Rome '78 Poster

Rome '78 1978

★ 6.47 votes82 min📅 1978-12-23

Jamie Nares' experimental drama *Rome '78 (1978)* reimagines the grandeur and decay of Ancient Rome through a gritty, lo-fi lens, shot entirely in New York's Tribeca.

Director: Jamie Nares

Cast

David McDermott
Caligula
Eric Mitchell
Eric Mitchell
Metellus
Lydia Lunch
Lydia Lunch
Empress
Kristian Hoffman
Bradley Field
John Lurie
John Lurie
Jim Sutcliffe
Mitch Corber
Judy Rifka
Mary Focus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rome '78 (1978) about?

*Rome '78* reimagines the splendor and decline of Ancient Rome through a low-budget, high-concept lens. The film uses a decaying Tribeca penthouse as a backdrop for its unconventional take on imperial drama, blending historical allusions with a raw, urban atmosphere. It's less about narrative and more about atmosphere and aesthetic rebellion.

Who directed Rome '78?

The film was directed by Jamie Nares, an artist known for her experimental approach to filmmaking and her exploration of themes like power and decay.

Who stars in Rome '78?

The cast features David McDermott, Eric Mitchell, Lydia Lunch, Kristian Hoffman, Bradley Field, and John Lurie, each bringing their distinctive energy to this avant-garde project.

Is Rome '78 (1978) worth watching?

As an unrated but boldly original film, *Rome '78* offers a niche appeal for fans of experimental cinema and historical drama. Its unconventional production and raw aesthetic may not resonate with everyone, but it stands out as a fascinating artifact of 1970s underground filmmaking.

How long is Rome '78?

The runtime of *Rome '78* is 82 minutes.

About Rome '78 (1978) — A guerrilla homage to Ancient Rome in a Tribeca loft

Jamie Nares' experimental drama *Rome '78 (1978)* reimagines the grandeur and decay of Ancient Rome through a gritty, lo-fi lens, shot entirely in New York's Tribeca. The film transforms a crumbling penthouse loft—with its peeling-painted dome and weathered interiors—into a surreal imperial palace, blending historical epic tropes with raw, urban decay. Nares' audacious approach includes sneaking into the abandoned space disguised as potential renters, then returning with her cast and crew to capture the scenes, creating an atmosphere that's as much about improvisation as it is about cinematic homage.

With its minimalist staging and unconventional production methods, *Rome '78* explores themes of power, decay, and reinvention, wrapping them in a deliberately anachronistic aesthetic. The film's stark visuals and unconventional narrative style invite viewers into a world where myth and modernity collide, offering a unique take on historical drama that feels both nostalgic and rebellious.