8 1/2 (1963) Federico Fellini
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0056801/

81/2 tells the story of Guido Anselmi (Marcello Mastroianni), a Director who is adrift in a world of scripts, actors and actresses, and Studio heads that all want something from him. Guido is suffering from writers block and just isn’t sure he’ll be able to produce anything he or his Studio Team will find worthwhile. Sprinkle in a failing marriage and a mistress he has grown somewhat tired of and you have the perfect recipe for something going wrong in a major way.

This movie is beautifully shot and tells a story I think everyone can identify with – self doubt and coming to grips with one’s life. Anselmi not only looks at where he is, but also looks at where he’s been as he dreams of his parents and his life as a small boy growing up in a strict Catholic school. Every scene is a glorious example of Fellini’s work. He weaves a tale that is charming, entertaining, humorous and heartwarming. Colorful characters interact in a whirlwind of Italian style and glamour.

Fellini’s 81/2 is near and dear to me. I think I watch it about three times a year and I never tire of it. I’m not sure I ever will.