Jesus Christ Superstar 1973

 

Jesus Christ Superstar 1973

• Director: Norman Jewison
• Cast: Ted Neeley, Carl Anderson, Yvonne Eliman, Barry Dennan, Larry Marshall, Josh Mostel
• Why? A favourite musical
• Seen: Many times. Now 13 June 2026             

           After the less than successful version of 2000 seen a few days ago, I feel the need to see this, the ‘real’ film version, again. I’ve seen it many times but the last time was before I started this blog so there’s been no review.

          Now there is.

          Jesus (Neeley) has a weak, shrill and reedy voice but otherwise he’s good. Judas (Anderson) is the strongest character, angry and sorrowful at their losing their way, and pain over his betrayal.

          The visuals are both strong and minimalistic. The anachronisms like 20^th century pound notes, postcards, military tanks and machine guns work in the context.

          The apostles, the extras, the dancers are all very good. Herod (Mostel) and Pilate (Dennan) are terrific.

          I’ve been an atheist since childhood but I’ve long been fascinated by the story of Jesus the man, whether such a person ever existed or not. That’s what Jesus Christ Superstar is about. The man who was caught up in a situation that grew out of his control.

 

4* of 5