(1963) The hottest director going at the time, Guido Anselmi finds himself with a creative block. Feeling pressure from his producer, and fielding frustrations from impatient cast and crew, he retreats to his daydreams to hopefully become inspired.When I read the synopsis for this movie I honestly groaned a little. "Great," I thought. "I can't wait to watch this seemingly uber-pretentious, semi autobiographical, almost masturbatory, trite piece of shoe!" I'm not a big fan of art films that are artsy for the sake of being artsy.
Blah.
I love spicy food, but I can't stand hot sauce that is hot for the sake of being hot. It has to have some flavor underneath the burn-your-taste-buds-off sensation; some substance!
So... I slowly opened the envelope that my movie arrived in, placed it in the DVD player, gulped, gulped again, and pressed play. Moments later I was dining on a deliciously put together Italian entree with all the right spices.
"8 1/2" has very little to do with Anselmi finding inspiration for his new film through his fantasies, and more to do with those fantasies helping him find honesty in his own life. He prides himself on his movies bringing realism, raw truth, and authenticity to his audience, yet he walks the path of a liar and a cheat; which is why he finds himself at a creative standstill. One cannot bring anything genuine or valid to life unless they are living it themselves. Directed by Federico Fellini, this film effortlessly transitions between reality and dream sequences, and entertains from start to finish. A "dramedy," a film that has both dramatic and comedic elements, Fellini makes you laugh, think, gasp, roll your eyes, and in the end smile with satisfaction. It's yummy, friends.
...and, because the movie was made in Italy is 1963, EVERYONE is smoking EVERYWHERE, which is just so fun to watch. "We're in a movie theatre, let's light up!" "Excuse me Father, for I have sinned...***cough***cough***take a drag***..."
All in all, I give this a smiley face. :)
