The Complicated History of Caligula: The Ultimate Cut

In a surprising turn of events, Drafthouse Films has acquired Caligula: The Ultimate Cut, a 4K Ultra HD reconstruction of the infamous Tinto Brass movie. This new version of the film made its debut at the Cannes Film Festival in 2023, showcasing never-before-seen footage, alternate takes, and camera angles. The decision to release the film theatrically across North America in August 2024, with an NR (Not Rated) rating, has sparked both excitement and controversy in the film industry.

Originally released in 1980, Caligula was considered one of the most expensive independent films of its time. However, the movie faced numerous challenges throughout its production. Written by Gore Vidal and featuring a star-studded cast including Malcolm McDowell, Dame Helen Mirren, Peter O’Toole, and Sir John Gielgud, Caligula fell victim to the whims of Penthouse founder Bob Guccione, who took control of the project and introduced explicit scenes of unsimulated sex and violence.

The controversial changes made to the film led to a backlash from both the cast and crew, with Vidal himself distancing himself from the final product. Despite its tumultuous journey to the big screen, Caligula managed to garner a cult following due to the extensive coverage of its behind-the-scenes drama. The story itself revolves around the rise and reign of Caligula, a notorious leader of ancient Rome.

The Ultimate Cut of Caligula seeks to rectify some of the issues from the original release, including the addition of a prologue that had been missing from Vidal’s original vision. While actor Malcolm McDowell praised the reconstruction, director Tinto Brass distanced himself from the project, highlighting the ongoing controversy surrounding the film. The new version also features a fresh score by composer Troy Sterling Nies, adding another layer to the viewing experience.

The North American distribution deal for Caligula: The Ultimate Cut was negotiated by Nick Savva, CEO of Drafthouse Films, with Josh Braun and Dan Braun of Submarine representing the filmmakers. Savva expressed his excitement about the film’s return to the big screen, urging audiences to brace themselves for a three-hour epic extravaganza like no other. As the release date approaches, expectations are high for the impact that Caligula: The Ultimate Cut will have on both new viewers and dedicated fans of the original film.

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