Eight-half can be regarded as the autobiographical masterpiece of Federico Fellini
Fellini represents himself through the character of Guido, a reputed writer and film director experiencing writer’s block. As in the content of Guido’s film, this 133 minute film is also a chain of bizarre episodes which add to the ambivalent realism.8 1/2 is a confusing but fascinating mixture of childhood memories, nostalgia, guilty feeling, plans, dreams and muddle of the director.
“I thought my ideas were clear. I wanted to make an honest film , with no lies of any kind. I thought I had something so simple to say. A film that could be useful to everyone, that would help to bury all that’s dead inside us. But I don’t have the courage to bury anything. Now I have shambles in my head and this tower in my hands”, Guido says. He has absolutely nothing to say. But he makes a vain attempt to say it.
The film criticizes the Catholic church through the Cardinal who says, “Outside the church there is no salvation. Outside the church no one shall be saved.”
The black-and-white film switches from memories, dream and reality clarifying the confusion of Guido and Fellini himself. The viewers are plunged into same confusion that the director experiences. The startling originality with which thoughts, dreams and reality are mixed up spots his exceptional talent.
Eight-half is written by Ennion Flaiano,Tullio Pinelli,Federico Fellini and Brunello Rondi.Marcello Mastroianni,Claudia Cardinale ,Anouk Aimee and Sandra Milo play the lead roles.
