A film director retreats into his own fantasies
in order to figure out an idea for a new movie. DRAMA
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8½ (1963)Directed by Federico Fellini
Written by Federico Fellini, Tullio Pinelli, Ennio Flaiano, Brunello Rondi Starring Marcello Mastroianni, Claudia Cardinale, Anouk Aimée, Sandra Milo, Rossella Falk, Barbara Steele Oscar Wins - Best Foreign Film, Best Costume Design Oscar Nominations - Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Art Direction |
Okay, now I have confirmation that Fellini is as self-indulgent and pretentious as I initially thought. 8½ is a snoozefest, confusing, pointless, and I can't for the life of me understand the praise. This is one of those films that people are afraid to admit they don't like because they don't want to look like the odd man out. Well, I'm here to tell you it's a bore, and it's not a great movie. In my opinion, it's not even a good movie. There's nothing entertaining about watching a bunch of meandering fools imagine weird shit on a movie set. I want a story, and I don't think I'm being too demanding.
Guido (Mastroianni) is a celebrated director who is working on his new movie. But he's hit a snag, and doesn't know where to go next. So he imagines the people he's known in the past and the women he's wooed and left, hoping they'll inspire him. It's supposed to be autobiographical, but if you don't know anything about Fellini himself, there's no way you'd ever know that. When I found out Fellini considers this to be one of the greatest films he's ever seen, I knew I was dealing with a blowhard who thinks he was God's gift to cinema. I'm not off to a good start with Federico Fellini. I find him egotistical, and his films pompous. I don't get the love, and I probably never will. This film is boring above all else, and I think most people who claim to love it only say that so they can impress people. But here's the thing. People aren't worth impressing, so if you can't stand Fellini and his movies, be honest about it. God knows I will. |