Pasolini's episode of the omnibus film Rogopog is a satirical, self-reflexive prelude to The Gospel According to St. Matthew and other major works by the director. It is a good-humored comment by the filmmaker on the fragility of his own art. Orson Welles plays a director who is shooting a film on the life of Jesus, and whose crucified Good Thief dies of hunger on the cross just as he is to utter his last lines before an expectant crowd of journalists and dignitaries. "Overflowing with a largeness of spirit, it is one of Pasolini's most satisfying films" (Kevin Thomas, L.A. Times).