Caligula (2007)

Image credit: Photofest

WHEN IN ROME... The sex-filled soldier-and-slave epic Caligula (featuring stars such as Malcolm McDowell and Helen Mirren, pictured) bares all on a new three-disc set

The most shocking thing about this Caligula isn't the graphic orgies, the severed heads, or Sir John Gielgud in a toga. It's the commentary, where such actors as Malcolm McDowell admit how much they despised the man who financed the film. Penthouse publisher Bob Guccione's wickedly controversial concept was to merge Hollywood production values — promising actors (like Helen Mirren), million-dollar sets, fancy screenwriter Gore Vidal — with hardcore X-rated porn. He clearly didn't make many friends shooting the story of Rome's most sinister emperor. McDowell recalls what he told the producer: ''Bob, you really should have played this part.... You're Caligula.''