Caligula Ultimate Cut – REVIEW

As a seasoned cinephile with over four decades of film-watching under my belt, I must say that revisiting Caligula Ultimate Cut has been a fascinating journey into the annals of cinematic history. This movie, shrouded in controversy since its initial release, has always intrigued me due to its audacious blend of grandeur and grit, a testament to the power of absolute authority and the corrupting influence it wields.

Approximately half a century has passed since an esteemed group of British actors unknowingly participated in a movie destined to include explicit adult content, a production eventually titled “Caligula.” After numerous court battles, the film was released in 1979, spawning multiple versions and prompting the cast and creators to distance themselves from it. The producer, Thomas Negovan, unearthed around 90 hours of previously undiscovered footage and announced his intention to create a definitive version based on Gore Vidal’s original script. While it may be inappropriate to say that the infamous pornographic film would soon arrive, we now have the opportunity to witness Caligula: The Ultimate Cut.

Starting with a fresh animated introduction, the story unfolds revealing Caligula, who was adopted by the cunning Julius Caesar, as the central character. The narrative quickly plunges into conflict as Caligula (portrayed by Malcolm McDowell) is found in bed with his sister Drusilla (Teresa Ann Savoy) following a romantic encounter, and they engage in a discussion about why he should succeed Julius Caesar (Peter O’Toole) as the Emperor. This sets off a chain of events detailing Caligula’s ruthless ascension to power, his reign as the ruler of the Roman empire, his slide into madness, corruption, immorality, and ultimately, his assassination.

In a fresh, extended format spanning nearly three hours, this grand tale unfolds with lavish scenery and opulence for all to appreciate. However, viewers may find themselves overwhelmed by frequent full-frontal nudity that is almost unrelenting. One might say the screen hasn’t been so populated with such displays since The Only Way is Essex cast graced our screens. This is no surprise given it was directed by Tinto Brass, a director known for his films filled with exposed flesh reminiscent of a butcher’s display bin.

What made the porn version film more controversial at the time was the appearance of Peter O’Toole and Sir John Gielgud. O’Toole as Julius Caesar is deliriously OTT chewing on the scenery whereas Gielgud is only fleetingly in the first act of this new version and lends it momentary gravitas. Helen Mirren as Caligula’s promiscuous wife Caesonia has her role greatly expanded from the 20 minutes in the films initial release and was an actress on the ascent and here and it is a bold career move in a role involving much semi nudity and compromising scenes but her talent is clear that she was set for …ahem……bigger things. Weakest is Teresa Ann Savoy as Caligula’s sister delivering lines with all the apathy of an Evri courier.

As a film enthusiast with over three decades of experience under my belt, I must say that the latest restoration of Caligula: Ultimate Cut is nothing short of breathtaking. Having seen countless films at the Cannes Film Festival throughout the years, I can confidently assert that this restored version stands out as one of the most impressive restorations I’ve ever encountered.

Here’s the Caligula Ultimate Cut trailer ……..

2024-08-05 18:23

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