8½

Movies 365: Day 3 – 8 1/2

The problem with watching and reviewing a film with a reputation like 8 1/2 is that you’re usually stuck between a rock and a hard place. When a film is considered a classic and seminal film, your review is expected to be either another piece lauding the work of a masterful piece of art, or a scathing take down of the critical consensus. The problem is, with 8 1/2, I’m sort of with both camps, while sequences of the film are breathtaking, the overall piece is perhaps overly praised.

8 1/2 follows celebrated director Guido Anselmo as he works on his newest film. Two weeks from starting the film, Guido rests at a luxurious spa, he has a large spaceship under construction, actresses being flown out to see him, a mistress hidden at a nearby hotel, and a wife who knows too much. The one thing he lacks is a script. As Guido struggles with the film, we are treated to flashbacks and fantasy sequences which take us into his mind as he works at finding his script.

Sequences such as the opening dream sequence, as well as a fantasy sequence where Guido is master of a harem of all the women who have been in his life bring the film to life. Unfortunately, sequences such as these are much more interesting than what is actually happening in the main narrative of the film. And that’s the problem with the movie.

The reasons for Guido’s artistic impotence are never addressed in a satisfactory manner, nor is it ever explained why this film is so important, apart from the fact that money is being spent daily on a film that shows no signs of actually becoming a reality. As a study of Guido and his psyche, the film succeeds, but as the story of a blocked artist, the film never really gets off the ground. Regardless of the story problems, Fellini is in high form. The movie is absolutely gorgeous to look at, the black and whites are vivid, and beautiful. Fellini’s camera is playful and masterful at the same time.

As an important piece of film making, 8 1/2 has not aged as well as some would have you believe. It is worth watching though, if only to see Fellini work his magic as a director.