Jesus Christ Superstar (1973) is an American rock opera film directed by Norman Jewison and starring Ted Neeley, Yvonne Elliman, Carl Anderson, and Barry Dennen. The film is an adaptation of the 1970 rock opera of the same name by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. The film tells the story of the final week of Jesus’ life, from his entry into Jerusalem to his crucifixion.
Director: Norman Jewison: In the Heat of the Night (1967), Fiddler on the Roof (1971), A Soldier’s Story (1984)
Writer: Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice: Evita (1978), Cats (1998), The Phantom of the Opera (2004), Mary Poppins Returns (2018)
Release Date: October 1, 1973
Domestic box office: $37.7 million
Top 5 Cast:
- Ted Neeley as Jesus Christ
- Yvonne Elliman as Mary Magdalene
- Carl Anderson as Judas Iscariot
- Barry Dennen as Pontius Pilate
- Uriah Heep as King Herod
“I Don’t Know How to Love Him” – Mary Magdalene
Critical Reviews:
- Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times gave the film 3.5 out of 4 stars, calling it “a powerful and moving film. Jesus Christ Superstar is a powerful and moving film that captures the essence of the rock opera. The performances are all excellent, and the music is stirring. Jesus Christ Superstar is a must-see for any fan of musicals or religious films.”
- Pauline Kael of The New Yorker called the film “a disappointing film. “Jesus Christ Superstar is a disappointing film. The performances are all excellent, but the music is not as good as the original rock opera. The film also takes some liberties with the story, which may not be to everyone’s liking. Jesus Christ Superstar is a missed opportunity.”
- Vincent Canby of The New York Times called the film “a flawed but fascinating film. Jesus Christ Superstar is a flawed but fascinating film. The performances are all excellent, and the music is stirring. However, the film takes some liberties with the story, which may not be to everyone’s liking. Jesus Christ Superstar is a must-see for any fan of musicals or religious films.”
- David Denby of New York magazine called the film “a bold and innovative film. Jesus Christ Superstar is a bold and innovative film. The film takes some risks, but it pays off. The performances are all excellent, and the music is stirring. Jesus Christ Superstar is a must-see for any fan of musicals or religious films.”
Cinematic Importance:Â Jesus Christ Superstar is a significant film for several reasons. First, it is one of the first rock operas to be adapted into a film. Second, the film features some of the most iconic performances in musical theater history. Third, the film’s music has become a classic and is still performed today. Jesus Christ Superstar is a landmark film that has had a lasting impact on popular culture.
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