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Jesus Christ Superstar (1973)

Jesus Christ Superstar (1973)
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The second Biblical epic to be turned into a musical by composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Tim Rice, this box-office disappointment recounts the last week in the life of Jesus Christ in rock-opera format and from the surprising point of view of Christ's betrayer, Judas Iscariot. Carl Anderson stars as Judas, who has begun to believe that Jesus (Ted Neeley) has sold out and started buying into the mythology that's quickly springing up around him. Particularly disturbing to Judas is the relationship between Jesus and his friend Mary Magdalene (Yvonne Elliman), a prostitute. When Jesus throws a temper tantrum at the moneylenders in a temple, Judas determines to work with the Pharisees who want to put Jesus on trial as a false prophet. Following his success with the adaptation of Fiddler on the Roof (1971), director Norman Jewison experimented with a hippie-influenced sensibility on Jesus Christ Superstar (1973). Among such touches are depictions of the cast arriving via bus to mount the show, modern high-tech weaponry in the hands of the ancient Romans, and on-location filming in Israel. ~ Karl Williams, Rovi

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Starring:
Ted Neeley, Carl Anderson, (more)
Director(s):
Norman Jewison
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
G
Format(s):
DVD
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Synopsis of Jesus Christ Superstar

The second Biblical epic to be turned into a musical by composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Tim Rice, this box-office disappointment recounts the last week in the life of Jesus Christ in rock-opera format and from the surprising point of view of Christ's betrayer, Judas Iscariot. Carl Anderson stars as Judas, who has begun to believe that Jesus (Ted Neeley) has sold out and started buying into the mythology that's quickly springing up around him. Particularly disturbing to Judas is the relationship between Jesus and his friend Mary Magdalene (Yvonne Elliman), a prostitute. When Jesus throws a temper tantrum at the moneylenders in a temple, Judas determines to work with the Pharisees who want to put Jesus on trial as a false prophet. Following his success with the adaptation of Fiddler on the Roof (1971), director Norman Jewison experimented with a hippie-influenced sensibility on Jesus Christ Superstar (1973). Among such touches are depictions of the cast arriving via bus to mount the show, modern high-tech weaponry in the hands of the ancient Romans, and on-location filming in Israel. ~ Karl Williams, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
107 mins

Complete Cast of Jesus Christ Superstar


Director(s):
Norman Jewison
Writer(s):
Norman Jewison, Melvyn Bragg
Producer(s):
Patrick Palmer, Norman Jewison, Robert Stigwood
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
G(Adult Situations, Violence, Suitable for Children)
Categories:
Music & Performing Arts
Jesus Christ Superstar Awards:
  • 1973 - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best Soundtrack
  • 1973 - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best Soundtrack
  • 1973 - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best Soundtrack
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    MURDINA M.

    I remember waiting for late night showings of Jesus Christ Superstar around Eastertime. I owned the album and the sheet music. Artistically, of course, it's wonderful but I was jolted, even as a child, by the spirituality of the story. For the first time, Jesus was made accessible to me. He was a man, he had doubts, temper, frustration and he loved Judas like a brother. He was not fooled by him and Judas was not a snake. I had a hard time with the story of Jesus when I was a child because it never seemed like "suffering" if he knew all the time that he was the son of God. This rendition of the story left me awestruck in the 70's and it still does. The casting is so perfect, you almost forget it's just a movie an not an actual recounting.

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    Thomas and Maranda W.

    I enjoyed this movie immensely. The songs are wonderful, and the story is beautifully told. It is a good idea to watch with an open mind. It may not mesh exactly with your personal faith, but it does not disrespect anyone's, either. Appreciate the film for its artistic merit, if anything else.

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    Janice L. P.

    Though it may seem dated, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is still a film worth checking out. Ever since its origin as a concept recording, the subject and how it was presented caused its controversy for the time. The film may not be what everyone expected, but it is visually incredible. The sunsets over the Israeli deserts are awesome. The music, though not groundbreaking, is still some of the best work Andrew Lloyd Webber has written, as well as the lyrics of Tim Rice.

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