Jesus Christ: Superstar- Review

Forget God Spell. JC: Superstar is where it's at!

Even though I grew up with (fairly) Christian parents, I don't really consider myself to be religious by any stretch. Thankfully my parents are also very tolerant people who have always encouraged my siblings and I to go into the world and find our own answers/conclusions. It's a great relationship I have with them that is predicated on familial love, but maintained by mutual respect. Even though we don't agree on matters such as personal theology, we keep an open mind and an accepting attitude to opposing viewpoints.

It's something that I wish more people in the world could be capable of, but that's not why I'm here today. In lieu of the Easter Holiday this year, I figured that I would take a moment to go over what I consider to be one of the best pieces of Christian cinema/music as well as one of my personal all-time favorite rock operas.

Regardless of my more secular leanings in life, I feel like I know a good movie when I see it, and recognize good music when I hear it. If there is one thing my parents and I agree on (in terms of anything attached to the Christian faith) it's that Jesus Christ: Superstar is just an all around solid film. While some groups out there maintain that JC: Superstar is a sacrilegious work, or Anti-Semitic in nature, I personally just feel it is a group of people simply offering a different take on the iconic Passion of the Christ scripture.

To be honest I also feel like me providing a synopsis of what is arguably one of the most well known stories out there is kind of pointless (since there almost isn't a single person who doesn't already know how it goes/ends) but I guess I'll give it a shot just on the odd chance that there are people out there who don't know what any of this stuff means/ is about.

It is a time of Roman occupation in the capital of Jerusalem, and Jesus of Nazareth has grown to much renown and aplomb since beginning his teachings of God, heaven, and peace years ago. He now travels the land with his group of disciples, offering wisdom and guidance to those seeking aid or those who are just willing to listen. Everyday it seems like his popularity and influence over people grows stronger, and it's starting to worry the Jewish church. With the government of Rome overseeing all of Jerusalem's activities, someone like Jesus is starting to pose a serious threat to the state. People cheer of Jesus being the "King of Kings" who could challenge the might of Rome, and bring Jerusalem to prominence. If the Roman Empire were to take offense in the matter, the people of Jerusalem could find themselves destroyed by Rome's overwhelming army. In spite of his critics, Jesus preaches on, but appears to be aware that his time as a leader of men is coming to an end. The world is changing, and soon it will be time for man to take up the reigns of their own destiny going forward into the future.

Yes this is yet another story about Jesus, but one that is not told by his own words, or that of his disciples. This version is primarily shown through the eyes of Judas Iscariot, the man famously remembered for his betrayal of Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Even though there are several sequences that dive into other characters (allowing us to peer into their minds and get an understanding of why they do what they do in the biblical version) Judas (controversially) sits as the main character. There is also a stronger focus on the politics at the time, and the consequences of Jesus' actions leading up to his crucifixion that I find to be very intriguing. If anything else it simply offers up a unique interpretation of the material that is rife with metaphors and symbolism for the audience to digest. While I will concede that it's 70's era flare does date it quite a bit, the overall messages are just as relevant today as they were when the movie was first printed.

Perhaps what I find most appealing about JC: Superstar is that it's an adaptation that isn't afraid to take a more pragmatic/objective view of the gospel. The notion that Jesus' actions throughout the bible could be somewhat exaggerated or skewed is hinted at several times throughout the film, and no one character is ever shown to be outright evil, or altruistic. Everyone has their goals in the situation, and everyone is only trying to do what they think is right. While there are plenty of liberties being taken here for the sake of making it function as a cinematic work, it never comes off as discrediting of the text. Instead this movie sets itself up more as a study of the scenario as a whole, and ultimately leaves it to the viewer to determine who is right/wrong. It's a premise I find that I can really get behind.

Being a rock opera, one of the most crucial elements of this flick is its vocal performances. Before this was ever a movie it was nothing more than a concept album with a cult following. Written by the duo of Andrew Lloyd Webber, and Tim Rice, this easily stands as one of the most pristine examples of their collaborative efforts bearing the sweetest of fruits. The combination of Webber's crunchy 70's funk rock composition along with the impacting lyrics of Rice made a rock solid foundation for the actors of the movie version. In more ways than one, everyone here surpasses the original album cut. No where is this more evident than in Carl Anderson's portrayal of Judas. Anderson brings such raw energy to the role both vocally and physically that it's just a sight to behold. Now and forever (as far as I'm concerned) anyone who ever takes up the role of Judas is simply batting second place to Anderson's absolutely phenomenal performance.

Carl Anderson is the one and only Judas Iscariot in my books.

It doesn't stop with Anderson either, as Ted Neeley's role as Jesus himself is grounded and humanizing in the best way possible. While everyone sees Jesus as this religious icon, Neeley plays Jesus off as nothing more than a man with convictions, wants, needs, dreams, and desires like anyone else. Neeley displays the burdens of Jesus' task to where we can clearly see how it all weighs on his mind as he knowingly draws closer and closer to his inevitable death. When Jesus pleads to God in the garden of Gethsemane for his life to be spared (so that he may continue his work on Earth) it's without a doubt one of the most powerful moments in the whole film, made possible only by Neeley's incredibly passionate voice and emotional acting. Yvonne Elliman's Mary Magdalene is another note worthy showstopper in numerous scenes, and I frankly can't imagine anyone else bringing the character to life with the same raw emotion the way she does. I could go on and on about how great everyone in the cast is, but we'd be here forever if I did that. In the end all that can be really said is that this is one of those rare productions where everyone is performing at the top of their game, and nary a note is missed because of it. 

Of course all of the music here is practically timeless. Even with the heavy 70's funk vibe the music just works. From the overture track that sets the mood and tone of the movie going forward to the final track with "Superstar" everything gels in such a way that it flows without so much as a snag. While some may be a touch apprehensive to the notion of seeing the crucifixion story as a rock opera, I personally feel that it's perfect opera material. Much in the spirit of a Richard Wagner opera, it's filled with conflict, betrayal, tragedy, and most importantly hope. It feels like you've gone on a journey by the time the credits roll, with a dour yet immensely gratifying ending.

Visually JC: Superstar is impressive in the regard that it's actually shot in Jerusalem among many historical sites/ruins. Even in the barren deserts this movie feels alive due to the vibrant colors selected for the costumes and the energetic dance routines brought on for some of the larger set pieces. While every motion is obviously choreographed it doesn't come off that way as all the extras move with a great amount of authority. Though it gives off the image of a limited budget production, in a lot of ways I think it's intentional. The lack of over-the-top set pieces gives the whole film a stage-play vibe that speaks to the spirit of the original Broadway version. The overt anachronisms that populate the scenery also play flawlessly into the metaphors and symbolism throughout the plot, making for a film that although steeped in it's 70's bravado also feels like it still applies. To this day people still perform JC: Superstar, with many productions simply changing out only the costumes to fit more with the times. That in and of itself is a testament to how timeless this piece actually is.

Overall I have no major gripes with Jesus Christ: Superstar. In so many ways this movie is on the cheesy side due to its age, but is also ageless due to its message/interpretation of the biblical story. If you've never seen this film I emphatically encourage you to check it out at least once. Taking it purely as its own flick, with no religious context, it's still a solid rock opera that tells a compelling story. While I don't exactly celebrate Easter myself, I do pop in JC: Superstar every year and jam out to its funky groove. As the Doobie Brothers once put it:

"Jesus is just alright with me!"      

Positive Factors

• Unique interpretation of the biblical scripture that feels just as timeless as the bible itself.
• Fantastic 70's funk rock composition and impactful lyrics make for a solid rock opera overall.
• Carl Anderson's Judas is pretty much the reason to watch this movie.
• Stellar performances all around from the cast. Even the extras dance with extreme conviction and energy.
• On location filming along with stage play production values give a passionate home-grown vibe.
• It's a good watch, even for those who may not be into religion. 

Negative Factors

• Obviously made in the 70's, so it can be a little bit on the cheesy side at times.

Final Rating: !!!AWESOMESAUCE!!!