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: This biblical drama from the Catholic Marxist director focuses on the teachings of Jesus, including the parables that reflect their revolutionary nature. As Jesus travels along the coast of the Sea of Galilee, he gradually gathers more followers, leading him into direct conflict with the authorities.