In Antioch, A.D. 19., the celebrated Roman war hero Germanicus, the grandson of Marcus Antonius, has died under mysterious circumstances. His seven-year-old son, Gaius, is beloved by both his father’s army and the citizens of Rome. The boy is affectionately nicknamed “Caligula,” which means “little boots,” referring to the small military boots he wore while accompanying his father on war campaigns.
Various theories about the cause of Germanicus’s death circulate, including black magic and poison. Whispers suggest that the war hero’s popularity and the ambitions of his adoptive father, Emperor Tiberius (Peter O’Toole), may be involved. One by one, Germanicus’s wife and children also die under similar mysterious circumstances, leaving only Caligula (Malcolm McDowell) and his sister Drusilla (Teresa Ann Savoy) alive.
Caligula is determined to become the new Emperor and dreams of it while biting his tongue and submitting to Tiberius. He believes establishing new rules can create a new way of life and make him a great leader. It is also evident that Caligula desires to marry his sister, Drusilla. When Tiberius is brutally murdered, Caligula’s involvement ensures that he takes complete control of the Roman Empire. As the new Emperor, Caligula gains newfound power and authority. However, with such immense power and the freedom to act as he wishes, Caligula soon descends into a world of corruption, madness, and ultimate destruction.
Caligula- The Ultimate Cut (2023), directed by Tinto Brass—whose other notable works include Salon Kitty (1976) and All Ladies Do It (1992)—has undergone significant updates in this brand-new release. I must clarify that I have never seen the original version released in 1979. However, after researching, I understand the 2023 cut emphasises the film’s story and features an expanded runtime.
In this film, both leading actors, Malcolm McDowell and Helen Mirren, deliver commendable performances. Their dedication to their characters is evident, and they approach their roles with complete energy and engagement. No scene holds them back, regardless of how wild, ridiculous, or uncomfortable it may be. Malcolm McDowell’s on-screen presence stands out; he is consistently loud, unhinged, and unpredictable as the lead character. However, I found Teresa Ann Savoy’s performance as Drusilla less compelling.
As I watched the film for the first time, I was impressed by many aspects. Firstly, I must commend the film’s atmosphere, which has a nightmarish quality. Observing Caligula live his extravagant life adds to the overall sense of torment. The film features large and stunning set designs that make it feel like viewers are watching a stage play, enhanced by creative lighting and detailed props. Another remarkable element is the costumes. However, I had mixed feelings about the makeup. At times, it was distracting, while at other times, such as when Tiberius’ (Peter O’Toole) flesh is peeling, it was impressive and convincing.
The pacing of the film is a tricky topic for me. Although it takes a while to get underway, things shift dramatically once Caligula seizes power, and I found myself glued to the big screen. I enjoyed Caligula’s journey, which included significant personal changes, such as heightened confidence, madness, corruption, and paranoia. However, given that the film has an almost three-hour runtime, I must mention that I found the third act drastically slower than the rest of the movie. At one point, I wished the film had been trimmed down. On a positive note, the film’s final moments provide a great reward, leaving a lasting impression that audiences won’t soon forget.
Overall, Caligula- The Ultimate Cut (2023) is an audacious film. Whether you’re a fan of the Roman Empire period, brutal violence, or uncomfortable moments, this cut offers a fascinating and impactful viewing experience. The film’s creation and the behind-the-scenes stories are equally mind-blowing to explore. Based on my research and experience, I can confidently say that Caligula: The Ultimate Cut is the best version available if you’re planning to watch the movie. Malcolm McDowell and actress Helen Mirren deliver exceptional performances, showing remarkable commitment to their roles, no matter how disturbing, gruesome, or tragic the scenes may be. I found the plot deeply engaging, although the third act feels like a slog before the jaw-dropping finale. Even if you dislike the story, the film excels in other aspects, such as set design, costumes, and makeup work. In the end, Caligula might not appeal to everyone, but there’s no denying that it represents a significant piece of cinematic history.
Caligula (1979) is Now Available on 4K UHD Blu-ray thanks to Umbrella Entertainment!
FILM SCORE: 7.5/10
Published: 28th November 2024
Written by: Peter Walkden
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