Mark Kermode reviews Caligula: The Ultimate Cut - Kermode and Mayo's Take

#MarkKermode #SimonMayo #FilmReviews

Follows Caligula as he kills his devious adoptive grandfather and takes control of the decadent Roman Empire, spiralling into depravity, devastation, and madness.

[thomasnegovanonline]

Mark, thank you so much. The reason we didn’t use the bit with Caligula whispering to Nerva and then drowning him is that it was important that he not be a murderer until he gets the ring. The scene, now, ends with Caligula looking small and alone in a vast chamber- it’s a decision devoted to the larger, cohesive narrative over exciting bits. Every moment, now, is there for a specific reason that pointedly furthers our understanding of the characters. Thank you again! 🙏🏻

[CakeFarts]

I always imagined that Caligula was a continuation of A Clockwork Orange where Alex DeLarge is imaging himself as Caligula while reading in the prison library.

[wajidhussain]

Caligula makes Game of Thrones look like The Muppets Show 😂

[michaelseibold]

John Hurt did the definitive version of Caligula in the wonderful production of I Claudius based on Robert Graves the books I Claudius and Claudius the God with a young Derek Jacobi in the lead. Still a marvelous teleplay.

[MercyMercyM]

Not sure of the veracity of this comment but after the initial release Peter O’Toole said, “I heard I’m in a dirty movie. Am I any good?”

[erikthewriter]

I love the insanity of the long version of Caligula and always thought the sex added to the sickness and madness. I always thought that without those elements the movie fell flat. I haven't seen the Ultimate cut yet though.

[MrTaitors]

If there is one review that demonstrates why Mr K is such a great critic and an even lovelier human being it is this one. And how Mr M just lets him talk. Love you both ❤❤

[dunderhay]

I never thought anyone would persuade me to watch Caligula again, but you've almost done it Mark 😮

[darrendm]

Before this the on;y thing I knew about Caligula was an old joke about John Gielgud saying "There was no reference to sex and violence in the original paycheck"!

[davidharmer]

This film is saved by the sheer top quality cast as in Malcolm McDowell fresh from Alex in Clockwork Orange. He is just very watchable.

[sj]

Having seen the previous cuts, the film leaves a residue on the viewer that sticks, despite its misfires, like all great films. An operatic SALO

[JoeCasanovax]

Saw this at the BFI in January and the atmosphere was phenomenal. It's fabulous.

[DiamandaHagan]

Love all the cuts of Caligula I've seen, can't wait to see this one.

[Alexandra-Rex]

I never got to see any of the previous versions, but I want to watch this one.

[craigcharlesworth]

I've always been fascinated by the film ever since I saw it on C4 20 years ago. With an intro by one Mark Kermode if I recall. I saw Ken Russell's The Devils as part of the same season which stayed with me too.

[AndrogyneMichinaga]

Malcolm Mc Dowell was perfect as Caligula in this, as was John Hurt as Caligula in the TV series I Claudius.

[BrockSamson-ii]

i saw Caligula at age 15 on late night channel 4 back in the 90s .. eye opener lol

[simonm]

At around that time of the release, a Not the Nine O'clock News' item was:-
'Sir John Gielgud has been defending his appearance in the film 'Caligula' and claims there was no mention, whatsoever, of sex and brutality when he read the original pay check' !

[FilmFanaticCommentaryClips]

I plan on watching this film for the very first time this week. *Have a feeling I'm going to love it*

[ssgsorrels]

While incredibly admirable, I feel Kermode's "all movies are redeemable" beliefs would be tested in one afternoon with the RLM crew for a "best of the worst." Milwaukee can break any man.