Malcolm McDowell was initially hesitant when he heard about a new cut of the controversial film Caligula being worked on. The film, which was originally directed by Tinto Brass and financed by Bob Guccione of Penthouse magazine, had a tumultuous production history. McDowell, along with other cast members like Helen Mirren, had reservations about the film even before it was made.
After the film wrapped, Guccione inserted pornographic scenes into the final version without the actors’ knowledge, leading to a film that was widely criticized as exploitative and pornographic. McDowell described it as a terrible film and advised people not to watch it. Despite the negative reception, the film garnered attention for its lavish sets, costumes, and production design by Danilo Donati.
Recently, a new cut of Caligula titled Caligula: The Ultimate Cut has been created by Thomas Negovan, who discovered original unused footage in a storage facility. This new version is closer to the original vision of the film’s creators, Gore Vidal and Tinto Brass. The Ultimate Cut runs almost three hours and removes the explicit pornographic elements, focusing more on the historical accuracy and storytelling.
Malcolm McDowell, who played the title role in Caligula, was initially hesitant to watch the new cut but was pleasantly surprised by the changes. The expanded role of Helen Mirren’s character and the inclusion of previously unseen footage have given new life to the film. McDowell’s portrayal of Caligula as an anarchist aiming to destroy the Roman Empire from within is highlighted in this new version.
Despite the controversial nature of the film, McDowell is proud that a lost performance of his from half a century ago has been resurrected in this new cut. He expressed sadness that Tinto Brass, who is now suffering from dementia, may never fully appreciate the restoration of his original vision for the film. The new cut of Caligula has given a fresh perspective on a film that was once considered a cinematic disaster.
Now, Caligula: The Ultimate Cut is set to be released in cinemas, allowing audiences to see the film in a new light. The film’s legacy as a lost masterpiece has been reevaluated, and Malcolm McDowell hopes that viewers will appreciate the film’s historical context and artistic intentions. After nearly 50 years, Caligula has been given a second chance to be viewed and understood in a different way.