Songs in the desert

I don’t know how to love him

Sunset and Son rise

This isn’t a review about a religion. It is a review about a movie.

And it is a heck of a movie.

Jesus Christ Superstar is the film adaption of the 1970 Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice album and 1971 musical of the same name. All retell the story of the last weeks of Jesus’ life, culminating in his trial and crucifixion.

Movies about religion are tricky. When JCS came out it had plenty of critics, from movie reviewers to political and religious leaders. At the same time, it had some heavy duty admirers, including Pope Paul VI, who told the director, Norman Jewison (Agnes of God), “not only do I appreciate your beautiful rock opera film, I believe it will bring more people around the world to Christianity, than anything ever has before” and described Mary Magdalene’s song, “I don’t know how to love him,” as having “an inspired beauty.”

So put the Pope down as a thumbs up.

Me too.

Why?

The film is very much a product of its time and can get (no pun or irony intended) preachy…but it has three qualities that make it timeless.

First, gorgeous cinematography. Filmed chiefly in Israel, the landscapes are truly beautiful and provide an inspiring backdrop to the story. Jewison also does some interesting things with composition, inserting images of tanks and fighter aircraft as symbols of Rome.

Next, the story, while familiar to many, takes a few interesting and intriguing turns, particularly in its presentation of the relationships of Judas (Carl Anderson - The Color Purple), Jesus (Ted Neeley - Django Unchained), and Mary Magdalene (Yvonne Elliman - Roma). SCS’ Judas is a champion for (earthly) social justice, frustrated by Jesus’ unwillingness to take on Rome directly. Jesus is both placid and troubled, frustrated by the difficulty of so many to grasp his message, but focused on a higher world. And Mary…Mary is his comfort. Her love is palpable and touching.

Finally…the music.

It’s hard to beat Andrew Lloyd Webber and he and Rice are at the top of their game. The lyrics are powerful, inspiring, often heartbreaking, and occasionally humorous - especially the piece by King Herod (Josh Mostel).

We liked this one.

You can check our Jesus Christ Superstar HERE.

Four out of Five Stars.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

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