Ted Neeley as Jesus in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (1973)
Yesterday I was thinking of this movie and I suddenly realized that I actually never posted about it in the 9 years of this blog's existence! So, here's a post. I've seen it a couple of times in the past and I liked it but it sorta left me indifferent as well. What do you think about it? Does anyone like it? It is a product of its 'hippie' time, which actually makes it fun to watch.
ReplyDeletePersonally I think JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR Is terrible.
Incidentally I am totally non-religious.
In general I prefer Ancient World cinema to be secular, while acknowledging the considerable merits of SIGN OF THE CROSS, THE TEN COMMANDMENTS, and BEN HUR (both the silent and sound versions).
The songs are good, and it's a well-produced colorful movie. The only problem I have with it is that it doesn't go all the way. By that I mean that some characters, in these photos it's the soldiers, are portrayed wearing modern gear, while others have at least faux Biblical apparel. Jesus especially stands out in this respect. I'd rather have him in modern clothes as well -I think whatever point they wanted to make would've been hammered home better then.
ReplyDeleteIn all movies on the subject, Jesus is always the same; he is totally consistent. Except for in "The Last Temptation of Christ". If I want to watch the perfect school book version of Jesus, I go for Zeffirelli's "Jesus of Nazareth", but if I want to partake in an exploration of the character it's "Last Temptation" for me.
Incidentally, as I recall it, the TV drama "Jesus" from 1999 ends with a shot of Jesus walking down the street it modern times wearing a "Canadian tuxedo", i e denim jeans with a denim jacket.
When it came out I thought it was great but time hasn't been kind to this movie.
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