The most infamous film of his career. This historical epic follows the depraved reign of the Roman Emperor Caligula. While Brass later disowned the final cut after producer Bob Guccione added explicit hardcore footage, it remains a cult classic for its sheer excess and a powerhouse performance by Malcolm McDowell. 2. The Key (La Chiave, 1983)

Tinto Brass is not for everyone. These films are . They are Italian, meaning the dubbing is often asynchronous and the logic is dreamy, not literal. If you need a tight, three-act Hollywood structure, look elsewhere.