Maybe it's because this was the first version I've seen (I've only watched specific songs from the 1973 version to compare) but I love it! I'm Jewish, so I'm not that invested in the story of Jesus and whether it's blaspheme or not, so I can just enjoy it for what it is: A great story with fascinating characters.
I love the modernization of the story- I love the "Simon Zealotes" scene with the machine guns, I love the outfits, I love Herod's cheesy number, I love all of it. I think it's a great idea and makes it more accessible for it's current audience.
I found Carter's Jesus more human and likable than the one from 1973. I love seeing him get angry, happy, tormented, tired...I love seeing his fear in "would you die for me" and the looks he exchanges with Judas throughout the whole thing- it really speaks volumes.
I loved Peter and Mary's "Could we start again" duet, I think their voices are better (and mesh better) than the 1973 version and while I think Simon looked a bit too much like a "boy band", I liked "Simon Zealotes" more than that crazy dancing in 1973 that I wasn't sure if I was amused or scared by. I think Mary over-acted a few scenes, but she's got a gorgeous voice and is very sensual.
Which brings me to Judas. Now I'll admit- Carl in 1973 has a better voice (apparently Jerome Pradon is a Baritone singing Tenor in this) but this Judas has completely won me over. The reactions, acting, emotions- he's so wonderful I completely fell for his Judas. Even when Pradon's singing got a bit too high for him, his acting more than made up for it IMHO. I keep re-watching scenes with him and catching little gestures and expressions- especially in the scenes between him and Jesus. It doesn't hurt that I found him completely hot, mind you!
The Priests were creepy, even if Caiaphas went a bit too low for his own good. Annas I found was extremely creepy and disturbing- so well done! Pilate I found was interesting. Sometimes I had to laugh at his expressions and over-enunciating, but then again, sometimes he moved me- like the tears he had in his eyes in "Pilate's dream".
All and all I highly recommend this, if you come with an open mind. The first time I saw this it was a bit weird, but the second time I started getting obsessed with it.
I love the modernization of the story- I love the "Simon Zealotes" scene with the machine guns, I love the outfits, I love Herod's cheesy number, I love all of it. I think it's a great idea and makes it more accessible for it's current audience.
I found Carter's Jesus more human and likable than the one from 1973. I love seeing him get angry, happy, tormented, tired...I love seeing his fear in "would you die for me" and the looks he exchanges with Judas throughout the whole thing- it really speaks volumes.
I loved Peter and Mary's "Could we start again" duet, I think their voices are better (and mesh better) than the 1973 version and while I think Simon looked a bit too much like a "boy band", I liked "Simon Zealotes" more than that crazy dancing in 1973 that I wasn't sure if I was amused or scared by. I think Mary over-acted a few scenes, but she's got a gorgeous voice and is very sensual.
Which brings me to Judas. Now I'll admit- Carl in 1973 has a better voice (apparently Jerome Pradon is a Baritone singing Tenor in this) but this Judas has completely won me over. The reactions, acting, emotions- he's so wonderful I completely fell for his Judas. Even when Pradon's singing got a bit too high for him, his acting more than made up for it IMHO. I keep re-watching scenes with him and catching little gestures and expressions- especially in the scenes between him and Jesus. It doesn't hurt that I found him completely hot, mind you!
The Priests were creepy, even if Caiaphas went a bit too low for his own good. Annas I found was extremely creepy and disturbing- so well done! Pilate I found was interesting. Sometimes I had to laugh at his expressions and over-enunciating, but then again, sometimes he moved me- like the tears he had in his eyes in "Pilate's dream".
All and all I highly recommend this, if you come with an open mind. The first time I saw this it was a bit weird, but the second time I started getting obsessed with it.