The read
A Balasaur Score of 86 out of 100, drawn from IMDb 8/10, Rotten Tomatoes 97%, Metacritic 93/100. Critics rate it 13 points higher than audiences do. Scores higher than 94% of the 762 1960s drama movies in this catalog. Streaming on Max and Tubi.
Synopsis
Guido Anselmi, a film director, finds himself creatively barren at the peak of his career. Urged by his doctors to rest, Anselmi heads for a luxurious resort, but a sorry group gathers—his producer, staff, actors, wife, mistress, and relatives—each one begging him to get on with the show. In retreat from their dependency, he fantasizes about past women and dreams of his childhood.
Ratings
IMDb8/10
Rotten Tomatoes97%
Metacritic93/100
Critics rate it 13 points higher than audiences do.
2,586 audience votes
Key crew
- Ennio FlaianoScreenplay
- Tullio PinelliScreenplay
- Brunello RondiScreenplay
- Nino RotaOriginal Music Composer
- Federico FelliniDirector
- Federico FelliniScreenplay
Cast
- Marcello MastroianniGuido Anselmi
- Claudia CardinaleClaudia
- Anouk AiméeLuisa Anselmi
- Sandra MiloCarla
- Rossella FalkRossella
- Barbara SteeleGloria Morin
- Madeleine LebeauMadeleine, the French Actress
- Caterina BorattoMysterious Lady
- Eddra GaleLa Saraghina
- Guido AlbertiPace, the Producer
- Mario ConocchiaConocchia, the Production Manager
- Bruno AgostiniBruno, the Second Production Secretary
Stills
Movies like 8½
Themes
dying and deathadulterydepressionindividualunsociabilityscreenplaysuicide attemptmissilescapegoatmovie businessallegorydifficult childhood
The Best Movies of 1963
8½ is #3 of 60
