LeathermanCraig
Joined Nov 2000
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Reviews40
LeathermanCraig's rating
First off - let's look at what "Jesus Christ, Superstar" really is - a celluloid version of a Webber/Rice musical extravaganza from the 70s, and is based upon the Gospels of the New Testament and recount the final days of Jesus Christ's life.
As a production of the times (remember, this was made in the early 70s), it is an epic of major proportions... Filmed ENTIRELY in Isreal during the early 70s, at a time of major political unrest, this telling of the story of Jesus Christ is phenomenal.
The casting of relative unknowns brings an "indie film" feel to it. And all of those "unknowns" are fantastic!!! The passion they bring to their roles - the way that the historical/religious figure inhabits their being is incredible. Just look at their expressions and the power in them during many of the scenes, and you'll see what I mean. One example that really sticks in My mind is the Crucifixion scene - when Pontius Pilate is having Jesus flogged 39 times - the expressions that cross Pilate's face, the power in Mary's (Yvonne Elliman) throes of pain and anguish, the frivolity in Herod's face (and then his revulsion to the torture) and Judas' pain and heartfelt sorrow in the end of his own life are incredible. And the look of peace and understanding that often crosses the face of Ted Neely (Jesus) during the film is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
"Jesus Christ, Superstar" takes a major section of the Bible and presents in in a non-preachy point of view and allows us to all learn some of this historically and religiously significant story without clubbing us with preachy tales of God...
A true masterpiece of film-making and music... a staple of My DVD collection and should be a staple in everybody's!!!! Oh, and for TRULY goose-bump inducing moments - look at the final shot - of the sunset... and the appearance of a shepherd....
As a production of the times (remember, this was made in the early 70s), it is an epic of major proportions... Filmed ENTIRELY in Isreal during the early 70s, at a time of major political unrest, this telling of the story of Jesus Christ is phenomenal.
The casting of relative unknowns brings an "indie film" feel to it. And all of those "unknowns" are fantastic!!! The passion they bring to their roles - the way that the historical/religious figure inhabits their being is incredible. Just look at their expressions and the power in them during many of the scenes, and you'll see what I mean. One example that really sticks in My mind is the Crucifixion scene - when Pontius Pilate is having Jesus flogged 39 times - the expressions that cross Pilate's face, the power in Mary's (Yvonne Elliman) throes of pain and anguish, the frivolity in Herod's face (and then his revulsion to the torture) and Judas' pain and heartfelt sorrow in the end of his own life are incredible. And the look of peace and understanding that often crosses the face of Ted Neely (Jesus) during the film is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
"Jesus Christ, Superstar" takes a major section of the Bible and presents in in a non-preachy point of view and allows us to all learn some of this historically and religiously significant story without clubbing us with preachy tales of God...
A true masterpiece of film-making and music... a staple of My DVD collection and should be a staple in everybody's!!!! Oh, and for TRULY goose-bump inducing moments - look at the final shot - of the sunset... and the appearance of a shepherd....
OK... first off - gotta explain the "10" I just gave it.... I picked this flick up at a Wal*Mart from a rack of movies for a buck.... I figures it would be some kind of rip-off cheapo "Mad Max" or "Road Warrior" thing.... boy was I right... and wrong.....
The costumer needs to get special mention - creating those "Star Wars" Stormtroopers meet Kinky Leather Sex Dungeon was just a stroke of genius!!! and with the great hair styles - the mowhawks, super long flowing tresses and more.... Wow..... and the "props master" - creating those fantastic cars from old 60s and 70s cars....
Having said that.... Yes, this movie is nothing more than a big old ball of moldy cheese.... sad little plot, silly little lines, moronic little story.... but for a buck..?!? I just can't complain!!!! Again - this is pure cheese! We're not talking about any kind of award winner - unless it received "Turkey of the Year" or "Major Raspberry" or something.... It's bad, horrifying and.... well super Campy...!
The costumer needs to get special mention - creating those "Star Wars" Stormtroopers meet Kinky Leather Sex Dungeon was just a stroke of genius!!! and with the great hair styles - the mowhawks, super long flowing tresses and more.... Wow..... and the "props master" - creating those fantastic cars from old 60s and 70s cars....
Having said that.... Yes, this movie is nothing more than a big old ball of moldy cheese.... sad little plot, silly little lines, moronic little story.... but for a buck..?!? I just can't complain!!!! Again - this is pure cheese! We're not talking about any kind of award winner - unless it received "Turkey of the Year" or "Major Raspberry" or something.... It's bad, horrifying and.... well super Campy...!