Helen Mirren is now known as one of the most respected and talented actors of her generation. Today, fans see her in the popular Yellowstone prequel 1923, where she plays Cara Dutton opposite Harrison Ford. But did you know that earlier in her career, she acted in one of the most controversial films ever made?
Yes, long before becoming a Dame and an Oscar-winning actress, Helen Mirren appeared in a film that shocked audiences and critics alike — the 1979 movie Caligula.
What Was Caligula, and Why Was It So Controversial?
In Caligula, Mirren played Caesonia, the wife of the Roman emperor Caligula. At the time, she was already known in the theatre world, especially for her work in Shakespearean plays. She, along with other highly respected actors like Malcolm McDowell, Peter O’Toole, and John Gielgud, signed up for what they thought would be a dramatic historical film.
The original idea, written by Gore Vidal and directed by Tinto Brass, was to tell the story of the rise and fall of Emperor Caligula in ancient Rome. While the script included some erotic scenes to reflect the time period, the cast expected it to be a serious film.
However, things changed drastically when Penthouse magazine founder Bob Guccione got involved with the film’s funding. After filming, Guccione replaced the director and secretly added graphic adult scenes using pornographic actors. These explicit additions led to the film being rated X and created a huge scandal upon its release.
How Was Caligula Received?
When Caligula was released, it was banned in many countries and widely criticised. Reviews were extremely negative. Famous film critic Roger Ebert gave the film zero stars, calling it “sickening, shameful trash.”
He even walked out of the movie before it ended, something he rarely did. Ebert felt the film not only failed as a serious piece of cinema, but also tried to attract audiences in a disrespectful and vulgar way.
Despite the bad reviews, the movie still earned between $10 million and $23 million at the box office, mostly because of curiosity and controversy.
Did This Hurt Helen Mirren’s Career?
Surprisingly, no. Helen Mirren’s career didn’t suffer at all. In fact, she continued to grow as an actress. She went on to star in many acclaimed movies like Excalibur, White Nights, The Madness of King George, and The Queen — the last of which earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress in 2006.
In addition to her Oscar, she has won several other major awards including Emmys, Golden Globes, SAG Awards, and even a Tony for her work on stage. She was also honoured as a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2003 for her contributions to drama.
Now a Star in 1923
Helen Mirren now stars in 1923, a prequel series in the Yellowstone universe. She plays the strong and determined Cara Dutton alongside Harrison Ford. The show has gained massive popularity, and the Season 2 finale is scheduled to stream on Sunday, April 6, on Paramount+.