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Jesus Christ Superstar
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The Last Supper
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Jesus Christ Superstar

film by Jewison [1973]
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The Last Supper
The Last Supper Publicity still of a scene of the 1973 film of Jesus Christ Superstar, with Ted Neeley as Jesus Christ (far right) and Carl Anderson as Judas Iscariot (third from right).

The 1973 film Jesus Christ Superstar, directed by Norman Jewison, is an adaptation of the rock opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. The story chronicles the final week of Jesus Christ's life, told primarily through the eyes of Judas Iscariot.1

The musical explores the doubts and conflicts experienced by Jesus and his followers. Judas, concerned about Jesus's growing popularity and questioning his divinity, betrays him to the Pharisaic authorities for 30 pieces of silver. The narrative follows Jesus's arrest, his trial before Pontius Pilate, and his eventual crucifixion.1

The work was controversial upon its release due to its portrayal of Jesus with human doubts, its sympathetic focus on Judas, and the implied romantic relationship between Jesus and Mary Magdalene. The film adaptation received an Academy Award nomination for best music.12

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  1. Jesus Christ Superstar
  2. Jesus Christ Superstar: Top Questions

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