I’ve seen some great films about Jesus Christ, but this one made the biggest impact in terms of seeing Him as both God and Man. The Last Temptation of Christ also captured that duality, but not as well as this film. I also love the theatrical conceits. During the overture we see a bus arrive and the actors who will become our characters all step off, unpack the bus and get into character. This opens the door for great, creative minimalist costuming and sets as well as the addition of modern props and machines. It creates spectacle through subversion and surrealism.
Except for “Could We Start Again Please?” I love all the songs. Carl Anderson as Judas immediately grabs hold of the film with “Heaven on Their Minds”, and Jewison never lets you forget that this telling has two leads. Ted Neeley is often criticized as a weak portrayal of Jesus, but I find he has a quiet authority that’s perfect for the role and when he leaves it all on the field with “Gethsemane (I Only Want to Say)”, there’s no doubt of the power of his voice and presence. So many great tunes, it’s impossible to pick a favorite. I’m especially fond of the drawn-out pompousness of Pilate in “Pilate and Christ” and the brief “Pilate’s Dream” gives the character more dimension than any other version. I love it all, from the low bass of High Priest Caiaphas to the bouncy gayety of King Herod to the soulful questioning of Mary.
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