Jesus Christ Superstar (2000) (TV)

Directors:

Gale Edwards
Nick Morris

Writer:

Tim Rice (book)

Release Date:

20 March 2001 (USA)

Genre:

Musical | Drama

Plot:

A rock musical version of the Passion Play seen from the point of view of Judas.

Plot Keywords:

Rock | Rock Musical | Jesus Christ | Passion Play | King

Awards:

1 win

Cast

Glenn Carter	...	Jesus of Nazareth
Jérôme Pradon	...	Judas Iscariot (as Jerome Pradon)
Renee Castle	...	Mary Magdalene
Fred Johanson	...	Pontius Pilate
Michael Shaeffer	...	Annas
Cavin Cornwall	...	Peter
Tony Vincent	...	Simon Zealotes
Rik Mayall	...	King Herod
Pete Gallagher	...	First Priest (as Peter Gallagher)
Michael McCarthy	...	Second Priest
Philip Cox	...	Third Priest
Matt Cross	...	Apostle / Ensemble (as Matthew Cross)
Kevin Curtin	...	Apostle / Ensemble
Paul Vickers	...	Apostle / Ensemble
Mykal Rand	...	Apostle / Ensemble

Also Known As:

Andrew Lloyd Webber's Jesus Christ Superstar (Australia)

Runtime:

107 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Certification:

Netherlands:AL | Netherlands:6 | Australia:M | USA:Unrated

Company:

Really Useful Films

Trivia:

Glenn Carter played Jesus as a political leader who let things get out of control rather than as a divine person.

Quotes:

Pontious Pilate: Who is this broken man cluttering up my hallway? Who is this unfortunate?
Annas: Someone Christ, King of the Jews.
Pontious Pilate: Oh, so this is Jesus Christ; I am really quite surprised, you look so small! Not a king at all! We all know that you're a news, but are you King? King of the Jews?
Jesus: That's what you say.

Movie Connections:

Version of Jesus Christ Superstar (1973)

A video production that surpasses it's own 27 year legacy.

It was with some resistance that I allowed myself to view the remake of Jesus Christ Superstar. After watching the 1973 release at least 20 times I was convinced that it could not get any better.

Well, I was wrong.

The 2000 version of Jesus Christ Superstar, under the direction on Gale Edwards and Nick Morris, was a pleasant surprise for even an uncompromising viewer like myself.

I was especially moved by the human element that has been carefully crafted into the video production. The viewer is never in doubt about the feelings that the performers are trying to convey. Anger, peace, sadness and betrayal are brought out in the seemingly effortless gestures and movements of the actors. This element is a welcomed asset of the production that was somewhat lacking in the original version.

Although the score was rigidly adhered to, it was refreshing to watch new faces and voices give renewed meaning to familiar words. Jerome Pradon does an excellent job of portraying Judas Iscariot. His performance opens the eyes of viewers and allows them to see into his soul and feel his pain. The talents of Glenn Carter as Jesus and Renee Castle as Mary Magdalene are quickly apparent as the biblical story unfolds.

I enjoyed the millennium edition of Jesus Christ Superstar, and I sheepishly admit that I may prefer it over the earlier version. For fans of the original production, I would recommend seeing the new release. It may inspire you in ways that you have yet to discover.