8 ½ is a masterwork by the Italian film maker Frederico Fellini – it’s a complex film, which you need to watch many times to fully grasp its meaning. Many people do not like this movie because they find it pretentious, but really it has a lot of meaning, despite its surrealistic flourishes. Once you give it multiple viewings, the meanings and implications behind the film are quite straight forward.

The story line is quite uncomplicated – a directory is working on a new film, but he has creative block, he is obsessed by his love life, and is frustrated with both women and art. The story focuses on his ambition, which works in many directions – thus he finds himself unable to focus on any single thing. Deadlines are approaching, and he finds himself in a difficult position because he cannot make a choice.

8 ½ is actually a semi-autobiographic commentary on the nature of art, creativity, mid-life crisis, and the eternal competition between the sexes. The director’s dreams, fantasies, and childhood are recalled with a sense of reality, and while the film progresses, the boundaries between internal thought and external life blur into one another.

8 ½ has stellar performances from all the cast members, and the film itself is surrealistic, fantastic, realistic, and beautifully poignant – all in one. Visually, it has a fluidity that is astounding, and it’s surely a film that will capture you. Plus, Marcello Mastroianni’s performance is really something – watch it!