I don't think I've really watched anything from Fellini beyond La Dolce Vita, but that's by far one of my favourite films of all time. It's absolutely beautiful in its wide cinematic aspect ratio, and that black and white aesthetic from the 60s. I'll call this '8 and a half' out of convenience, but I had known of this film for years but never really checked it out, nor did it really cross my mind that it was in fact a Fellini film. For some reason I have seen this film appearing a lot online, which had me finally deciding to watch it. On top of that, the narrative caught my attention: a director struggling to conceptualise his next film, as everyone around him constantly attempts to get the production moving. The director, instead, just running around elsewhere doing whatever else.
This is a comedy for the most part. These moments are handled with comedic elements. I really loved this narrative which handles the luxurious lives of more famous filmmakers and artists. The director still tries to find some form of inspiration, still tries to get some ideas flowing, but many of which are shut down. It really sums up the struggles of a creative mind to one-up their previous creations, as they doubt themselves and fall into the cycle of idleness. A film like this is certainly no ordinary story, it's clearly one that stems from the actual director's experiences. Where he has either seen the struggles or witnessed them from others. Seeing how life takes over in such moments and a creative attempts to source inspiration from various other acts within life.
It shows the beauty of connection in that sense, the many moving cogs within filmmaking, where so many people have a part in something so much larger. And of course, this is shot beautifully in black and white. The camera movements for the 60s are highly impressive. Not to forget the compositions. Fellini really did put the technology to its test in that era. 1963 with tracking shots. Angles and movements that take advantage of reflections and depth to create really dreamy and unique effects. There's still some of that traditional filmmaking style here, but by no means is it a negative. Everything flows so beautifully within this film.
8 and a half would certainly not be so impactful without the return appearance of Marcello Mastroianni, though. His performances are always perfect. And his appearance so wonderfully captures that imagery of Italian class and artistry.
