Review #144: '8½' (1962)

After the international success of Fellini's La Dolce Vita (1961), which was a departure in style from his previous, neo-realist techniques, he decided to use the more fantastical, personal details and stylings which resulted in the kaleidoscopic, beautifully seductive, 8 1/2 (named and it was Fellini's seventh feature - whilst he considered his three shorts as half each). Fellini's camera glides through the scenes. As do the actors, in a clearly choreographed ballet of acting.

Guido (Fellini alter-ego Marcello Mastroianni), is a film maker hot off the success of a film, and under pressure to direct another. As Guido keeps producers, writers, actors hanging for any slither of information of what the film is about. He secretly internalises his thoughts that segue from fantasy to memories of his past. Guido wants to make a film that tells no lies. He is himself, a selfish, and unfaithful character. He can not externalise his thoughts to direct the film that he wants to. His fantasies and memories culminate in his power of a hareem of women: all of these women from his life past and present who are all faithful, loyal, and love him. Guido seems, within his fantasy, to be destroying his own ability to speak the truth, as he is told by the women.

But one, elusive woman; his fantasy woman (Claudia Cardinale), seems to be the person (muse if you like), that will make the film happen. But she proves to be unattainable. This truly is "the greatest film about film making", as is so commonly stated. Guido's memories/fantasies are built within him to breakdown, and destroy his own creativity. This level of self-degradating of a block in creativity portrayed to perfection, both in dazzling cinematography and Mastroianni's laconic portrayal of an artist questioning his ability to create. Whilst this subject informed the creation of 8 1/2, it certainly does not display any inability in Fellini's startlingly beautiful, well crafted film; and quite often as stylistically creative as Citizen Kane (1941).

Directed by: Federico Fellini

Starring: Marcello Mastroianni, Claudia Cardinale, Anouk Aimée

Country: Italy/France

Rating: *****

Marc Ivamy