Taglines: Absolute power corrupts. (2023 recut version)
Caligula: The Ultimate Cut movie storyline. Pagan Rome, 37 A.D. With the reign of the frail, syphilis-ridden, and half-mad Emperor Tiberius drawing to a close, Prince Gaius Augustus Germanicus, aka Caligula, arrives at the demented ruler’s palace of sin on the island of Capri. And after the murder of the bedridden Tiberius, Caligula becomes the new emperor.
Then, Caligula proclaims Julia Drusilla, his beloved sister and lover, as his equal, much to the disgust of the Roman Senate. And as the dangerous megalomaniac Caligula declares himself a god, he begins a four-year reign of depravity and terror, betraying allegiances, destroying virginities, and weeding out the competition through torture and execution. However, how much longer can the Roman Empire tolerate the insane tyrant’s uncontrollable mania?
Caligula (Italian: Caligola) is a 1979 erotic historical drama film about the rise and fall of controversial Roman emperor Caligula. The film stars Malcolm McDowell in the title role, alongside Teresa Ann Savoy, Helen Mirren, Peter O’Toole, John Steiner, Guido Mannari, Paolo Bonacelli, Leopoldo Trieste, Giancarlo Badessi, Mirella D’Angelo and Adriana Asti.
Original screenwriter Gore Vidal and film director Tinto Brass both disavowed the extensive changes to their contributions, with Brass dismissed prior to editing. Financier producer Bob Guccione, founder of Penthouse magazine, engaged Giancarlo Lui to film post-production scenes featuring hardcore sex, significantly altering the film’s tone and style.
Initially released to Italian cinemas in 1979, then screened in America the following year, Caligula was met with legal issues and controversies over its violent and sexual content. Different abridged versions were released worldwide, while its uncut form remains banned in several countries.
Despite a generally negative reception, the film has gained notoriety as a cult classic with significant merit for its political content and historical portrayal. A 178-minute Ultimate Cut, approved by McDowell and containing new footage not included in the theatrical release, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2023.
Caligula: The Ultimate Cut (2024)
Directed by: Tinto Brass
Starring: Malcolm McDowell, Teresa Ann Savoy, Helen Mirren, Peter O’Toole, John Steiner, Guido Mannari, Paolo Bonacelli, Leopoldo Trieste, Giancarlo Badessi, Mirella D’Angelo, Adriana Asti
Screenplay by: Gore Vidal
Cinematography by: Silvano Ippoliti
Film Editing by: Nino Baragli, The Production
Costume Design by: Danilo Donati
Art Direction by: Danilo Donati
Music by: Bruno Nicolai
MPAA Rating: None.
Distributed by: Drafthouse Films (United States)
Release Date: August 16, 2024
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