You are here:

The Gospel According to St. Matthew

Name: The Gospel According to St. Matthew
Director: Pier Paolo Pasolini
Released: 1965
Duration: 137 min

Representation Score

4.2/10

Fair

1965

Not Rated

Director

Pier Paolo Pasolini

Runtime

137 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Pasolini’s direction transforms a biblical narrative into a study of class struggle. By using non-professional actors and a Mediterranean aesthetic, the film successfully dismantles the polished, Eurocentric traditions of Western religious cinema. While the film excels in ethnic authenticity and its critique of systemic oppression, it remains limited by its period-specific subject matter. The lack of gender diversity and LGBTQ+ representation reflects the traditional, male-centric frameworks of the historical text. Ultimately, the work highlights the dignity of the impoverished through a revolutionary, humanistic perspective centered on the oppressed.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does The Gospel According to St. Matthew have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film stays true to first-century biblical contexts and focuses on male-centric discipleship without showing any non-straight relationships or challenging assumptions about straight relationships.

How does The Gospel According to St. Matthew portray gender?

Limited

Male figures drive the central themes and theological discussions. Although Mary Magdalene appears, she follows a traditional archetype without challenging the male-dominated narrative structure.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Gospel According to St. Matthew?

Excellent

Pasolini avoids whitewashed religious aesthetics by using Mediterranean actors. The use of non-professional actors provides an authentic ethnic identity that aligns with the historical context of the Levant.

How does The Gospel According to St. Matthew represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film critiques established power structures by portraying religious and political institutions as oppressive. It emphasizes the sacredness of the poor to challenge worldly status.

Does The Gospel According to St. Matthew include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no characters with visible or invisible disabilities central to the narrative. Disability is not used as a plot device or for mocking purposes.

Present on Screen

Avoids whitewashed, Eurocentric depictions of biblical figures through authentic Mediterranean casting.
Provides a sophisticated critique of systemic oppression and established religious power structures.
Emphasizes the dignity of the impoverished sub-proletariat through the use of non-professional actors.

Limited or Absent

Lacks gender diversity, as theological discourse and central ability to act are driven almost exclusively by men.
Offers no representation or exploration of LGBTQ+ identities within the narrative.
Does not include characters or storylines addressing disability.

Official 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.

How are these scores produced? →