Caligula: Review By Querido

Caligula has clearly become the victim of the different artistic visions from the filmmakers. Gore Vidal wanted to make an accurate portrayal of a historical figure, while Tinto Brass intended to make a erotic, surrealistic print. Producer Bob Guccione even edited hardcore pornography in the movie, which made it even more inconsistent.

Such a pity, because the ambition how Caligula has been made is wonderful. Beautiful scenery, an extreme amount of costumes and very authentic props which gives the film a really Roman atmosphere. This is, even now, the only movie that I have seen which has the balls to bring the decadence of the Roman nation to the screen. Their completely different view to sexuality and life tout court, which also turns out during a couple of bizarre rituals, like the birth scene or 'Imperial bordello'. So, I didn't really had problems with the erotic character of the movie. Unfortunately, some of the sex scenes are way too long and sometimes they are very sleazy. The prolonged static shots (sometimes filmed through diaphanous curtains) degrade the whole thing into a porn film.

The magnificent acting performance by Malcolm McDowell has to be talked about. He plays his impaired character very convincingly, even without overacting a bit. The film is also a beautiful portrayal of abuse of power in a time when human rights were just a fable. The mad Caligula kills and tortures with pleasure, without getting contradiction. Because of this, it is very interesting to see a movie without a heroic character, because lets face it, as an individual you had no chance against the Roman emperor. However, those who call this movie 'The Ben-Hur of Porn' are just as retarded as Caligula himself.

By the way, for the people who don't know it yet: the Cannes version which is 210 minutes long does not exist.