Godspell
|
List Price: Our Price: $7.11 You Save: $7.88 (53%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $3.74 (click here) Category: DVD See more DVD releases |
|---|
Buy this DVD movie at online store in your country
Canada
Canada
Movie Reviews of Godspell
Movie Review: fun musical exploring Biblical passages and the story of Christ
Summary: 5 Stars
Godspell retains its energetic force decades after its cinematic release. Godspell tells the story of Jesus and his followers--only with a highly creative twist. Instead of the action taking place in the Middle East thousands of years ago, the backdrop scenes are from the then modern day (1970s) Manhattan. Jesus' followers and even Jesus himself are dressed as hippies; and although the costumes are dated the emotional impact and the artistic quality never suffer. Godspell takes its subject matter and infuses it with a flawlessly beautiful score by Stephen Schwartz; and the actors work so hard to make the story come alive. They succeed.
The action begins with John Haskell playing John the Baptist crossing a bridge into Manhattan; and soon he beckons to people to meet him in Central Park for a group baptism. Jesus first appears in the Central Park baptism scene; and from the word go Victor Garber plays Jesus as an energetic, enthusiastic young man who loves God with all his heart. John the Baptist and the other people form a group with Jesus as their leader. As a group Jesus and his followers, who are now dressed as hippies, re-enact several parables and passages from the Bible.
During the numerous scenes that ensue we get some of the most wonderful, delightfully arranged musical numbers I've ever witnessed on screen. Robin Lamont's "Day By Day" moves me with its beauty; the simplistic lyrics coupled with a beautiful, folk music style arrangement stand out as a musical highlight of this film. Lynne Thigpen performs a marvelous rendition of "O Bless the Lord My Soul" with all her heart; Lynne's acting as a follower of Christ remains convincing and impressive throughout Godspell. In addition, Joanne Jonas turns in a great performance as a follower of Jesus who helps to highlight Jesus' disdain of comparatively superficial things that materialistic people crave. Excellent!
Look also for an excellent Last Supper scene in which Jesus hands out the bread and wine after blessing it using traditional Hebrew prayers to bless bread and wine. The Last Supper scene is very tastefully done.
Of course, Jesus' ministry ends tragically with his betrayal by Judas, who is also played by David Haskell. I agree with the reviewer who writes that it's good that David Haskell plays both John the Baptist and Judas--it does indeed demonstrate how there's good and bad in every human being. Jesus is crucified in a Manhattan junkyard while his followers weep for him; and the next day they carry Jesus' body through the empty streets of Manhattan while singing upbeat numbers from the score. This would appear to imply that Jesus will be resurrected.
Choreography doesn't get any better than this: the numerous musical numbers are carefully staged and the timing amongst all the cast members remains flawless throughout the movie. It is a bit eerie to see them dancing on the top of the former World Trade Center; but they dance there so ably it's truly remarkable. Cinematography also shines with the panoramic views of Manhattan with streets both crowded and empty; and all the characters are well framed within the picture frame to create an even stronger impact on viewers.
Overall, I highly recommend Godspell as a prime example of how artistic creativity can take a story thousands of years old and breathe new life into it as if it were actually happening in the here and now. The acting by Victor Garber and company leaves nothing to be desired; and the musical numbers reflect extreme attention to detail and great thoughtfulness. It's not a movie for very young children, primarily because of the crucifixion scene; but otherwise there's no reason not to see this movie and enjoy it over and over again.
Movie Review: A Joyous, Uplifting Film
Summary: 5 Stars
(NOTE: This review may contain a spoiler, but I really don't think it matters in the case of this film.)
If religious musicals ain't your thing, then you can move on right now. Having said that...."Godspell" has been a favorite film of mine since childhood, when I would see it pop up on TV every great once in awhile and I'd be totally enraptured by it every single time. "Godspell" is the wonderful 1973 film adaptation of the popular musical based on the gospel according to St. Matthew. It doesn't really have a plot, per se, but the basics of it is that Jesus (Victor Garber, dressed here in a Superman T-shirt, clown pants & shoes, and sporting a big red afro), and his apostle John (David Haskell), recruit eight random followers from the streets of New York City, and together, dressed in playful, raggedly clothes, they sing, dance, and tell stories from the gospel, while incorporating humor, vaudeville-style performing, AND drama too, as the musical ends with Judas (also played by Haskell) betraying Jesus, and the crucifixion (although the uplifting reprise of "Day By Day" at the very end certainly implies that Jesus, through his sacrifice, has saved us). Director David Greene's outstanding use of New York City locations here is SO good, it's almost as if NYC becomes another character in the film. The pop-rock score by Stephen Schwartz is absolutely joyous and outstanding, with classic song after classic song like "Day By Day," "O Bless The Lord," "All Good Gifts," "All For The Best," "Beautiful City" (which was written specifically for the film), and many more. And David Greene's direction is so well done, the way the movie effortlessly flows together from one great scene to another.
And then there's the cast. You may not know their names, but oh, what a cast! The mostly-unknown ensemble cast that Greene put together for the film, many of whom came from the original stage production of "Godspell," are all so marvelously talented and engaging. How truly sad it is that, as of 2010, four of the ten cast members are no longer with us: David Haskell, Lynne Thigpen, Merrell Jackson and Jeffrey Mylett, all of whom passed away between 1986 and 2003. Rest in peace you four, God bless you, and thank you. Of the surviving cast members, only Victor Garber and Jerry Sroka are still performing. Robin Lamont ("Day By Day") is now a lawyer, Joanne Jonas ("Turn Back O Man") is a therapist, Katie Hanley ("By My Side") is a sculptor, and Gilmer McCormick runs a theater company. God bless you all too, and thank you for your magical, endearing work in this film.
"Godspell" didn't win any Oscars, and it wasn't even nominated for any, but it is such a special film in so many ways. The music, the performances from the cast, the New York City locales....just the sheer *joy* of it is right up there on the screen for all to see and appreciate. I promise you, "Godspell" will move you.
Movie Review: Down on yourself or the world? Watch this movie!
Summary: 5 Stars
I saw this movie when it came out in 1973, and although I was very young, its joy and beautiful music has stayed with me for my whole life. If you haven't seen it-YOU MUST. Don't worry if you're not religious, this is a great and inspiring movie for any open minded person and might just change your mind.
The film was shot in New York City in 1972 and the twin towers of the World Trade Center(still under construction at the time) form the back drop and, at one point, the stage for this rapturous story. In one scene, the cast dances atop the dizzying heights of one of the towers, making those of us with vertigo cringe. The sight of the towers is also a little sobering, given the events in the decades since this film was shot.
Aside from the emotional lift I get from this film, it is full of rich symbolism. One example is the setting,for much of the action, of a stark, abandoned and ruined church, whose church yard has been converted into a junk yard. The cast paints a junk car, the church and each other with bright colors and symbols of hope and joy such as stars and rainbows. This reminded me of St. Francis of Assisi rebuilding the ruined church of his home town as he inspired the poor of his city from dispair to faith and hope. As the movie progresses, the group revisits the church. Each time the church is more beautifully painted, until, when the group gathers there for the last supper, it glows.
The cast is marvelous and incredibly convincing. They project joy and enthusiasm like no other cast I've ever seen.Victor Garber is absolutely the perfect Jesus. He is beautiful both spiritually and physically and his face glows with an amazing innocence. The clever use of his dark blond hair in an afro style causes a halo effect in many sunlit scenes, further enhancing his unrivaled performance. This effect, along with his beautiful skin, angelic looks, beautiful voice, sweet personality and very fine acting make him born to play the part of Jesus. Between musical interludes he relates some of the most important of the parables. Miracles are avoided in this version and prove unnecessary in telling Christ's wonderful story.
This is a version of the book of Matthew that I can identify with. The more I watch it the easier it is for me to follow the ideals of Christ. It reminds me to be the change I want to see in the world and to live each day, no matter how difficult, with joy. Just one problem-I can't find a church that lives up to the ideals I find here.
I feel that the scene of the crucifixion is a little weak compared with the rest of the movie, but the final scene, when the group carries the body of Christ back into their lives in a busy New York City, is a strong message of what is expected of the faithful.
THIS IS A MUST SEE MOVIE!
Movie Review: Outstanding!
Summary: 5 Stars
Several years ago I was involved in two back-to-back productions of Godspell. It is and always will be one of my favorite shows, both to watch and work in. I hadn't realized the movie had been released to video until a few nights ago, when I saw it at the local video store. So I rented it, fell in love, and next went out and bought the DVD.I bought the DVD rather than the tape, because I like the availability of Wide screen edition. I don't yet own a DVD player, so I had to go over to mom's house to watch it. :-) Anyway, I think the movie is terrific. It's upbeat, happy, colorful, and timeless. The characters are lovable and realistic, and they tell the story of the Gospel without becoming preachy.
Especially adorable is Jeffrey Mylett (1949-1986) in one of his regretfully rare film appearances. I did not really understand what it means for an actor to have "presence" until I watched his performance. No matter how small his part is in the scene, your eye is drawn to him. The camera doesn't love this man, it downright WORSHIPS him.
The only negative things I can say about this film are that I HATE that they excluded the song "We Beseech Thee". It's one of the best numbers in the show, performed onstage by Jeffrey Mylett. By leaving it out, the filmmakers missed out on a great opportunity to showcase the musical talents of possibly the best actor in the troupe. And it ticked me off, too. :-(
The other negative thing is related to the first, in a way. "Beautiful City." Blecchh. The troupe valiantly does the best they can with a real bow-wow of a number. How the producers could think this would be a better choice than "We Beseech Thee," I will never know. It's tedious, repetitive, forgettable, and sticks out like a sore thumb. It looks like it was thrown in at the last minute. This feeling is increased by the "choreography" of the scene; everyone walking and skipping down the street... and I mean for the WHOLE SONG. I suspect that the producers were hoping to generate another hit single with this piece, as it seems to have more of a pop sound than the folk of the rest of the numbers.
I've watched the film about 6 times now, and I always bawl during "On the Willows," one of the most beautiful songs ever written. And the tears flow again during the refrain of "Prepare Ye" at the end. Not too many films can do that to me.
In general I can't give this film a high enough rating.
Movie Review: Brilliant in Spite of the Sartorial Horrors
Summary: 5 Stars
I was born in 1963 so I was fairly young when this film came out in the early 70s. My big memories of that era are that everyone else's hair was much longer and shaggier than mine (my choice) and that the clothing styles were colorful but horrid. I was not a particular fan of rock music either. All of these factors are very prominent in this film but it is wonderful in spite of it. In fact, it is wonderful largely because of it.
The film is an adaptation of the Gospel of St. Matthew. It takes place in New York City. Victor Garber plays Jesus but does not make any effort to redo the "life" of Christ. Instead, it focuses on the teachings. He gathers a group of young followers who listen to his teachings and parables. Often, they enact the stories in a mime, burlesque or Vaudeville style and break into song. They try to make simple points and they do so quite effectively.
Part of the effectiveness lies in the style of the time. It uses the excesses of the 60s and 70s to make the simple points. It strips away all of the history and goes straight to the moral teachings. It demonstrates very well that these teaching work well at all times in all places.
The disciples are a mixed bunch. They are all young. There are not twelve of them. They are male and female and they each play more than one role. The man who plays John the Baptist also plays Judas the traitor. The emphasis in not on the persons but the teachings.
I have never been a fan of musicals but this one joins my short list of exceptions.