Review of Caligula (1979) by Cassandra M — 15 Nov 2009

This review is for the unrated version of this magnifecent film.

Before Rome. Before Gladiator. The most controversial film of all time as you've never experienced it before! Combining lavish spectacle and top award-winning stars, this landmark production is now presented in a beautiful new hig-definition transfer from recently uncovered negative elements. From the moment he ascends to the throne as Emperor, Caligula (A clockwork Orange's Malcolm McDowell) enforces a reign like no other as power and corruption transform him into a deranged beast whose deeds still live on as some of the most depraved in history. Also starring Peter O'Toole (Lawrence of Arabia and Academy Award winners Helen Mirren (The Queen) and John Gielgud (Arthur), this unflinching look at the decandence of Ancient Rome shall startle and amaze you like no other film ever made.

This is actually a pretty good film. Perhaps the intense nudity and graphic-ness was not likeable but the movie was very closely tied to the facts and history of Caligula himself. You don't see many movies that actually stick with the facts instead of making it 'Hollywood.' I reccommend this to people who "know" about Caligula in advance so that they know what their seeing instead of going into the film not having a clue what its about. I don't think they could've made the movie any better that relates to Caligula- he was a psychopath and it showed in this movie.

Tons of great scenes, and it showed what the "real" Rome was like. Brutal and harsh and misgiving.