Gore Vidal’s Caligula

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You know, Gore Vidal has a special place in my heart, not just for his writing but for his outspokenness on many topics. Also — and I know this is shocking — a dear (male) friend of mine had sex with him once, just because he was Gore Vidal. Whoah.

Anyway, the wine is talking for me (Shiraz, Spain, 2003). The reason I’m waxing about Vidal is because thanks to Sean Bonner, I just watched the fake trailer for Gore Vidal’s Caligula and it’s really entertaining. I wish this film had been made.

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When the first Caligula movie was made in 1979 starring Malcolm McDowell, Teresa Ann Savoy, Helen Mirren, and Peter O’Toole, the primary scenes were shot and then hardcore sex scenes were shot and added unbeknownst to the big-name actors. It was originally written by Vidal, but Tinto Brass (who made many amazing hardcore sex films) and O’Toole rewrote it, and producer Bob Guccione (Penthouse) wanted more sex. Many of the hardcore sex scenes star Penthouse Pets (and are quite hot, one being a lesbian scene between two female Pets who were real-life lovers). Needless to say, there were lots of lawsuits.

Apparently there was an elaborate fake trailer made for a “remake”, making me wish that these sensibilities would be turned into a real fim. Even watching the outrageous sex and all-orientation debauchery in the non-trailer makes looking at the cast list an endeavor in disbelief: Helen Mirren (so hot), Karen Black, Mila Jovovitch, Benicio Del Toro, Barbara Bouchet, Adrianna Asti… and costumes are by Donatella Versace. (Mila has the fashion dish on it here.)

Watch the video embed after the jump. I still hate YouTube. And warning: only watch up until the end credits — the “bonus” monologue is Courtney Love trying to “act” her way out of a dime bag.

Reader comment: Thomas Roche says, “I would totally have sex with Gore Vidal just because he is Gore Vidal. Who wouldn’t?”


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