Caligula: The Ultimate Cut is deservedly being treated as an event.  This restoration of the provocative 1980 swords-and-sandals historical drama is currently being screened in 4K Ultra High Definition at select theatres as part of an exclusive roadshow.  The movie is the epitome of a re-imagining;  a perfected cut that scraps all of the footage from the box office hit in exchange for a shot list of different angles and takes, as well as using elements of AI and animation to reconstruct any gaps in the either the storytelling or the original recording.

Tinto Brass’ “original” version was a mess.  Starring an ensemble of classically trained actors including Malcolm McDowell, Peter O’Toole and Helen Mirren, the movie was railroaded by film financier (and Penthouse Magazine founder) Bob Guccione to include graphic nudity and hardcore sex in an attempt to soup-up the eroticism.  This representation could have been historically accurate with the right intentions but, instead, these inappropriate smash-cuts (no pun intended) were only presented to tantalize.  The cheaper qualities of the film created a shockingly bad contrast with the cast who were trying to be professionals.  1980’s Caligula, which led to public controversies and production fall outs, is akin to watching a version of Shakespeare in the park…if the park was a greasy strip club.

Through, what I imagine would be, a painstakingly innovative restoration team, film historian Thomas Negovan recognized Caligula’s strengths and shows an understanding of what was weighing it down.  With Negovan’s Ultimate Cut, the film is re-prioritized yet doesn’t lose any length.  By completely removing unsimulated sex and obscuring most of the nudity, the film still maintains its edge and stays loyal to its lavish and brazenly impudent period.  However, what’s almost more impressive is the retooling of Caligula’s performances.  With shortened takes and alternative line readings, Negrovan and editor Aaron Shaps have given the actors the directorial support that was previously lost in the shuffle.

The one question that looms over Caligula: The Ultimate Cut is how many will notice they’re experiencing a miracle.  As someone who was curious in the making of Caligula but never watched the film itself, I arranged a ludicrous personal double-feature of the 1980 cut followed by The Ultimate Cut (with a brief intermission between the two movies).  Because of this pattern, the differences were absolutely apparent and a remarkable improvement in presentation, storytelling, and filmmaking.  While I think this is the best way to experience Caligula: The Ultimate Cut, I understand few will endure this double-feature.  However, as a standalone movie and a slice of film history, I still believe there are enough special components in Caligula: The Ultimate Cut for audiences to be wowed by.

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Addison Wylie: @AddisonWylie