Federico Fellini is widely hailed by film critics - and notably, by filmmakers - as one of the greatest directors of all time. And 8 ½ occupies an elevated position within his ouvre.
Marcello Mastroianni is Fellini's alter ego, Guido, a successful filmmaker who, embarking on his next film, discovers he has complete director' s block. Harassed by his producers, his mistress (Sandra Milo) and his wife (Anouk Aimee) while struggling to find the inspiration for his film, he increasingly indulges in dreamy recollections of his life and lovers, until fantasy (personified by the beautiful Claudia Cardinale), his memories and reality congeal in the director's mind. The payoff is an astonishing spectacle which crepresents the electrifying triumph of optimism. As Guido says at the end of 8 ½: "Life is a party, let's live it together".
Extras
New unique intimate interview with Sandra Milo the film's co-lead and off-screen real life companion of Fellini. Filmed especially for this CultFilms release
Interview with Lina Wertmuller, Fellini's Assistant Director on 8 ½. Filmed especially for CultFilms.
Lost Sequence documentary on the making of 8 ½ with interviews with cast crew and Fellini himself: the focus is on one of film-lore s great mystery! Where a massive sequence was shot with all the cast, but not included in the film, and it was never seen again.
Tribute to Fellini's speech on receiving his Academy Award Oscar
