8½

Research for my next film

A dreamlike portrait of 1960s Italy

15 July 2025

Part of my research for my next project, has involved watching Federico Fellini’s 8½, a film about a group of Italian people that gather one summer’s day in a small countryside village. They have dinner, play cards and enjoy themselves. The carefree and light-hearted situation is the setting of a much deeper and emotional conversation about their hopes and worries for the future.
8½ is an inspirational film from the point of view of its directing, style, storytelling, acting and sound. It is a representation of a more poetic and stylish Italy that seems to belong in the past.

Something that really impressed me about 8½ is Fellini’s skill at directing scenes with many characters in them. They look like complex balletic choreographies with dancers moving with grace from one side of the stage to the other. He has created beautiful frames with many layers by overlaying the set design and actors to create charming compositions. He has coordinated multiple actions and conversations which happen simultaneously. There is often a main subject in front of the camera with additional events happening in the background. My next film project will be my first experience at directing a group of people in one place, so this masterpiece is a useful lesson in direction and composition.

8½ is a meta-cinematic film that shows the behind-the-scenes side of filmmaking.
We follow the contorted mind of a tired and unsatisfied director who’s looking for inspiration. The film lingers on the thin line that subtly separates the reality in which Guido, the director, lives and his inside-world made of surreal dreams and nostalgic memories. He is surrounded by friends, lovers, actors, producers and critics who are constantly asking for updates on his film to which he doesn’t know how to reply. He seems to never have a quiet moment because he’s immersed in a chaotic situation that absorbs him. The constant chatter and grand music contribute in creating a joyful atmosphere. It’s a party full of beautiful people and honest conversations.