Jesus Christ Superstar (film)
| Jesus Christ Superstar | |
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Theatrical release poster
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| Directed by | Norman Jewison |
| Produced by |
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| Screenplay by |
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| Based on |
Jesus Christ Superstar by Tim Rice |
| Starring | |
| Music by | Andrew Lloyd Webber |
| Cinematography | Douglas Slocombe |
| Edited by | Antony Gibbs |
| Distributed by | Universal Pictures |
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Release date
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Running time
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106 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Box office | $24.5 million |
Jesus Christ Superstar is a 1973 American musical drama film directed by Norman Jewison and co-written by Jewison and Melvyn Bragg based on the Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice rock opera of the same name. The film, starring Ted Neeley, Carl Anderson, Yvonne Elliman, and Barry Dennen, centers on the conflict between Judas and Jesus during the week before the crucifixion of Jesus.
Neeley and Anderson were nominated for two Golden Globe Awards in 1974 for their portrayals of Jesus and Judas, respectively. Although it attracted criticism from some religious groups, reviews for the film were positive.
The film is framed as a group of performers who travel to the desert to re-enact the Passion of Christ. The film begins with them arriving on a bus, assembling their props and getting into costume. One of the group is surrounded by the others, puts on a white robe and emerges as Jesus ("Overture").
Judas (Anderson) is worried about Jesus' popularity; he is being hailed as the Son of God, but Judas feels he is just a man who is beginning to believe his own propaganda and fears the consequences of their growing movement ("Heaven on Their Minds"). The other disciples badger Jesus for information about his plans for the future, but Jesus will not give them any ("What's the Buzz?"). Judas' arrival and subsequent declaration that Jesus should not associate with Mary dampens the mood ("Strange Thing Mystifying"). Angrily, Jesus tells Judas that he should leave Mary alone, because his slate is not clean. He then accuses all the apostles of not caring about him. That night at the Temple, Caiaphas is worried that the people will crown Jesus as king, which the Romans will take for an uprising. Annas tries to allay his fears, but he finally sees Caiaphas' point and suggests that he convene the council and explain his fears to them; Caiaphas agrees ("Then We Are Decided"). As Jesus and his apostles settle for the night, Mary soothes him with some expensive ointment, but Judas says that the money spent should have been given to the poor. Jesus rebukes him again, telling him that the poor will be there always but Jesus will not ("Everything's Alright").
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