What does it mean to cast Enrique Irazoqui, a Marxist student with no acting experience (his Wikipedia page still lists "computer chess expert" ahead of "actor" in his titles), as Jesus Christ in The Gospel According to St. Matthew (1964)? Was this Catholic Marxism in practice, or just a provocation? Did he simply hate professional actors that much?
— Leo Lasdun: Hole in the Middle (Los Angeles Review of Books)
Synopsis: Along a rocky, barren coastline, Jesus begins teaching, primarily using parables. He attracts disciples; he's stern, brusque, and demanding. His parables often take on the powers that be, so he and his teachings come to the attention of the Pharisees, the chief priests, and elders. They conspire to have him arrested, beaten, tried, and crucified, just as he prophesied to his followers.