Federico Fellini (1920-1993) died thirty years ago on October 31. The Forum Groningen honors the Italian director with several screenings of his most infamous film ‘8½’ (‘Otto e mezzo’), from 1963.
Federico Fellini had his hands in his hair. As much as he wanted to, the Italian filmmaker couldn’t find inspiration for his next film after the overwhelming success of La Dolce Vita (1960). Not surprising. Everyone loved him, everyone wanted something from him. And everyone around him kept asking: when will something happen?
What Fellini did next surprised the world and probably himself. He made 8½ (1963), a film about a director who struggles with making a film. The successful Guido Anselmi (Marcello Mastroianni) is working on an ambitious new project, but struggles with writer’s block and dreams away in his memories, ideas and fantasies when he is constantly interrupted by others.
It wasn’t just story-wise 8½ therefore autobiographical, the style of the film also exudes double meaning. The film sublimely interweaves Guido’s real life with the surreal scenes in which he nostalgically daydreams. Even the film’s title is an autobiographical nod: Fellini directed prior to 8½ six feature films, two short films and one film together with other directors. So this movie was the eight and a half film in his oeuvre.
It became one of the most acclaimed feature films of all time. The film flashes back and forth between reality and fantasy in a way that is not only understandable, but at the same time stimulates and intrigues. The camera work plays an important role in this: the film is blindingly beautifully shot.
Fellini managed to surprise friend and enemy with his masterpiece 60 years ago. It turned out to be the showpiece in an already very impressive career. The film won Oscars for best foreign language film and best costumes.
8½ – Otto e mezzo (1963) can be seen on 31/10, 5/11 and 12/11, Forum in Groningen