Jesus Christ Superstar

Following its initial run on Broadway and in the West End, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's musical about Jesus's last days was adapted for the big screen by Norman Jewison, fresh from his success with Fiddler on the Roof. The film wisely keeps a tight hold on its theatrical roots, but also throws a few contemporary touches into the mix, including hippy clothing and military hardware such as tanks and machine guns. The panoramic Israel locations and inventive camerawork breathe life into a handful of the score's weaker numbers, especially welcome when, given the requirements of the role, Ted Neeley's Jesus displays a curious lack of charisma. Carl Anderson's conflicted Judas Iscariot makes the greatest dramatic impact, while Yvonne Elliman, as Mary Magdalene, has the affecting vocal power to give the production its emotional heart, not least on the show-stopping I Don't Know How to Love Him.