Drafthouse Films acquired Caligula: the final cutthat is, the director’s 4K Ultra HD reconstruction Tinted Brass’ controversial film from 1980 and have released the trailer.
This film presentation had its world premiere at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival and features never-before-seen footage, alternate shots and camera angles.
The historical drama explores the life of the infamous Roman emperor Caligula, played by Malcolm McDowell. The film follows Caligula’s rise to power, marked by his initial popularity and subsequent descent into madness and tyranny.
The story is framed by his complex relationships with his faithful wife Caesonia, his beloved sister Drusilla and his power-hungry predecessor Tiberius, played by Helen Mirren, Teresa Anna SavoiaAND Peter O’Toole.
The film captures the grandeur and decadence of ancient Rome, highlighting the emperor’s unpredictable and often cruel behavior.
The film comes from the writer Gore Vidal and producer Bob Guccionethe founder of Penthouse and financier of the film, who took control of the negative aspects and made major changes to the film, including the addition of graphic scenes of unsimulated sex and gratuitous violence.
Caligula is infamous for its explicit content and controversial production. The film’s depiction of sexual debauchery, violence, and lavish excess was intended to illustrate the corrupt and hedonistic nature of Caligula’s reign.
Despite its ambitious scope and high-profile cast, Caligula faced significant backlash from critics and audiences, divided over its artistic merit and graphic content. The film’s explicit scenes were particularly controversial and led to various cuts and censorship in several countries.
The cast and film crew disavowed the cut and Vidal even removed his name from the project.
McDowell spoke about his work on the film and this new Ultimate Cut, saying: “Caligula It’s certainly among the most challenging and challenging roles I’ve ever played, so it was a great surprise to learn and then see that the work would finally be rewarded in a complete reconstruction that honors the serious intentions of the talent in front of and behind the screen.
“I never thought that my full performance would ever be seen or that Helen Mirren’s moving and commanding Caesonia would finally be brought to light. It is an unprecedented odyssey.”
Caligula: the final cut includes the addition of a prologue illustrating one of Vidal’s missing scenes, created by the graphic artist Dave McKeanand there’s a new, immersive score from the composer Troy Sterling No.
Drafthouse will release the film theatrically – with an NR (Not Rated) rating – across North America in August 2024, followed by a streaming and 4K UHD Blu-ray release. UHD Blu-ray will feature new interviews with star Malcolm McDowell and the film’s reconstructionist, art historian Thomas Negovan.
Nick Savva, CEO of Drafthouse Films, said in a statement: “Caligula is a unique piece of cinematic history and I am honored to be part of its journey back to the big screen.
“Audiences should buckle up and prepare for an epic three-hour show like no other. They really don’t make them like that anymore.
Check out the trailer below and let us know what you think!
by Joey Paur
Source: Geek Tyrant
Lloyd Grunewald is an author at “The Fashion Vibes”. He is a talented writer who focuses on bringing the latest entertainment-related news to his readers. With a deep understanding of the entertainment industry and a passion for writing, Lloyd delivers engaging articles that keep his readers informed and entertained.
