Film Review: "8 1/2" directed by Federico Fellini

By William Anthony | Citizen Services Department, Central Library

I honestly cannot imagine Italian cinema without the grace and wisdom behind the inimitable Federico Fellini’s vision. 

Picking my favorite Fellini film is far from an easy task. Virtually all of this director’s movies are perfect. 

However, if you twisted my arm to select my all-time favorite Fellini movie, I would choose his 1963 film, 8½. 

This surreal drama exposes the thought process of a film maker, Guido Anselmo, struggling to complete his latest film, which involves a rocket ship. Unfortunately, Guido hits a creative block when he realizes he cannot think of anything honest to share through this unfinished project. 

He stalls his next movie until its inevitable cancellation. 

8½ weaves in and out of Guido’s self-reflection and day-to-day hardships as a filmmaker. He experiences introspective fantasies about the various women throughout his life and potential ideas for his next film, especially during a visit to a murky steam bath. 

Guido also reflects on memories from his childhood, like his Catholic upbringing. The film industry’s grueling reality pressures him to a breaking point that seemingly coincides with his dreams. 

Every scene in 8½ flourishes with so much imagination and thoughtfulness. Guido’s ambition and desperation bring forth multiple dimensions to every situation he either fantasizes about or actually encounters. 

The distinction between reality and fantasy does not always exist in this engaging, avant-garde movie. This makes 8½ the gift that keeps on giving. 

Fellini honestly captures the purpose of film making, no matter how overwhelming or fun the entire process can be. 

This movie is not just my all-time favorite Italian film, but it is also one of my top five all-time favorite movies ever. 

8½ encourages us to pay closer attention to the dreams—or even just the thoughts we have—and how they correlate with reality. 

As a surprise, here are the first three minutes of 8½:

I hope that these opening scenes motivate you to watch the rest of this brilliant masterpiece! 

8½ is available for streaming on Kanopy and borrowing on DVD from the Jefferson County Library Cooperative, including all 16 active Birmingham Public Library locations.