The film's use of modern-day images as a way of symbolizing the relevance of the Biblical story, while updating it for modern audiences seems to take away from the realism of the story. For example, the Roman soldiers wear modern-day Army uniforms and carry machine guns, while jet planes soar overhead to represent "angels" during the moment when Judas betrays Jesus. Although it is clear what the director is trying to emulate, the seriousness of the scene may gets a little jumbled for some viewers when depicted in this context.

The serious context of the story may be further confused by the combination of time lines. The beginning of the film shows the cast members arriving at the site of t

when he criticizes Jesus for sitting with a prostitute. Jesus’ words strike out at Judas through the song, Strange Thing Mystifying, when Judas spits, "Who are you to criticizes her? If your slate is clean, then you can throw stones, if your slate is not then leave her alone!" Looking after his earthly needs is the prostitute Mary Magdalene (Yvonne Elliman). We are able to see past her sinful occupation when she sings these soothing words to Jesus in the song Everything’s Alright, "…we want you to sleep well tonight, let the world turn without you tonight." During this scene we see Magdalene’s deep love and respect for Jesus, as a man that wants nothing from her, but her love in return. These characters, along with Peter, Simon, King Herod, Pontius Pilate and all the others, are brought to a new light through the skilled art of the actors, the powerful lyrics of Tim Rice and mystifying music of Andrew Lloyd Weber.

Although the elaborate modern day props, clothing and sets may distract some viewers from the potent lyrics, stimulating music, brilliant acting and world famous story, this film is indeed a piece of art. One of the truly magnificent things about this film is that it takes the audience out of the traditional Sunday school lesson and sheds a new perspective on the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Perhaps a good recommendation to a perspective viewer is to use the word abstract when discussing this film. What i

Some topics in this essay:
Norman Jewison, Christ Judas, Tim Rice’s, Ted Neeley, Christ Superstar, Jesus Christ, Everything’s Alright, Mary Magdalene, Minds Judas, Mystifying Judas, jesus christ, rock opera, jesus christ superstar, christ superstar, andrew lloyd weber, powerful lyrics, prostitute mary, andrew lloyd, lloyd weber, days christ, machine guns, prostitute mary magdalene, modern day,