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About The daily Nebraskan. ([Lincoln, Neb.) 1901-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 18, 1982)
Thursday, February 18, 1982 Daily Nebraskan Page 13 Perspective lacking in 'Caligula' By Danny O'Kane The controversial Bob Guccione and Penthouse Films International production of Caligula has been quietly playing at Lincoln's State Theater for some time now. Based on a screenplay by Gore Vidal, with a budget of more than $20 million, Caligula has been billed as one of the greatest erotic productions ever. However, the film showing at the State is an R-rated version with nearly a third of the original footage cut. Caligula attempts to exploit the excessive decadence which surrounds the first century A.D. of Roman history. Caligula Ceasar (A.D. 3741) is remembered as one of the most diabolical and lascivious of all Roman emperors. Though most of what we know of him personally is here- jQ Movie Review say, there is no question that his reign was quite disruptive to the republic. Malcolm McDowell portrays the young Caligula, nick named "Little Boots," who is obsessed with the potential of unlimited power. Indeed, he can control the lives of all men in the civilized world. The problem is that he's completely unfit to rule. Once in power he is over whelmed by suspicion of those close to him. Alienating himself from the powerful senate, he maintains an incestu ous relationship with his sister and creates a state brothel, using the senators' wives for prostitutes. At one point he pulls off a fake conquest of Britain, never having left the country. Historically, Caligula was thought to have toed that fine line of madness. McDowell is perfect for the part. There is a desperate pathos present in his eyes, that binds this film together, and brings back vivid memories of A Clockwork Orange. There are few actors who can portray insanity like McDowell. Peter O'Toole makes a brief appearance as Caligula's old and diseased grandfather Tiberius Caesar. In his late seventies, he is faced with the problem of succession, and summons Caligula to his palace, where he has been living KlilillWtiMM : 13 ,v PPH 475 5:25 - 7:35 - 9:45 Ttn 3 0W1 or THE LOST ARK 71 A rtMOUN! HCIUtl m 5:15-7:30-9:45 ten Riveting... Enthralling... CHARIOTS or FIRE O ED 5:15-7:15-9:15 JACK NICHOLSON J"gp.v He rouno o line- within himself THE BORDER f?KQ tCTuf?f 31 American Film Classics Presents: "The Grapes of Wrath" starring Henry Fonda February 18 7.00 and 9: 15 p.m. at the Sheldon Film Theater Admission: $2.50 wUNL I.D. $3.00 General use f ' 'tar7 J BASH Help start your future and B-Week off right (March 7th) Student Union main campus at 5:00 pm dinner, refreshments, music by Ripcords Band. How about a little TEEZ they're back live for 2 nights only at Johnny's Lounge Friday & Sat Feb. 19 & 20 Ladies drink FREE 6:00 - 8:30 Rock & Roll & Top 40 2604 Park Blvd. (on the road to Pioneers Park) Sponsored by Lincoln Jaycees amid scandalous rumors for the past 10 years. This is by far the most powerful scene in the Film. Caligula is hungry to take the throne, yet Tiberius is reluctant to give it up, especially to this young monster. John Gielgud plays the part of Tiberius' chief adviser, Nerva. This is the only scene in the movie in which there are believable characters in a tangible conflict. Nerva represents the last bit of reason in the palace, but he can not tolerate the decay of the government, and kills him self. This leaves Tiberius as easy target, and Caligula has him killed. The bloody transfer of power, which is so much a part of Roman history, is complete. When one man becomes vulnerable, he is struck down by the next in line. The problem with this Film is that there is very little other interaction between characters. The dialogue is sparse and trite. One is constantly waiting to get inside the mind of Caligula, but it never happens. The film por trays the malignancy that existed in the Roman court, but fails to put it into perspective. McDowell's crazed looks cannot carry this film alone. In the end it becomes a spectacle of violence, amid unexplicit carnival-like sex. It's hard to say what has been cut from the film, but at times the editing is forced and jumpy. There are a couple of large orgy scenes which are just blurs in this version. The sets are elaborate, though, and there are hundreds of extras which gives the Film a nice visual effect. If you are a Malcolm McDowell fan this film is worth seeing. If you are an erotic film fan, then you might well be in for a disappointment. MERM'S 10 DISCOUNT ON WARM COORS 6 pack $2.38 1 2 pack S4.45 1644 P St. 474-6592 r T Actors from the Royal Shakespeare Company In Residence at UNL Public Performances UNDER MILK WOOD, A Play for Voices by Dylan Thomas Thursday, February 18 at 8pm Kimball Hall $5.00 Regular Admission $2.50 UNL Student A dramatic reading written by one of the "greatest lyric poets of the younger generation" telling of one day in the life of a small Welsh coast town. SHAKESPEARE LADY: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF FANNY KEMBLE Friday, February 19 at 8pmSheldon Gallery Aud. $5.00 Regular Admission $2.50 UNL Student A fully-costumed event based on the letters, diaries, and many of the leading Shakespearean roles played by one of the best known and most remarkable Shakespearean actresses of the 19th century. LOVE, LOVE, NOTHING BUT LOVE Saturday, February 20 at 8pmKimball Hall $7.00 Regular Admission; $3.50 UNL Student An evening of scenes focusing on the theme of love from some of Shakespeare's best known plays. Included in the program will be portions of AS YOU LIKE IT, a play in which all the actors have played major roles in various productions. Tickets on sale to UNL Students only Feb. 1-5. On Sale to all others beginning Feb. 8. Boi Office (11-5, Mon-Fri) 113 Music Bldg. 11th & R 472-3375 BOB University of Nebraska Lincoln Donate Blood American Red Cross I "wm I ISN'T FOR EVERYONE . . . ...BUT IT JUST MIGHT BE THE BEST HAIRCUT IN THE WORLD FOR YOU! WAVE POWER is the personal approach to cutting that uncovers your hair's own hidden potential. Releases inner waves and built-in body Brings out more beau tiful bounce, motion and manageability than you ever dreamed your hair could have. WAVE POWER is a cutting tec hnique that maximizes the hair's own natural tenden cies. This creates easy-to-care-for styles that work well on most any type of hair. WAVE POWER puts your hair to work for you. Let's you find a sensational style all your own! 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