Well, this might be controversial, but I’d suggest that the infamous Caligula (1979) is worth seeing. The film has had a long troubled history and exists in various versions. The longest version available is worth seeing, although it does have some X rated material added in after the real cast had moved onto the next scene.
And it’s the cast that make the film worth watching, Peter O’Toole, John Gielgud, Helen Mirren (wow) and Malcolm McDowell who’s in his pomp as the mad and murderous emperor. People who know a lot more than me say that the film is historically accurate, and there’s some stunning set pieces (wait for the head chopping machine).
At times the film is difficult to watch but the opulent art direction and the hysterical atmosphere make it a unique movie going experience. Of course it was directed by arty porn guy Tinto Brass, and produced by some shady guys who took the film from Tinto and made it X rated. The writer of the film is the great Gore Vidal it would be interesting to hear what he thought of the finished product.
It’s worth watching for the pure insanity of so many talented people…
The trailer is below…
Matthew Cooper has been a script writer for hire for over 20 years. He’s written for most of the UK soaps, including writing award winning episodes of Emmerdale, Eastenders, Hollyoaks and Family Affairs. Matthew was winner of the first ever Lloyds Bank Channel Four Film Challenge, the Oscar Moore Screenplay Prize and has been BAFTA shortlisted and Royal Television Society nominated as a script writer. You can find some of his broadcast credits on the IMDb. You can get in touch with Matthew on matcoop23@yahoo.co.uk