As iconic as Gladiator! After 44 years, this decadent film is still being talked about a lot

“Caligula reinventing itself”, – said in the press release. A shocking phrase accompanying the presentation in the Classics section of the 76th Cannes Film Festival. “Final Cut” From Tinto Brass’ Sulfur Peplum, released in French cinemas in 1980 and again on June 19th.

For once, the expression is completely justified, because the feature film did not accumulate only 21 minutes in the process. It has also lost its under-18 ban as the new assembly is in place “only” Prohibited under 16 years.

And producer Thomas Negovan is more auteur than Tinto Brass, who, as in 1980, directs the main shots. Since none of his footage was used in this film, which, even more than the Snyder Cut of Justice League, can be considered a completely different feature film.

A chance to give a second chance to this film, best remembered for its chaotic filming. Artistic differences (between the Tinto brass, screenwriter Gore Vidal, and producer Bob Guccione) or even delays that cost the production dearly. and the resulting scandal, violent and decadent.

Four decades later, Caligula has undeniably lost its sultry side (even connoisseurs who missed it at Cannes or the L’Étrange festival will be able to judge on the evidence from June 19) and it tells the same story.

Long restoration works

Or the way in which Caligula (Malcolm McDowell), after killing Emperor Tiberius (Peter O’Toole), his adopted grandfather, seizes power and descends the Roman Empire into madness through acts of violence, passion and humiliation.

The result of extensive restoration work carried out from the original camera negatives and original audio, Caligula – The Ultimate Cut is said to focus more on the actors (including Helen Mirren) to better sublimate them and allow for new ones. Approaching Emperor Madness.

Therefore, the most impatient can mark the date of June 19 in their diary. And start waiting.