8 1/2

8 ½ (1963)

Runtime: 138 minutes

Directed by: Federico Fellini

Starring: Marcello Mastroianni, Claudia Cardinale, Anouk Aimee, Sandra Milo, Rossella Falk

From: Cineriz/Francinex

I don't ALWAYS watch sleaze & trash. There are occasions where I view cinema classics then discuss them here. As nothing was on my agenda late last night and Turner Classic Movies was playing this, it was the only logical progression from viewing Showgirls... to be less frivolous, knowing beforehand that a motion picture is going to be surreal and/or avant-garde... it gives me pause as such things I do not always enjoy. There's always the possibility of thinking it is pretentious claptrap or smug BS from someone who has their head too far up their own hindquarters. The plot about a director dealing with personal issues, it may be hard for some to sympathize w/ such problems.

Much to my relief, the story was not hard to follow or understand despite the surrealistic flourishes and the unique way the story unfurls as director Guido Anselmi struggles to complete a science fiction film with some autobiographical touches. His problems cause him to look back at his life, both good and bad; this also reveals aspect of Fellini's life as this movie has autobiographical touches of his own life. Thankfully, the movie does end up being relatable so it's not a “who gives a damn about this?” sort of plot that kept me away at at distance. The symbolism and metaphors are not too difficult to figure out, meaning this isn't an exhausting journey as you try to piece together the puzzles or get lost in a labyrinth attempting to decipher what the director is trying to say. Thus, it was clear that this movie was brutally honest, Fellini feeling free to discuss many of his faults & fears.


I dare not reveal too many details for those that haven't viewed the film before; what you see and hear should be a surprise. I will just note that Marcello Mastroianni was tremendous as the director and naturally, there is greatness in front and behind the camera, both aurally and visually. I mean, some of the dialogue and the visuals are downright legendary; for people on a site like Letterboxd, this seems to be one of those motion pictures that are required viewing.