I saw La Dolce Vita recently, and thought it was amazing. Then I saw 8 1/2 and was equally mesmerised. I cannot choose between which was the best of the two, both were equally outstanding and I would deem both as masterpieces as well. That said, I can see why people mayn't like this or La Dolce Vita, but I am not one of those.
I loved the story of 8 1/2. It is a complex yet painfully honest and riveting story, that resonated with me admittedly. I also loved the mix of nightmares, memories, daydreams and frustrating confrontations, they alone made the film so watchable. Once again, Fellini's direction is immaculate. Like with La Dolce Vita, he may have had some troubles as he tried to expand on his reputation as a cinematic genius(a reputation that I think is deserved), but that didn't show to me, instead it showed a director who put so much heart, effort and soul into the film.
The visuals are spot on. The production values and the like are beautifully realised and the cinematography is amazing. With Nina Rota, you get a wonderful score, as evident in La Dolce Vita and The Godfather. 8 1/2 is no exception. The music is beautiful, haunting and memorable and stuck in my head for a long while afterwards, actually it's still there. The acting I have no qualms with- Marcello Mastroianni is exceptional as the tormented film-maker while Anouk Aimee and Claudia Cardinale are equally superb.
Overall, this is a masterpiece, I love everything about it. 10/10 Bethany Cox
I loved the story of 8 1/2. It is a complex yet painfully honest and riveting story, that resonated with me admittedly. I also loved the mix of nightmares, memories, daydreams and frustrating confrontations, they alone made the film so watchable. Once again, Fellini's direction is immaculate. Like with La Dolce Vita, he may have had some troubles as he tried to expand on his reputation as a cinematic genius(a reputation that I think is deserved), but that didn't show to me, instead it showed a director who put so much heart, effort and soul into the film.
The visuals are spot on. The production values and the like are beautifully realised and the cinematography is amazing. With Nina Rota, you get a wonderful score, as evident in La Dolce Vita and The Godfather. 8 1/2 is no exception. The music is beautiful, haunting and memorable and stuck in my head for a long while afterwards, actually it's still there. The acting I have no qualms with- Marcello Mastroianni is exceptional as the tormented film-maker while Anouk Aimee and Claudia Cardinale are equally superb.
Overall, this is a masterpiece, I love everything about it. 10/10 Bethany Cox