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Jesus Christ Superstar (1973)

Average rating

(68%)

Starring:	Ted Neeley \| Carl Anderson \| Yvonne Elliman
Director:	Norman Jewison
Run time:	108 mins
Genres:	Music/Musical
Languages:	English
Released:	October 06, 2000

Jesus Christ Superstar is a phenomenon: a brilliant example of modern moviemaking that translates a legendary rock opera to the screen. Told entirely in song, images and music, the story focuses on the last week of Christ's life, his betrayal and crucifixion, seen from the point of view of Judas. Producer-director Norman Jewison shot his film entirely on location in Israel, and fills the screen with a never-ending series of dazzling images.

Rating of 1 stars out of 5
Halliwell's Film Guide

Location-set fantasia based on the phenomenally successful rock opera; some of it works, but the original concept was a theatrical one.

Highest rated reviews

3 out of 3 people found the following review helpful:

Rated 5.0 stars
A true classic

A Customer from Nottingham, England, 6th December, 2005

Jesus Christ Superstar tells the story of the last few days of Jesus' life through song. Beautiful music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and words from the legendary lyricist Tim Rice make this a truly magnificent musical. The cast our brilliant, with Ted Neeley's interpretation of Jesus and Carl Anderson's Judas standing out as principal roles. The priests also perform well, and the contrast between Caiphas' low, guttural voice and Annas' falsetto is also very effective. Mary Magdalene is slightly dissapointing, as she is obviously in possession of a powerful voice, but her endless 'bending' of the notes culminates with beautiful songs such as 'I don't know how to love him' becoming wailing cacophonies. The cast are also highly skilled as actors as well as singers, and present interesting interpretations of the characters, Judas is presented as Jesus' close friend, who betrays him as he beleives Jesus' talk of the Son of God is distracting their followers from their original purpose. The director, Mike Newall (If memory serves) also presents a striking visual representation of the story, with powerful cinematography playing a key role in the overall effect of the musical. The extras are great as well, featuring an interesting interview with Tim Rice and an insightful running commentary from Ted Neeley and Mike Newall, recorded 30 years after the film was made. If you like powerful, emotive (albeit a bit cheesy) music, then check this DVD out, as it is by far the best interpretation of the musical I have seen.

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Most recent reviews

0 out of 1 people found the following review helpful:

Rated 2.5 stars
Strange film ...

Tillyflop from , 1st August, 2010

I can't decide whether I liked it or not! There were very boring parts and not-so-boring parts. Knowing nothing about the film, apart from liking the music, I didn't know what to expect. On the whole I wasn't impressed - I think I was put off at the start by the actors being dressed in a mixture of 'modern' and 'old' clothing. The acting was a bit wooden and stilted but, when I decided to look at it as though I was in a theatre, I found it easier to get along with. I'm glad I've seen it but don't want to see it again.

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