8½
NR

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

1963 • 139 min • Drama

67
Critics
3 reviews
Fans
Not enough reviews

Synopsis

Guido Anselmi, a film director, finds himself creatively barren at the peak of his career. Urged by his doctors to rest, Anselmi heads for a luxurious resort, but a sorry group gathers—his producer, staff, actors, wife, mistress, and relatives—each one begging him to get on with the show. In retreat from their dependency, he fantasizes about past women and dreams of his childhood.

Where to watch

Top billed cast

Director: Federico Fellini • Crew: Federico Fellini, Ennio Flaiano, Tullio Pinelli, Brunello Rondi, Federico Fellini, Ennio Flaiano

Trailers & clips

35mm Trailer [Subtitled]

Mark Kermode reviews 8½ (1963) | BFI Player

Marcello Mastroianni’s guide to being cool | BFI

Federico Fellini - 8 1/2 (New Trailer) - In UK cinemas 1 May 2015 | BFI Release

8 and a Half Trailer HD

8 1/2 and Cleopatra Win Costume Design: 1964 Oscars

Federico Fellini accepting Best Foreign Language Film for "8 1/2": 1964 Oscars

Allan Arkush on 8 1/2

Critic reviews

fresh

Acclaimed director "Guido" (Marcello Mastroianni) is looking for a peaceable life after his last successful movie, but at every turn he is being pursued by people who want to capitalise on the success. He just hasn't the inspiration though - and determined not to just churn out any old rubbish, retreats to a small town for some rest, recuperation and hopefully inspiration.…

rottenTop critics

**Fellini, deconstructed, improvised and enshrined in a film that (not) pleases everyone.** I'm not a fan or deep connoisseur of Italian cinema, but I've heard of Federico Fellini, and I know that this film is considered one of this director's best films. I haven't seen any of his films yet: this was the first. And honestly, I don't quite understand this fascination: the film is chaotic!…

fresh

Widely touted as one of the all-time great works of cinema, Federico Fellini’s 8½ is an elusive film about even more elusive things. It’s a meaningfully chaotic picture about trying to distil meaning from chaos and it’s a creative success about creative failure. It chronicles the resonant moments in one man’s life and admits that it can’t quite clarify why they matter.…

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Gallery

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Details

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