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(1963)

 -  Drama | Fantasy  -  25 June 1963 (USA)
8.1
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Ratings: 8.1/10 from 50,676 users  
Reviews: 198 user | 105 critic

A harried movie director retreats into his memories and fantasies.

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(story), (story), 4 more credits »
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Top 250 #194 | Won 2 Oscars. Another 14 wins & 8 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
...
...
...
Luisa Anselmi (as Anouk Aimee)
...
Rossella Falk ...
...
Madeleine Lebeau ...
Madeleine, l'attrice francese
Caterina Boratto ...
Eddra Gale ...
La Saraghina (as Edra Gale)
Guido Alberti ...
Mario Conocchia ...
Conocchia, il direttore di produzione
Bruno Agostini ...
Bruno - il secondo segretario di produzione
Cesarino Miceli Picardi ...
Cesarino, l'ispettore di produzione
Jean Rougeul ...
Carini, il critico cinematografico
Mario Pisu ...
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Storyline

Guido is a film director, trying to relax after his last big hit. He can't get a moment's peace, however, with the people who have worked with him in the past constantly looking for more work. He wrestles with his conscience, but is unable to come up with a new idea. While thinking, he starts to recall major happenings in his life, and all the women he has loved and left. An autobiographical film of Fellini, about the trials and tribulations of film making. Written by Colin Tinto <cst@imdb.com>

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

director | spa | mistress | friend | italian | See more »

Taglines:

A picture that goes beyond what men think about - because no man ever thought about it in quite this way!

Genres:

Drama | Fantasy

Certificate:

Not Rated | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

|

Language:

| | |

Release Date:

25 June 1963 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Federico Fellini's 8 1/2  »

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$11,947 (USA) (9 April 1999)

Gross:

$50,690 (USA) (23 April 1999)
 »

Company Credits

Production Co:

,  »
Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
See  »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Italian censorship visa # 39461 delivered on 6-2-1963. See more »

Goofs

When Guido and Claudia go out for their drive, they stop near some springs. Guido exits the passenger side of the car (off camera); we hear the door open and close. But when Claudia, who was driving, steps out moments later (also off camera), we never hear her door open or close. See more »

Quotes

Guido: You came just in time. Why are you smiling? Suppose I told you... Claudia.
See more »

Connections

Referenced in Suspiria (1977) See more »

Soundtracks

"Overture"
From "The Barber of Seville"
Composed by Gioachino Rossini
See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

See more (Spoiler Alert!) »

User Reviews

 
Fascinating
20 July 2002 | by (Midwest) – See all my reviews

I certainly wouldn't be saying anything new if I said that "8 1/2" is one of the most unique, fascinating, and personal pieces ever committed to film. It has consistently hailed as such, and its influence on film is far reaching and undeniable. It is certainly not one of the most entertaining movies of all time, and is actually quite long and difficult. But it is an incredible piece of filmmaking, and a gripping look at the difficulties of creating not just a movie, but art in general.

Guido (Marcello Mastroianni) is a popular movie director who is working on his new film. Along the way, he struggles with his screenwriter, producer, wife, and mistress. Each presents a different problem and obstacle. More and more difficulties arise, not just in his attempts to complete the movie, but in his own mind.

Guido, although flawed, is completely fleshed out, and draws sympathy from the audience. Yes, he is an adulterer, but he loves his wife. We see all of his personal desires and agony. We see how he suffers when he struggles with his desire to create the ultimate piece of art, one that offers something to everybody.

The movie is technically wonderful. The movement of the camera, the lighting, and the direction in general is top notch. The movie mixes in dreams with reality to create a dreamlike world, and put us closer into Guido's own mind.

Somebody who is looking for a movie as a two hour piece of entertainment will not enjoy this. But if you enjoy a movie that truly satisfies when it is finished, this is for you. It is quite long, and somewhat loose, but that is part of the interest. Moviemakers, or artists in general, will find that this film has a great deal to offer.


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