Masterpieces Classics: 8½ (1963)

Here's a fact that all film fans should know: Federico Fellini was one of the greatest directors of all time, no doubt about it. His ideas were original, and his films... Felliniesque.

His most Felliniesque and autobiographical film is 8½, starring his man-muse Marcello Mastroianni. 8½ and Fellini's previous work, La Dolce Vita are spiritual sequels in their own respects. Both star Mastroianni as men in the film industry, pursuing different women throughout.

Masterpieces Classics: La Dolce Vita (1960)

When I think of Fellini's La Dolce Vita, I think of the Trevi Fountain sequence. It may be the highlight of the film, but is it the film? No. It is a small part, and that's all.

La Dolce Vita, or in English, The Sweet Life, is actually quite bitter. The film, known for its divided sequences, is episodic. Unlike life, it has the boring parts cut, instead, remain memories. All of them, bitter, but they are memories, none the less, and they are the important ones that truly define Marcello.