“Everytime I look at you, I don’t understand…”

12Apr09

I’ve always maintained that the two best things my religion has ever given me was the art it inspired and Jesus Christ Superstar, the movie. As per Easter tradition, I sat down and watched this movie when it aired on television for the 7 millionth time and, again, thoroughly enjoyed it.

This movie contains some of the most beautiful voices and acting I’ve ever seen and heard. Ted Neely as Jesus has undoubtedly the saddest eyes in the world. As he gazes across the sea of frantically dancing worshippers in a haze of hysteria, you can feel the weight of the world on his shoulders. And you sympathize with Judas, for once… and come to understand his motives. Carl Anderson as Judas lurks in the periphery of the mayhem most of the movie with this look of anxious confusion and you feel just as confused and frightened as he does. Mary Magdelane is the soft spot of pink in Jesus’s hectic, demanding world, tending to his needs while his apostles badger him for his plan of action in overthrowing the Romans.

Amazing movie. The characters become real, for once. Not just some mythical fable that warns and preaches on the consequences of a sinful life. I really wish church was this entertaining. Maybe then I’d attend more of my accord as opposed to being dragged there once every couple of months by my parents when I don’t happen to be working that sunday.

Driving home today, I saw the most beautiful sunset. In such a dazzling world, how can one not be hopeful? And optimistic? And happy? Horrible, sad things happen… but to dwell on them wastes precious moments in appreciating the other wonders of life. I will always, always look upon the past six months of my life with a smile. Rainbows by no means arced across my path, but it was lined with beautifully-scented flowers. I can’t cry over the bitterness… because there is none. At least not for me.

Filed under: Films, True Randomosities   |  Leave a Comment
Tags: Carl Anderson, easter, Jesus Christ Superstar, movies, Ted Neely