesus' last days...it was (and remains) a figurative interpretation of the last days of one who would inspire a new branch of religion.

From the opening moments of the movie when Carl Anderson (Judas) sings ("...my mind is clearer now, at last, all too well, I can see, what we all, soon will be...") through Ted Neely (Christ) during "Gethsemane" ("Allright! I'll die, just watch me die!") the viewer is mesmerized by some of the most powerful music, lyrics, and staging ever written and performed. This particular sequence (when Jesus is climbing the mountain, fairly crying out for God's explanation of things to come ~ "Show me just a little of your omnipresent brain") still brings tears to my eyes and I've seen this movie at least 100 times!

The movie was shot on location in Israel a few years after the 6 day war, and during the Vietnam war. These realities are not lost on the writers, and evidence of their beliefs and opinions are sprinkled throughout the movie (the tanks coming over the horizon and the F-16's flying over Judas' head were a nice touch). Their religious convictions are displayed in such moments as when the priests are on the scaffolding ("He is dangerous") and the crowd extols Jesus below ("Haysanna, hosannah, sanna sanna ho, sanna hey sanna hosanna; hey JC, JC won't you die for me...") watch Jesus' face at that moment....

Yvonne Elliman (Mary Magdelene) does a fine job of balancing the angst of Judas with the over-arching compassion of Jesus, and Barry Dennen (Pilate) captures a high point when he washes his hands of Jesus' plight. Bob Bingham's (Caiphas) bass rattles your soul with his deep melodic tonality.

While the acting is certainly not on par with the great actors of our times, one has to take that with a grain of salt. I was 7 when I first saw it and I still watch this movie at least once per year (can you guess which day? :) By far this is Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice at their best.


Who the Hell did they get to play Jesus?!   June 27, 2004
0 out of 13 found this review helpful

The guy who plays Jesus is an awful singer. He ruined the entire movie sounding like the lead from some punk band. Also, it's clear they did not cast the actors based on their looks (or even their talent for that matter). I tried very hard to like this. I love musicals but this ranks down there with Cats, Hair, and Nine. If you want a great musical based on the scripture, check out the amazing Godspell.