You can tell that when a film is re-released across the country over 50 years after its initial release date that it has stood the test time.And when that film is Fellini’s 8 ½ it is by no means an exception.

His semi-autobiographical ode to film-making, 8 ½ follows Guido Anselmi, a director at the peak of his power with one huge problem – his next film. The set of his upcoming feature ‘rests on sand’, and frankly so does the whole production, with Guido unable to talk about characters or explain the plot, choosing instead to drift into flashback and fantasy.

Watching this film again reminded me of Fellini’s sheer power to convey ideas through images. He gives us nothing with frequent muse Marcello Mastroianni’s performance; it is cool and steely, hidden behind chic Italian sunglasses. Instead Fellini leaves us only with Guido’s fantasies and flashbacks, each longer and more absurd than the last, to figure out Guido’s increasingly labyrinthine mind-set. It’s pure cinema; showing through image and camerawork rather than telling through dialogue and exposition, something which too many filmmakers forget nowadays.

Yet what is most impressive about 8 ½ is its ability to perfectly encompass the creative process; it’s frustrating, confusing and just when you get a handle on it, it throws you off course and you’re back at square one. But when it works…. my god it’s rewarding.

8 ½ is currently showing in cinemas across Cambridge and the UK 

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