Malcolm McDowell offers a manic and bold performance in this otherwise messy and bloated historical drama-porno blend. Caligula follows the titular young emperor of Rome as he ascends the throne of the Republic. His Rome is one bathed in hedonism and wealth, and under his unfettered power he further degenerates it into one of debauchery.
The backdrop to the film is probably more interesting than the viewing experience. It’s a complicated melting pot of creative direction, including that of 70s American porn powerhouse Penthouse. The result is hardcore real sex scenes in a film that would probably otherwise be quite trite. The film has that sleazy 70s look about it, the nausea-inducing feeling of old film. It also has some spectacular sets and imagery; this is the age when audiences wanted big happenings on the big screen. The highlight is an enormous wall of death that decapitates condemned people’s heads with lawnmower-esque blades.
Helen Mirren is another light amongst the squalor, her sultry performance reportedly being brought in to the production from a recommendation by McDowell.
In all, a mess that has some gold in the rough.
1979
5.0
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