By this time, anyone with even a remote interest in film has either seen or heard about the controversial 1980 film Caligula, produced by Penthouse Magazine publisher Bob Guccione. Vestron Video has released two versions – the complete uncut 143 minute epic and a 105 minute R-rated cassette. The uncut version is reviewed here.

Surprisingly, Caligula translates well onto the small screen, dulling the overall effect of the depravity depicted and making the ultra-violent world of the emperor Caligula, as played by Malcolm McDowell, more palatable. It's a rough ride for the uninitiated, as this graphic film depicts sexual excess, decapitation, mutilation, rape, urination, lots of murder, torture and slow death, slow motion vomiting, betrayal, deceit, castration (with the remains being fed to the dogs), whipping necrophilia, an actual birth, human freaks and more.

Sexually, a few of the hardcore scenes are extremely erotic; most notably a tender lesbian encounter and a decadent orgy at Caligula's imperial brother. The women in this kingdom are extremely attractive, even if most of them have been tortured or raped. And the film looks beautiful too, thanks to art director Danilo Donati, who captures the look of Pagan Rome as one might imagine it to be.

Finally, Malcolm McDowell turns in a rousing performance, one benignly ignored by critics when the movie first appeared. However, classic British actors Peter O'Toole (portraying Tiberius) and John Gielgud as Nerva, overact badly.

Caligula, in its hardcore version, is not for the squeamish. The erotic scenes are offset by some of the most violent acts ever captured on film. This landmark movie, nonetheless, should be seen at least once.

(Note: this version has no MPAA rating. Does this mean that the names peter O'Toole and Malcolm McDowell prevent a film with oral sex, come shots and a penetration from garneting an X-rating? Take my word for it; it's hardcore.)