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 Brilliant, Accessible and Celebratory! Jun 30, 2010
The greatest stories are those that can be told using the simplest means, and surely the story of Jesus Christ, our Savior, is the greatest. Godspell tells this story in simple, accessible and very hip terms.
A travelling actor, in hippie attire, arrives in new your and takes the role of John the Baptist, calling various discontented New Yorkers who are tired of the hustle and bustle, to be Baptised and renewed. Another actor represting Jesus Christ arrives and asks to be Baptised. As they do this in a public fountain, they are renewed and transform into hippie outfits with costume-box style flourishes to tell the stor of Jesus's message, his parables and his last days using simples props, fantastic songs and the New York environment.
The costumes and locations are fitting for each of the lessons and songs - and it is all a lot of fun. The old cinema used for the story of the Prodigal Son is a good example. The actors make excellent clowns and vaudevillians and each are sincere and work well as an ensemble. Victor Garber as Jesus Christ is fantastic.
This is a very accessible, fun version of these improtant tales - with a very hopeful message and Steven Schwrtz's great songs. DFo not miss it!
Down on yourself or the world? Watch this movie! May 10, 2010
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!
0 of 2 found the following review helpful:
 It hasn't aged well. May 02, 2010
Last Saturday, I watched Jesus Christ Superstar and Godspell (which I had never seen before) back to back.
And unlike Jesus Christ Superstar, Godspell hasn't aged well at well.
The music, costume and cinematography looks like it was set in amber, it shouts 1972.
I now know why Godspell is so often staged at schools and rep companies since unlike Jesus Christ Superstar it doesn't demands much of amateur thespians.
Jesus Christ Superstar's Judas requires some real vocal pyrotechnics, while Godspell's Judas could be played by any competent high school singer.
Godspell really looks and feels like a school project, which it was, while you can clearly tell that Jesus Christ Superstar was written for Broadway.
Godspell is essentially a bright and cheery play, it portrays a group of bright and cheery people spreading joy and love.
Very "Up With People!"
Jesus Christ Superstar, on the hand, is a dark tale, whose entire trajectory lead to betrayal by Judas and The Passion.
The reason I gave Godspell 2 star is at least almost all the dialogue is from Gospel according to St. Matthew.
A Joyous, Uplifting Film Apr 26, 2010
(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.
AWESOME Apr 18, 2010
This timeless classic still amazes me. The urban setting and characters appeal to both young and old. Ingenious & accurate portrayal of His last days on earth. Beautiful!
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The
Importance Of Lighting In Interior Design
by Jessica Ackerman
Everyone knows how important
paint color, furniture choices and artwork are to
interior design. One aspect of design that is often
overlooked, however, is lighting. Lighting not only
affects the brightness of the room, but it can also
change the way a paint color looks, cast shadows in ways
that make the room seem smaller and have an impact on
the presentation of art work.
There is no light like
natural light. If you are buying, building or
remodeling, opt for as much natural light as possible.
Oversized windows and skylights are two ways to get the
most natural light. Of course, not everyone is in the
position to be able to do that, so you'll have to work
with what you have.
How much natural light do
you get in your room? If the room in question faces
north, you won't get as much natural sunlight as you
would in a southern facing room. Rooms that face south
get bright, natural light throughout the day. Rooms that
face east will only have good natural light in the
morning hours and western facing rooms will have the
most light during the afternoon.
Once you are familiar
with how much natural light is in each room, you'll be
able to make informed choices about what additional
lighting may be necessary. Keep in mind that rooms with
little or no natural light will need artificial lighting
- even during the day - in order to look their best.
Here are some types of lighting to consider.
1. Accent Lighting
Accent lighting is
perfect when you want to showcase a piece of art or a
special piece of furniture or other item. Since light
draws the eye, it will bring attention to the features
in your room that you wish to highlight.
2. Hanging Light Features
Chandeliers and smaller
hanging lamps can be beautiful as well as functional. A
trip to the local home improvement store will quickly
show you how overwhelming the choices can be. You'll
want to select lighting that blends in with your
existing dÃÂécor. For example, a crystal chandelier in a
country themed dining room probably isn't the best
option. If you don't choose carefully, your lighting may
stick out like a sore thumb and become more of an
eyesore than a lovely accent.
3. Recessed Lighting
Recessed lighting is a
good choice for a room that needs extra light throughout
the day. Because the lighting won't interfere with the
existing decor, it can work in almost any room. It
provides abundant light without taking up a lot of space
or interfering with other aspects of the room.
4. Lamps
Using lamps are a way to
add not only additional lighting, but also punches of
color. If possible, see how much light the lamp gives
off before leaving the store. Many lamps serve as
decoration more than as a light source and give off very
little light. If you love the lamp, but it doesn't give
off quite enough light, consider changing the shade
which will usually solve the problem.
When decorating your
home, remember how important lighting is, and give it
the same thought and attention you give to the other
details of decorating your home.
About the Author
Jessica Ackerman is the
featured author at Wall DÃÂécor and Home Accents. Shop today
for great deals on
metal wall sculpture ,
home
accents and more unique wall dÃÂécor products.
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