I was reading that Fellini was deep in Jungian psychoanalysis during this time. He kept a journal of drawings from his dreams, which influenced this film. 8 ½ represents Fellini’s own creative struggle and is considered autobiographical surrealism. Yes, “who needs linear narrative” for this film demolishes any preconceived ideas regarding narrative. This film is a series of dream images of one man’s creative process into the irrational subconscious mind, or could it be a LSD hallucination. Maybe we all need a little psychedelic help to get into Fellini?

-b