8 1/2 was my
#3
I had a feeling that
8 1/2 wouldn't crack the top ten, despite people who love this film really loving, so I'm not even slightly disappointed
When it comes to favorites I tend to write an extra paragraph explaining why I think it's brilliant, but in the case of
8 1/2, sometimes imagery bursting with inspiration and creativity is a bit hard to put into words, so I'll keep it simple.
Our hero is Guido (Marcello Mastroianni), a director who is struggling to create a new film as he has hit a major filmmaker's block. All he does is either wander, go around problems instead of facing them directly, or going into one of his dreams. Mastrioianni was born to play the role, the way he naturally looks at something in an uncaring, calm mood can't help but make you realize troubles are deep inside. Or maybe it's the subtle acting, perfectly playing a director who is out of ideas yet still wants to be in a superior position. Probably both.
Surreal imagery-based movies can get boring quickly, but Fellini keeps hitting you consecutively with precisely constructed worlds that never go out of hand, they simple remind you of another dream, with a bit of wackiness ans beauty. The surrealism is not from a psychedelic roots - that's for other films. Guido is never under the influence of drugs or anything similar, he is constantly getting dragged and figuratively molested by groups of people who are trying to get him over with, and Guido helplessly flails trying to find even the smallest reason to continue within chaos. His wife he can not connect with and his mistress is no help either. The people he visits, to seek help, are interested on what's in for them.
This feeling is contrasted with the movement of other characters, which are pretty much up-beat and dancing in a pleasant way. The music was not post-recorded but played on set, and doing that quiet likely helped Mastrioianni get into his character. Not only that, but there are bands circling around in front of him. Most of the time though, this is part of bone-crushing reality.
8 1/2 isn't much different from other films that study a single character and his surroundings, it's the way Fellini presents the study to the audience that annoys and bores a lot, including a few here on MoFo. Personally for me every single moment is a masterpiece of it's own and you know what I'm gonna replace
Oldboy with
8 1/2 in my Top 10 just because I can.
Edit - About
Wild Bunch - a deliciously fun Western that used to be in my Top 100 and adored by me but not anymore because, well, I simply realized that there are better films. But it still remains in my heart, I treasure all the character, the insults, and the climatic battle scene is badass.