8 1/2

'8 1/2,' Federico Fellini's classic, is stunning in the way it balances brutal honesty with incredible absurdity. The film reveals itself in layer upon layer right up until the last scene, twising and turning on itself constantly while always digging deeper. Those who don't know its plot and are daring enough to enter into its world blindly should stop reading this review right here and find the nearest copy on DVD.

At its most surface level, the film is about Guido, a film director who is stuck looking for the story for his next film. His actors are present and prepared, his producer is anxious, and sets are being built - but no one, including Guido, knows what this next film will be about.

Deeper, the film is only partly about the above. Through fantasies, dreams, and memories, Guido learns not only what his film must be about, but what his life must be about. And if that sounds banal, believe that these words of description are to blame, not the way the film plays out.

'8 1/2' was filmed in beautifully crisp black and white, and each shot is so thoughtfully constructed that pausing the movie at almost any moment of it's 2:10 running time would create an image ideal for framing. Interestingly, it is also one of the greatest examples of 'meta' filmmaking ever released, all the more impressive considering its 1963 release date.

A small number of scenes seem out of place here, especially when they delve into the wackiness of silent film type action. Also, the storyline can get a bit confusing upon first viewing. These flaws are so minor, though, that they're like complaining about comma placement in the greatest book you've ever read.

'8 1/2' will without doubt not appeal to everyone, but even the most casual film fan should take the time to find out for themselves.

YES (9/10)