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Left unmentioned was a third theory, of which I claim adherence even if it provides for lonely company. My theory is that none of Fellini's films are particularly good. No, I haven't seen every film he directed, but what I have seen has not been convincing, including the much-heralded La Strada.
But let's stick with 8 1/2, and begin with the title. Fellini fans are quick to mention that the title refers to the number of films he had made, with the fraction representing co-directed or short films, depending upon the source. But to take something as important as a title, and throw it away on an obscure reference unrelated to the film itself, is very telling.
The plot of 8 1/2, what there is of it, is indeed ironic, as it mirrors Fellini's life at the time. (All except that he is not as cool as Marcello Mastroianni, and is not constantly surrounded by affected fashion models.) Fellini couldn't decide upon a worthy project, so why not make a film about a director who can't decide what his next film should be?
If this was the beginning of the story, rather than the end, perhaps something could be made of it. Fellini's romp into surrealism discusses religion and mistresses with the droll humor of someone who believes his own studio publicity. Without legitimate characters or a script with substance, the movie becomes a series of mildly interesting images with associated humor that doesn't quite work.
But my opinion is decidedly in the minority, and if you believe that 8 1/2 is a masterpiece, feel free to send me heated email to the contrary. At any rare, be aware that directors as well as emperors can parade naked down the street, with toadies in tow lavishing praise on his costume.
8 1/2 did manage to win two Oscars; Best Black & White Costumes
(Piero Gherardi) and Best Foreign Language Film. Fellini received a nod
for Best Director, and the sets and script also landed nominations.
The British Academy Awards was more somewhat wary, as the film
received a single nomination, for Best Film, one of eleven in that
category.