Jesus Christ Superstar (film)

Jesus Christ Superstar is a 1973 American film adaptation of the Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice rock opera of the same name, based on the conflict between Judas and Jesusin the last weeks before the crucifixion of Jesus. The film was directed by Norman Jewison. Ted Neeley and Carl Anderson were nominated for two Golden Globe Awards in 1974 for their portrayals of Jesus and Judas, respectively.

Although it attracted criticism from some religious groups, the film was generally well received.

Plot

The film opens with a group of actors arriving in the Holy Land in a bus and preparing for the filming of Jesus Christ Superstar during the overture. Ted Neeley (Jesus) is seen shortly before entering the circle wearing a green tie-dye shirt. He pauses to observe them taking the cross off of the bus. He is next seen walking with Yvonne Elliman (Mary Magdalene) who is carrying the white robe that Ted Neeley is about to put on. As the group encircles them, you see the green tie-dye shirt come off.

The show gets underway, and we see Judas sitting on a hill watching Jesus surrounded by followers. Judas is worried about Jesus' popularity — he is being hailed as a God, but Judas feels he is just a man, and fears the consequences of their growing movement ("Heaven on Their Minds"). The other disciples badger Jesus for information about his plans for the future, but Jesus will...
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