In an attempt to broaden my taste and experience in movies I rented 8 1/2 last night. I guess I chose it because of the incredible accolades it gets from critics and movie fans alike. I didn't dislike the movie but I can't say I enjoyed it either.

I think I just may need help enjoying this movie. Anyone want to share their thoughts on why they did/didn't like this movie? Also, does it get better with multiple viewings?

Honestly, I have only seen 8 1/2 once, and it may be my favorite movie of all time. I just bought the CC recently and I cannot wait to view it several more times. I just thought that it was a beautiful film to look at. The opening dream sequence is amazing! I really can't put into words why I love this film so much!!!

I bought the CC version as a blind purchase. I watched it a couple months ago, and I enjoyed it, but I wasn't overwhelmed. However, for the past several weeks, thoughts of the film keep popping into my head. The more I think about it the more I like about it, and I think I'm ready to watch it again. I guess I just didn't know what to expect the first time around. Now that I know what it's all about I think I can appreciate it much more.

I would not recommend 8 1/2 as an introduction to Fellini. It may be his best film, but you probably should see Amarcord or an earlier film to get an idea of what he's about. And yes, it is much better on subsequent viewings, . Further appreciation may be found from the Criterion extras, but YMMV.

Watching this film for the first time can be daunting, since Guido (the main character) slips in and out of a fantasy world with little notice. After you've seen it a couple of times it gets easier. The thing for me is, once you figure out what's real and what's in his head, the movie is so completely beautiful and enthralling that it overwhelms me every time I see it...

Here's a guy who has just had a big success, and everybody is on his back to repeat it. He is almost paralyzed with insecurity, he can't stop being influenced by his childhood and his parents, everybody nags him, he wants to bang every woman he knows (except his wife, of course), and NOBODY WILL LEAVE HIM ALONE! These are feelings that all of us have experienced to some extent, at one time or another. And Fellini was able to bring it to life in a way no one else has every done.

Incredible.