Podtalk: Thomas Negovan on Reconstruction of ‘Caligula,’ at Music Box Theatre Sept. 29-30, 2024

Submitted by PatrickMcD on September 28, 2024 - 11:03am

CHICAGO – One of the most notorious films in cinema history is undoubtably “Caligula” (1980). This very expensive independent film about a Roman emperor had a checkered history – from its principle photography beginning in 1976 to its release date – and featured big stars like Malcolm McDowell, Helen Mirren, Peter O’Toole and John Gielgud. When a “reconstruction” was in order, the writer, art historian and Chicago native Thomas Negovan was hired to create “The Ultimate Cut.” Negovan will appear at two screenings on September 29th and 30th at Chicago’s historic Music Box Theatre. For tickets and more information, click CALIGULA.

“Caligula” was one of those “utmost” 1970s-era film projects, financed by the infamous owner of the nudie publication Penthouse Magazine, Bob Guccione, and was directed by auteur Tinto Brass, written by prominent author Gore Vidal and starred Malcolm McDowell at his acting peak. When the cost overruns went out of control, Guccione seized the film from Brass and the production crew and inserted pornography scenes into the final cut. The result was an iconic failure, a film that made box office but obliterated any sense of the original vision.

’Caligula: The Ultimate Cut,’ Reconstruction by Thomas Nagovan
Photo credit: Drafthouse Films

Thomas Negovan researched the shooting script/production notes, gathered all the available footage, took advantage of current digital tools (including A.I.) and used his own expertise to create an ultimate cut of the film that more closely represents the original intent of this one-of-a-kind Roman fairy tale, with its unforgettable movie star performances. The native Chicagoan is also a notable art historian, writer and musician.

In a Podtalk with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, Thomas Negovan talks about the restoration of “Caligula” …

In a Video clip, Thomas makes the pitch …

Trailer, ‘Caligula: The Ultimate Cut’ …

“Caligula: The Ultimate Cut” will screen Sunday, September 29th and Monday, September 30th at Chicago’s Music Box Theatre. For more information on the Music Box, click MusicBoxTheatre.com.