Sublimely ridiculous thesp-filled porno-togarama.
Caligula (1979)
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work ![]()
Reviews Counted:28
Fresh:7
Rotten:21
Average Rating:3.1/10
Runtime: 2 hrs 36 mins
Genre: Dramas
Synopsis: A reputedly faithful cinematic depiction of the historical events of Caligula's Rome, including the decadence and debauchery that marked his reign. This notorious release has faced rather... A reputedly faithful cinematic depiction of the historical events of Caligula's Rome, including the decadence and debauchery that marked his reign. This notorious release has faced rather hysterical hostility from would-be censors. Financed by Penthouse Magazine magnate Bob Guccione, who was accused of inserting hardcore sex scenes after completing photography with the impressive and esteemed cast of British actors. Contains graphic sex and violence. The R-rated version is shorter by 53 minutes! [More]
Starring: Malcolm McDowell, John Gielgud, Peter O'Toole, Helen Mirren
Starring: Malcolm McDowell, John Gielgud, Peter O'Toole, Helen Mirren
Director: Tinto Brass
Director: Tinto Brass
Reviews for Caligula
Simply a curiosity, a laughable relic of a failed effort to bring explicit sex movies to the masses.
Caligula is sickening, utterly worthless, shameful trash. If it is not the worst film I have ever seen, that makes it all the more shameful: People with talent allowed themselves to participate in this travesty.
Direção de arte e figurinos corretos; atuações intensas e uma direção corajosa. Pena que o roteiro pouco coeso comprometa estes esforços.
Plainly sick and grotesque, existing only to shock or nauseate an audience with hideous images, stale performances, lifeless photography, and painfully vile actions.
Not so much the culmination of '70s porn-chic cinema as its purposefully degraded last hurrah
...the film is without any redeeming social value. It's bad history, bad filmmaking, and bad pornography, too.
Excess for excess sake, or just bad taste: Caligula is a messy, bloody film that fails on any level, even as porn and camp.
Despite the movie, the highlight of this three-disc set is the often hilarious commentary.
I suppose certain college fraternities could make screening it part of their hazing rituals.
More infamous for its widespread ineptitude than for its artistic innovation... [Blu-ray]
Caligula turns the Julian dynasty's most violent chapter into a sleazy snoozefest. Even the Penthouse Pets look pained to be decorating this historic bomb.
If you're a fan of schlock cinema, Caligula should definitely be near the top of your 'must rent' list…it's so bad, it's good.
More DVDs
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 14% 14% | The Ugly Truth |
| 98% 98% | Up |
| 36% 36% | G.I. Joe: The Rise of … |
| 52% 52% | The Taking of Pelham 1… |
| 45% 45% | Ice Age: Dawn of the D… |
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 36% 36% | Angels & Demons |
| 68% 68% | Funny People |
| 25% 25% | Four Christmases |
| 45% 45% | Shorts |
What’s Hot On RT
Other News
Sponsored Links
Around The Network
- Caligula at Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh Links
Featured

Subscribe to RT's YouTube channel and don't miss a second of our cracking video content.

Follow Rotten Tomatoes and join us as we tweet about the week's releases.



Top Critic

