Film I Love, Part XXIX: 8 1/2
Of course, I went to see “Nine” in the movie house, though I’d never seen the musical on stage.
And, what an odd choice of material to turn into, or try to turn into Big Broadway.
Italy’s Federico Fellini is one of cinema’s great auteurs of all time. “8 1/2″ is certainly his most famous work. And arguably his best. Though many prefer “La Strada” which proceeded it. And I love “Amarcord.”
“8 1/2″ as the basis for a musical just seems awfully odd to me.
The film is a dense psychological examination of a movie director going through creative and personal crisis. But it can’t be confused with such as Scorcese’s “Shutter Island,” which is so filled with sturm und drang. The brilliance of Fellini is that he presents the miasma that is the director Guido’s (Marcello Mastroianni) life in a palatable and visually stunning manner that is easy to digest.
Here’s the original trailer:
Forgetting the story for a moment, the incredible black and white cinematography and visual imagery are worth the price of rental alone. So a shout out to cinematographer Gianni Di Venanzo. The Film Babe and I watched this last night, and I’m thinking of doing so again . . . with the sound off. Just to allow the visuals to work their magic.
The film mixes reality and fantasy in a way that blurs the demarcations. What is really happening to Guido and what is only in his head is never clear. And really doesn’t matter. It’s simply a wonder to watch unfold.
Here’s another scene of performers at a dinner party. I marvel at the geometry of the screen.
I’m not going to prattle on about this masterpiece. If you are a student of film, you know “8 1/2.” But you might not have seen it in awhile. Do yourself a favor, rent it again.
And, if you don’t know the film, and consider yourself a cineaste, well, it’s time to fill out your resume.
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