In filming the movie Jesus of Nazareth...
In filming the movie Jesus of Nazareth, Ernest Borgnine played the role of the centurion who stood at the foot of the cross, looking up into the face of the crucified Jesus of Nazareth. Since this was a movie, actors only came on the set when needed; so instead of having the actor portraying Jesus before him, Borgnine stared at an "X" chalk mark. In such a sterile setting Borgnine had a difficult time capturing the emotions that the Roman soldier must have experienced at this tragic moment. In order to feel the part, Borgnine asked someone to read Luke's account of the crucifixion.