Caligula is an example of a film that was trying to go in too many different directions and ended up tearing itself apart. Anyone who looks at it on paper should realize that it does have some very strong points. The basic story was written by Gore Vidal. The cast is superb (Malcolm McDowell, Peter O'Toole, John Gielgud, and Helen Mirren, just to name a few). The scenery, sets, and costumes are excellent and may be as close to authentic as one will find. However, this film fails because it had too many clashing personalities working on it behind the scenes. Gore Vidal left because he didn't like the way Tinto Brass (director) was going with the script. Brass left because he was not allowed to edit the film. O'Toole and Gielgud were unaware that hardcore sex was going to be in the film (otherwise they wouldn't have done it) and McDowell has since commented on what a mess it is. It seems that producer Bob Guccione was more concerned with filming hardcore sex scenes to show the debauchery of ancient Rome than with making an accurate or entertaining film.
The plot is basically that of the life of Emperor Gaius Julius Caeser Augustus Germanicus (Caligula was his nickname). It starts at the end of the reign of Tiberius, who ended up giving Caligula half of his estate to be shared with Tiberius' grandson Gemellus. Caligula either goes power mad, or actually insane, history isn't quite sure which, and begins behaving in very bizarre ways. Caligula slept with his sister Drusilla, married a prostitute, had numerous senators executed for questionable reasons, declared himself a god, and had his army pick up sea shells as spoils of war.
Most of Caligula's "legacy" is conveyed in the film, but the film itself seems to be more of an excuse to make a high class porn film than an actual study into the life of the emperor. In addition, the film makers made some large historical errors.
First, they have everyone calling him Caligula. Caligula hated his nickname and was not afraid to get rid of anyone who he didn't like, so anyone calling him this to his face probably would have been executed.
Second, they have some kind of large machine that looks like a house but moves slowly to decapitate its victims. There's no evidence anywhere in history that such a machine was developed in ancient Rome.
Third, Praetorain Cassius Chaerea did strike the first blow in the assassination of Caligula. However, it was not done in the palace but rather a tunnel leading from the stadium where he was watching gladiatorial games. Chaerea also had several accomplices who were of the senatorial class, and the assassins fled shortly there after because Caligula's guards were going to either kill or arrest them for the slaying. Similarly, Chaerea took no part in the crowning of Claudius as emperor, Chaerea wanted to kill him.
These are just a few errors, I'm sure I could find more if I sat down and watched the film again. I really have no urge to because it is a mess. This film could have been great, but it ended up being extremely disappointing.
If you want to learn about the early Roman emperors watch "I, Claudius." If you want to see hardcore sex, rent a porn.
The plot is basically that of the life of Emperor Gaius Julius Caeser Augustus Germanicus (Caligula was his nickname). It starts at the end of the reign of Tiberius, who ended up giving Caligula half of his estate to be shared with Tiberius' grandson Gemellus. Caligula either goes power mad, or actually insane, history isn't quite sure which, and begins behaving in very bizarre ways. Caligula slept with his sister Drusilla, married a prostitute, had numerous senators executed for questionable reasons, declared himself a god, and had his army pick up sea shells as spoils of war.
Most of Caligula's "legacy" is conveyed in the film, but the film itself seems to be more of an excuse to make a high class porn film than an actual study into the life of the emperor. In addition, the film makers made some large historical errors.
First, they have everyone calling him Caligula. Caligula hated his nickname and was not afraid to get rid of anyone who he didn't like, so anyone calling him this to his face probably would have been executed.
Second, they have some kind of large machine that looks like a house but moves slowly to decapitate its victims. There's no evidence anywhere in history that such a machine was developed in ancient Rome.
Third, Praetorain Cassius Chaerea did strike the first blow in the assassination of Caligula. However, it was not done in the palace but rather a tunnel leading from the stadium where he was watching gladiatorial games. Chaerea also had several accomplices who were of the senatorial class, and the assassins fled shortly there after because Caligula's guards were going to either kill or arrest them for the slaying. Similarly, Chaerea took no part in the crowning of Claudius as emperor, Chaerea wanted to kill him.
These are just a few errors, I'm sure I could find more if I sat down and watched the film again. I really have no urge to because it is a mess. This film could have been great, but it ended up being extremely disappointing.
If you want to learn about the early Roman emperors watch "I, Claudius." If you want to see hardcore sex, rent a porn.