Yo, Claudio

A hugely popular series during the previous regime, people would passionately discuss it among themselves, whether in the workplace or on the street. A great script and masterful performances trump the shoddy studio production. The performances of Derek Jacobi as Claudio and John Hurt as Caligula, are unforgettable. I Claudius will satisfy even those who have a strong aversion to serials. (15.02.2003)

"By dulling the blade of tyranny, I reconciled Rome to the monarchy." A series with Graves’ incomparable book behind it, horrible pasteboard scenery and lackadaisical theatrical direction. Can a TV series like that even be good? It can, and it’s not just good, it’s almost perfect. Wait a minute, almost... It IS perfect. It doesn’t achieve the genius of the book, but even so this is a thoroughly exceptional work. The unforgettable acting performances and the facintating world of intrigue are the main reason why I, Claudius is an unforgettable series even thirty years later. (16.01.2007)

I would have appreciated the transcription prepared by von Sternberg in 1937 more, but unfortunately, he did not finish it. However, the BBC series of course excels in its length, giving the viewer more space to connect with the characters, to think about Grandma Livia's intrigues, and to decide whether or not they would be in favor of the Republic. Of course, the moment the monster Caligula arrives, the whole fine yarn of intrigue turns into a literal orgy, and especially the appetites of Tiberius and the special relationship of young Caligula with his great-grandmother stand out. Because of this, I, Claudius can boldly measure up to such great contemporary affairs as Spartacus: Blood and Sand (Gods of Arena & Vengeance). On the other hand, 1976 at the BBC also brings with it extremely slow scenes and strange masks, but the series is so packed with plot that there's no need to feel any downtime. However, what happens in the second half of the series quite borders on the substance of depicting the Roman world, and despite its TV staging, it is all exceedingly disgusting. And it is precisely the narrative fabulousness of the contemporary Spartacus that makes him look like a child's idyll, even though he is often attributed in a negative light with the very things for which Claudius is praised with absolute certainty. I’ve always felt sorry for Messalina... (09.03.2012)