Was ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ Really a Jinx for its Cast and Director?
The film 'Jesus Christ Superstar' has often been accused of being a jinx for its cast and director. In the world of entertainment, such superstitions are not uncommon, but is there any truth behind the notion that the film was a source of ill fortune for those involved?
The Case Against 'Jesus Christ Superstar'
The film 'Jesus Christ Superstar,' released in 1973, directed by Norman Jewison, has been the subject of much debate. One of the arguments against the film suggests that it had a negative impact on the careers of its cast and director.
How ‘Superstar’ Affected the Cast
One of the most cited examples of the film being jinxed is the problematic career of Ted Neeley, who portrayed Jesus in the film. Neeley's feature film debut was with 'Jesus Christ Superstar,' and while the film received critical acclaim, Neeley's subsequent career was comparatively meager. Another notable example is Jim Caviezel. Although he is best known for his role in 'The Passion of the Christ,' playing Jesus in the 2004 film, his career before this role was not as prominent. Unfortunately, his time as Jesus did little to bolster his later career prospects.
Norman Jewison's Career After 'Superstar'
Norman Jewison, the director of 'The Cincinnati Kid' (1965) and 'Rollerball' (1975), has seen varied success in his film career. While his later films in the 1980s are sometimes criticized, some argue that 'Superstar' was a significant part of his body of work and should not be used to entirely discredit his entire career. Jewison, in his decade-long career, produced 32 feature films, a documentary, and directed television. This extensive filmography speaks to his versatility and craftsmanship as a director.
Was the Film 'Jinxed'?
The idea that 'Jesus Christ Superstar' was jinxed relies on the notion that playing Jesus or starring in a film where he is featured is inherently cursed. This superstition is rooted in the idea that Christianity regards the portrayal of Jesus with complex feelings, ranging from a sign of respect to blasphemy. In the United States, where religious views are often significant, an actor playing Jesus faces a unique set of challenges and expectations.
Portraying Jesus: A Perilous Role
Portraying Jesus can be challenging regardless of whether the film is well-received. In the case of 'Superstar,' the film received mixed reviews, but the role of Jesus is not without its risks. While Willem Dafoe's portrayal of Jesus in 'The Last Temptation of Christ' (1988) did not significantly harm his career, this is not always the case. For example, Jim Caviezel's career was largely overshadowed by 'Jesus Christ Superstar.' This supports the argument that playing the role of Jesus, particularly in a film with a less-than-glorious reception, can have negative repercussions on an actor's career.
Jewison's Choice of Unknown Actors
Norman Jewison had a penchant for choosing unknown actors, as seen in 'Superstar.' He believed that unknown actors could bring fresh energy and authenticity to his films. This belief paid off in 'Moonstruck' (1987), 'And Justice for All' (1979), and 'Agnes of God' (1990), which are considered among his best works.
New Year's Day Dreams: Jewison's Legacy
it's important to consider that while 'Superstar' may have had a negative impact on some careers, other films in Jewison's repertoire were highly acclaimed and successful. Works such as 'Moonstruck' (1987) and 'And Justice for All' (1979) have maintained their status as enduring classics, reflecting Jewison's ability to craft compelling stories with talented, relatively unknown actors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the notion that 'Jesus Christ Superstar' was a jinx for its cast and director is a complex issue. While the film may have had a negative impact on some actors' careers, it is also important to consider the significance of other films in Jewison's career. Jewison's choice of unknown actors in 'Superstar' may have been a deliberate strategy to bring fresh perspectives to the story. As with many superstitions in the entertainment industry, the truth lies in a nuanced understanding of the context and individual circumstances.
Keywords: Jesus Christ Superstar, Norman Jewison, Jinxed Actors