8½ (1963)

This is Federico Fellini's masterpiece about a director's personal struggle in making a personal film. Indeed, the film is a joy to watch with all of its animated characters and the escapades between exaggerated real life, memories, and fantasy.

Guido Anselmi is hounded by his producers when he become increasingly reluctant to cast characters and to shoot the film as it's written. At the same time, he is courted by prospective actresses as he tries to salvage his marriage and be true to the many, many women who have impacted his life.

The camera movements are particularly notable as are the superb performances. Shot in striking black and white, most of the women wear bright white outfits and the men are in black. Background conversations echo some of the prevalent themes in Italy in the 1960's too. The film is a slice of time.

IMDB