Magnificent - I understand that when John Hurt finished this scene and "cut" was called, the entire cast applauded him. I am not a bit surprised - unsurpassable.
I watched the first episode in this series and i immediately fell in love with it. The whole thing is like a massive close up play. Instead of focusing on silly CGI and special effects like many other Greco-Roman films and series it focuses entirely on the characters, behaviours, costumes and small details. And to think the man who played Winston Smith could also play Caligula is a bit of an interesting paradox, or just a testament to his diverse acting ability
What I love about John Hurt's performance is how here Caligula really seems to think he's a rational, intelligent, (god) emperor who really believes he's doing Rome well. Others play him as too overtly crazy and purposefully over the top, but with Hurt you can just see his angry frustration in people not understanding his logical (in fact contradictory) orders or confusion at his "rewarding" campaign against Neptune.
John Hurt did something truly amazing with Caligula he made him funny and terrifying at the same time. Certain lines are funny but terrifying because he is absolutely serious about what he is saying.
John Hurt is genius here. i always hold my breath when you think the senators are going to get it but then Claudius calms him down. The tension is immense.
I concur. This is probably one of the greatest television series ever committed to broadcast. The HBO "Rome" production is fantastic as well - but the acting doesn't rise to this level.
When he finished the speech and they said "Cut, the extras gave him an ovation. The only other time I've heard of that happening was for Lindsay Crouse in 'The Verdict'.
Warm n fuzzy memories of watching this on PBS with my parents back in the day. I was probably about 7 years old and didn't know what the hell was going on, but I loved it for some reason. Years later when I grew my hair out and would jerk my head back to get it out of my eyes my dad would call me "Claudius."
The little mind game Claudius has played to Caligula remembered me how Sansa saved ser Dontos' life from Joffrey in A Song of Ice and fire. Probably Martin was influenced by this masterpiece!
Senator: But Jove you ordered no triumphs. Caligula: Well, of course, I ordered no triumphs! You'd think I'd order triumphs for myself? Senator: But you ordered us not to order any. Caligula: YeS, and you took me at my word, didn't you? Typical! It didn't occur to you that I might be leaving it up to you for your love to show itself freely? Didn't it occur to you that it might be my natural humility speaking? .... Show them our booty, show them the plunder we gathered from old Neptune!
Although my parents were avid veiwers of public television, this show didn't make it on our TV. And the reason is very simple: the snake slightering across the mosiac floor in the opening titles. My mother was deathly afraid snakes. Even a quick unintentional glance at a cartoon one chasing Deputy Dawg could send her shreiking out of the living room. I never got to watch I, Claudius until the 1990's when it was re-aired on public television. And by then I had already read the books.
John Hurt plays this role with real acting brilliance. IC was the best of a golden age of television drama; the sort of thing you just don't get anymore. It's proof that TV audiences don't have to be treated like children. Even the theme tune is outstanding.
What a great portrayal of a psychopath and a gaslighter. They are damned if they do and damned if they don't. If they organize celebrations, they are going against his word. If they don't, we can see the results in this video. As for battle of Actium... Its another double bind. Two of Caligula's grandfathers were at that battle on the opposing sides. One lost and the winner had his son married to the loser's daughter to stabilize the empire. So if they celebrate a victory (which is a normal thing to do) then they are dishonoring the loser grandfather. If they don't celebrate the victory, they are dishonoring the winner grandfather. Whatever they do, they are dishonoring Caligula's grandfather.
Decades later that he said in an interview that couldn’t imagine why he was chosen to play Caligula and gave a little laugh. It’s because each and every one of us has Caligula in us somewhere. The director must have known that Hurt’s Caligula - if he tapped into that rage - would be nothing short of epic.
I watched the whole series of this recently and loved it. Hurt is the highlight of the show and amazing to watch, really scary. The German and Praetorian guard backed him and in real life as well, fascinating
This is the rolled-gold standard portryal of a batshit-insane ruler. Apparently Jack Gleeson used Hurt's Caligula as the inspration for his portryal of Joffrey Baratheon.
@@PRubin-rh4sr My goodness. It is great to receive a reply to my comment all these years later. Thank you - and I couldn't agree with you more. I watch this wonderful series at least twice a year. The BBC are finally showing it again with their abysmal mainstream crap we have to put up with nowadays. It is so sad to see how the quality of writing coupled with all the woke nonsense has deteriorated. I Claudius is still as fresh and superb as ever and will remain so in posterity.
Ce actor John Hurt! Păcat că nu mai este printre noi!Nu orice actor este capabil să joace Caligula,este un rol greu!Doar câțiva actori au jucat bine în acest rol,Malcom Mac Dowel și John Hurt sunt doi dintre actorii care au jucat bine de tot Caligula!
If you read Philo "Embassy to Gaius" (Caligula) you see that his speaking manner here is quite accurate. Unlike many historian who borrowed from other historians and added anecdotes and rumors, Philo met Caligula in person.
Those Germanians probably have no idea what's going on. They're probably wishing they were back in their crappy huts. At least the people back there were sane!
They liked Caligula - they apparently expected rulers to be a bit nuts. When Praetorian Guard members killed Caligula his German bodyguards went on a rampage, killing a number of people they thought were involved.
John Hurt actually doubted Caligula was this utterly insane, because he would never have lasted a week as an emperor. Nonetheless he decided to play him as Robert Graves had portrayed him in his novels. The real Caligula was a bad emperor though, who spent the entire wealth Tiberius had collected in the treasury for many years, in just a single year. Most likely he was much too young and inexperienced to ever be a good ruler, and this was before the onset of his "illness".
@napolmorino ... I totally agree an amazing Caligula and 'Elephant Man' ... Not forgetting the 'orrible alien that burst from his stomach in the 1st Alien film with Sigorny Weaver and he also played Mr Ollivander 'The wand shop owner' In the Harry Potter films.. what a fabulous actor indeed...
Never mind the fall of the Roman Empire. The fact that great TV like this - which was once the norm - cannot be made any more is a sign of our own decaying civilisation.
"living no better than a prviate SOLE-DIIER!" John Hurt reminds us how that word should be pronounced! (instead of "sol-jer" like most of us nowadays tend to say)
He probably suffered brain damage as a result of an illness during the early period of his emperorship. Maybe he had always been a bit on the edge but after he "recovered" from his illness he was a different person and became more and more delusive.
When George W Bush and Tony Blair were about to invade Iraq it would have been great if their respective wives had dissuaded them by saying, "Must these fools spoil your glorious pages in history?" and then they said, "No, we won't bother invading."
This scene is almost 100% Shakespearean and John Hurt is clearly in his element (batshit insane, as said before- or should we say, "differently sane"). From 2:42- 3:20, the humour verges on the Pythonesque, or is at least extremely black.
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Magnificent - I understand that when John Hurt finished this scene and "cut" was called, the entire cast applauded him. I am not a bit surprised - unsurpassable.
Indeed.
I bet secretly they were terrified and held their collective breaths until he put that sword down.
No, this wasnt that speech. It was when he appointed Claudius consul.
John Hurts Caligula is fantastic. Actually this whole show was just epic.
Caligula:1
Neptune: 0
Eh, Neptune scored back when he sink Caligula's ships bound for Britannia.
On penalties
"Of course I ordered no triumph, do you think I would order triumph for MYSELF???" This was such a great production!
"YES! YOUR EMPEROR HAS RETURNED...BUT WITH THIS IN HIS HAND!"
Man, that sounds so powerful...
I watched the first episode in this series and i immediately fell in love with it. The whole thing is like a massive close up play. Instead of focusing on silly CGI and special effects like many other Greco-Roman films and series it focuses entirely on the characters, behaviours, costumes and small details. And to think the man who played Winston Smith could also play Caligula is a bit of an interesting paradox, or just a testament to his diverse acting ability
Best Caligula ever, John Hurt was brilliant in this role, just perfect for Caligula.
What I love about John Hurt's performance is how here Caligula really seems to think he's a rational, intelligent, (god) emperor who really believes he's doing Rome well. Others play him as too overtly crazy and purposefully over the top, but with Hurt you can just see his angry frustration in people not understanding his logical (in fact contradictory) orders or confusion at his "rewarding" campaign against Neptune.
John Hurt did something truly amazing with Caligula he made him funny and terrifying at the same time. Certain lines are funny but terrifying because he is absolutely serious about what he is saying.
My God! John Hurt is one of my favorite.
His voice is so variable, once filled with anger, once sweetness ... This is just an REAL ACTOR!
If this was a 2023 production, the speech would be 1 minute with 10 cuts
John Hurt is genius here. i always hold my breath when you think the senators are going to get it but then Claudius calms him down. The tension is immense.
John Hurt and Derek Jacobi, two geniuses.
Not to forget Brian Blessed. He too made a very good role as Augustus.
This series proves that a tight script, proper casting of good actors and focus on the small details, is the right recipe for success! ♥ ️🥰
I like the part where the dude who genuinely believes he is a supreme god points out his natural humility
"Your soft words, have appeased my wrath" - someone has to use that if you are ever angry and someone is telling you to calm down.
This was televisual art and nothing less and John Hurt really did define an era with this single speech.
I concur. This is probably one of the greatest television series ever committed to broadcast. The HBO "Rome" production is fantastic as well - but the acting doesn't rise to this level.
When he finished the speech and they said "Cut, the extras gave him an ovation. The only other time I've heard of that happening was for Lindsay Crouse in 'The Verdict'.
Warm n fuzzy memories of watching this on PBS with my parents back in the day. I was probably about 7 years old and didn't know what the hell was going on, but I loved it for some reason. Years later when I grew my hair out and would jerk my head back to get it out of my eyes my dad would call me "Claudius."
R.I.P., Sir John.
I LOVE the way he says "typical"!
TY-PI-CAL!! I'm also obsessed with it.
the best Caligula of all times
neptune got pwned
The little mind game Claudius has played to Caligula remembered me how Sansa saved ser Dontos' life from Joffrey in A Song of Ice and fire. Probably Martin was influenced by this masterpiece!
Yes, absolutely. The Romans and their politics served as the template for a multitude of political shows. You can see parallels if you look closely
Actually Joffrey some kind of IS Caligula.
The actor even looks like him physically, of comparing to Caligula’s portraits.
…he was handsome btw.
Senator: But Jove you ordered no triumphs.
Caligula: Well, of course, I ordered no triumphs! You'd think I'd order triumphs for myself?
Senator: But you ordered us not to order any.
Caligula: YeS, and you took me at my word, didn't you? Typical! It didn't occur to you that I might be leaving it up to you for your love to show itself freely? Didn't it occur to you that it might be my natural humility speaking? .... Show them our booty, show them the plunder we gathered from old Neptune!
Although my parents were avid veiwers of public television, this show didn't make it on our TV. And the reason is very simple: the snake slightering across the mosiac floor in the opening titles. My mother was deathly afraid snakes. Even a quick unintentional glance at a cartoon one chasing Deputy Dawg could send her shreiking out of the living room.
I never got to watch I, Claudius until the 1990's when it was re-aired on public television. And by then I had already read the books.
lol. My mother is super annoyed at the opening music, because it is super loud on DVD.
John Hurt plays this role with real acting brilliance. IC was the best of a golden age of television drama; the sort of thing you just don't get anymore. It's proof that TV audiences don't have to be treated like children. Even the theme tune is outstanding.
John Hurt is truly mesmerizing; what an amazing actor!
1st Class acting , John Hurt steals the show!
This only scene deserves a prize.
What a great portrayal of a psychopath and a gaslighter. They are damned if they do and damned if they don't. If they organize celebrations, they are going against his word. If they don't, we can see the results in this video. As for battle of Actium... Its another double bind. Two of Caligula's grandfathers were at that battle on the opposing sides. One lost and the winner had his son married to the loser's daughter to stabilize the empire. So if they celebrate a victory (which is a normal thing to do) then they are dishonoring the loser grandfather. If they don't celebrate the victory, they are dishonoring the winner grandfather. Whatever they do, they are dishonoring Caligula's grandfather.
"And you took me at my word, didn't you? Typical!!"
lol
reminds me of an ex-gf
“Women.... can’t live with them... can’t live without them !”
Quote: “Soren Kierkegaard” according to the series “Family Ties”
And John Hurt's Caligula is the same as my imagined Caligula. Love this video...
Decades later that he said in an interview that couldn’t imagine why he was chosen to play Caligula and gave a little laugh. It’s because each and every one of us has Caligula in us somewhere. The director must have known that Hurt’s Caligula - if he tapped into that rage - would be nothing short of epic.
Though I liked HBO's "Rome", I, Claudius was the best.
I watched the whole series of this recently and loved it. Hurt is the highlight of the show and amazing to watch, really scary. The German and Praetorian guard backed him and in real life as well, fascinating
John Hurt as Caligula was the best thing about I Claudius, in my opinion, and also the best performance of John's career.
"prayer can soften the hearts of gods" i have so got to use that. this is one of those performances that can make your insides tremble.
This is the rolled-gold standard portryal of a batshit-insane ruler.
Apparently Jack Gleeson used Hurt's Caligula as the inspration for his portryal of Joffrey Baratheon.
Forgot how good this show was....
For an actor as likeable as John Hurt, Caligula was pretty damn terrifying in this.
This has to be my fav British Broadcasting Corporation's series ever. Best in 75 even better in 2011. Cheers.
Even better in 2023!
@@PRubin-rh4sr My goodness. It is great to receive a reply to my comment all these years later. Thank you - and I couldn't agree with you more. I watch this wonderful series at least twice a year. The BBC are finally showing it again with their abysmal mainstream crap we have to put up with nowadays. It is so sad to see how the quality of writing coupled with all the woke nonsense has deteriorated. I Claudius is still as fresh and superb as ever and will remain so in posterity.
"Yeah, and you took me by my word?"
This is what politicians always expect from us, the Sheeple!
Terrifying, and still deeply impressive.
John Hurt, one of the greatest actors ever!
K.
This and 1984 are two of the greatest.
Dan Abnett was inspired by Hurt's version of Caligula for his characterisation of Vulcan in War of Kings.
Just. WOW. Mesmerizing.
it's always fun to watch my ancestors in action.....he he
Amazing John Hurt 💙
Madness of governments of the pass is similar to madness of governments today !
This is a GREAT clip!
Tout â fait exceptionnel William Hurt , son rôle de Caligula lui va comme un gant.
He was right in his own way...
great performance
The Doctor: I'm sorry. I'm so sorry
I told people you'd come back. You always were the coolest God. Please bless thy humble servant, John Hurt!
Here we see the Master restraining the excesses of the War Doctor
Ce actor John Hurt! Păcat că nu mai este printre noi!Nu orice actor este capabil să joace Caligula,este un rol greu!Doar câțiva actori au jucat bine în acest rol,Malcom Mac Dowel și John Hurt sunt doi dintre actorii care au jucat bine de tot Caligula!
If you read Philo "Embassy to Gaius" (Caligula) you see that his speaking manner here is quite accurate. Unlike many historian who borrowed from other historians and added anecdotes and rumors, Philo met Caligula in person.
That must have been SOME meeting. If that's how Gaius spoke, then I gather the guy could have been an actor akin to Shatner.
@@matthewpatasnik2361 The Roman education system emphasised rhetoric and oratory.
@@matthewpatasnik2361 He indeed learned rhetoric and expressions
Sea shells! Caligula started the federal reserve bank at this very moment.
I really like John Hurt! really!
Those Germanians probably have no idea what's going on. They're probably wishing they were back in their crappy huts. At least the people back there were sane!
They liked Caligula - they apparently expected rulers to be a bit nuts. When Praetorian Guard members killed Caligula his German bodyguards went on a rampage, killing a number of people they thought were involved.
A great show .👍
OMG!
And I thought a couple of MY former bosses were nutcases …
John Hurt was magnificent.
That's a lotta of shells
@aure232 I'm aware that his biographers were pretty biased but I was referring to this particular incarnation of Caligula. This one is batshit insane.
"And you took me at my word, didn't you? Typical!" LOL
I couldn't agree with you more. This series was great- this clip is MINT!
We miss you John, whether you are making wands or ruling the world.
John Hurt actually doubted Caligula was this utterly insane, because he would never have lasted a week as an emperor. Nonetheless he decided to play him as Robert Graves had portrayed him in his novels.
The real Caligula was a bad emperor though, who spent the entire wealth Tiberius had collected in the treasury for many years, in just a single year. Most likely he was much too young and inexperienced to ever be a good ruler, and this was before the onset of his "illness".
Hurt here reminds me alot of McDowell's Caligula. This is a good thing.
I can't see John Hurt w/out imagining an alien bursting out of his chest!
Four years later Hurt would get an Oscar nomination for Elephant man. This scene shows his range that would propel him into super stardom.
From an Emperor to a mutant! And let’s not forget Naked Civil Servant, playing the gay icon Quentin Crisp.
Yup, that’s a helluva range all right.
@napolmorino ... I totally agree an amazing Caligula and 'Elephant Man' ... Not forgetting the 'orrible alien that burst from his stomach in the 1st Alien film with Sigorny Weaver and he also played Mr Ollivander 'The wand shop owner' In the Harry Potter films.. what a fabulous actor indeed...
I think this is where Ralph Kramden from the "Homeymooners" should step in & tell Caligula, "Norton, YOU are a mental case!" *LOL*
Can't help thinking of Bill & Ted "MOST Triumphant" !
Fantastic scene.
Me too,I prefer British shows over American most of the time. I'm also a big fan of John Hurt.
Never mind the fall of the Roman Empire. The fact that great TV like this - which was once the norm - cannot be made any more is a sign of our own decaying civilisation.
if there is this divine interpretation, then what is? Good night sir John Hurt
"living no better than a prviate SOLE-DIIER!"
John Hurt reminds us how that word should be pronounced! (instead of "sol-jer" like most of us nowadays tend to say)
Caligula reminds me of someone. I wonder who he is?
That might just be the funniest thing I've ever seen in my life.
I, Claudius is just older and British verison of the show Rome on HBO but way more Shakesperean which is cool IMHO.
Brilliant performance! Such passive aggressive gaslighting.
Can you post Claudius's first speech to the senate as emperor, love that scene.
The Elephant Man was a million times less of a freak than Caligula was.
At 1:35, Caligula brandishing that sword looks alarmingly like Manuel Noriega. :-P
He probably suffered brain damage as a result of an illness during the early period of his emperorship. Maybe he had always been a bit on the edge but after he "recovered" from his illness he was a different person and became more and more delusive.
@archer1949 Yup. Robert Graves translated his work himself as research for the original novel.
He looks very beautiful here to me
Yes, wait a moment - YES: I think I can see something there. Channel blocked for ridiculously low-res uploads.
I battled Neptune in the bath this morning. I won!
John Hurt's Caligula > Malcolm McDowell's Caligula.
When George W Bush and Tony Blair were about to invade Iraq it would have been great if their respective wives had dissuaded them by saying, "Must these fools spoil your glorious pages in history?" and then they said, "No, we won't bother invading."
+pix046 Considering Bush was apparently telepathically receiving orders directly from Jesus, I don't think his wife would have swayed him :/
This scene is almost 100% Shakespearean and John Hurt is clearly in his element (batshit insane, as said before- or should we say, "differently sane"). From 2:42- 3:20, the humour verges on the Pythonesque, or is at least extremely black.
ασυληπτο έργο!!!!!!!!!!
i know caligula was crazy and killed alot but i cant help but to like the guy
Hard to like him if we were living at the time