A dramatization of the ascent to Caesar and subsequent reign of Caligula, one of the most notorious leaders of ancient Rome.A dramatization of the ascent to Caesar and subsequent reign of Caligula, one of the most notorious leaders of ancient Rome.A dramatization of the ascent to Caesar and subsequent reign of Caligula, one of the most notorious leaders of ancient Rome.
- Awards
- 2 nominations
Mirella D'Angelo
- Livia
- (as Mirella Dangelo)
Rick Parets
- Mnester
- (as Richard Parets)
Pola Muzyka
- Subura Singer
- (as Paula Mitchell)
Joss Ackland
- Chaerea
- (English version)
- (voice)
- (uncredited)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaDame Helen Mirren described this movie as "an irresistible mix of art and genitals". Although many actors would regret their involvement with the film, Mirren has remained proud of her role as "the most promiscuous woman in all of Rome", as she believed European Cinema was reaching a benchmark in sex positivity and "it was the time to do nudity". She was, however, taken aback with the film's hardcore footage.
- GoofsCaligula squeezes a lemon over a captured slave. Lemons did not reach Europe until the 2nd century, at least 100 years after Caligula's death.
- Crazy creditsDue to numerous pending lawsuits and settlements at the time of the film's release, no one is technically fully credited for writing and directing the finished film.
- Alternate versionsThe censored version of this film has been released of a few occasions in Australia. In March 1981, a censored, R rated release to cinemas was made by Roadshow. Roadshow Home Video subsequently released the same film version to video in September 1984. This version ran for 146 minutes (PAL). It was again re-released by a 'no name' video label in the late 1990's. The censored DVD version appeared in December 2004, released by Warner Vision. The uncut version has been released in Australia, this was the fully uncut, X rated 156 minute PAL version. It was released in January 1985 by 'Palace X Video' - a version that is now an extremely rare collector's item. The uncut version has since been rated R18+ by the Australian classification board in 2021.
- ConnectionsEdited into Video Macumba (1991)
Featured review
The rise and fall of one of the most famous, and infamous Caesars of all, Caligula.
I had only ever seen the edited version, recently I was made to watch the whole, uncut version, it was so long, it seemed to be on for almost three hours.
If I'm honest, the uncut version seemed to make more sense, it flowed a lot better. The original better shows the level of depravity of the man, and the behaviour he condoned and encouraged.
I can't say it's a great film, but it's definitely worth watching, at times it's just too gratuitous, and too self indulgent. It's worth watching to get a version of Caligula, I was left feeling a little confused, as to whether it's an accurate form of the man, or just the director's desire to make a porn film.
McDowell is excellent, he's wild eyed, manic, and clearly very comfortable playing such a part, I think some of the acting elsewhere is very dodgy.
That scene with the bride and groom on their wedding night is overly grim, it's too much.
Amazing sets, and some of the production values are very decadent.
It doesn't surprise me that this was a massive flop, I'm not sure audiences were ready for it.
It's interesting, it held my attention, would I watch it again soon? Not on your Nelly!
Worth seeing, 7/10.
I had only ever seen the edited version, recently I was made to watch the whole, uncut version, it was so long, it seemed to be on for almost three hours.
If I'm honest, the uncut version seemed to make more sense, it flowed a lot better. The original better shows the level of depravity of the man, and the behaviour he condoned and encouraged.
I can't say it's a great film, but it's definitely worth watching, at times it's just too gratuitous, and too self indulgent. It's worth watching to get a version of Caligula, I was left feeling a little confused, as to whether it's an accurate form of the man, or just the director's desire to make a porn film.
McDowell is excellent, he's wild eyed, manic, and clearly very comfortable playing such a part, I think some of the acting elsewhere is very dodgy.
That scene with the bride and groom on their wedding night is overly grim, it's too much.
Amazing sets, and some of the production values are very decadent.
It doesn't surprise me that this was a massive flop, I'm not sure audiences were ready for it.
It's interesting, it held my attention, would I watch it again soon? Not on your Nelly!
Worth seeing, 7/10.
- Sleepin_Dragon
- Feb 26, 2021
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Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Official site
- Language
- Also known as
- Calígula
- Filming locations
- Dear Studios, Rome, Lazio, Italy(Studio)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $17,500,000 (estimated)
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