If you are looking for an exhaustive biography on Fellini, then keep looking. In fact, this film provides almost no background on this famous director at all--other than very briefly discussing his marriage. His childhood, hobbies, and why he became a director aren't discussed at all. Instead, the film is all about his directing and writing style. This discussion took me by surprise, as unlike Alfred Hitchcock (who meticulously planned EVERY detail), Fellini just seemed to 'wing it' during much of his career. The barest of scripts and the barest of instruction to his actors--these were hallmarks of a Fellini film. And yet, despite being very organic and evolving productions, many of his films are today seen as classics. In addition, the film discusses some of the 'Fellini touches'--quirky things that make his movies stand out--like his love of weird looking actors. It's obvious Fellini was a real character and his quirkiness comes out in this film big time--through interviews with various actors, biographers, directors and the like. It's all nice for folks who want to see how a director works or if you are a Fellini-phile. Otherwise, it's a film that the average person would probably not be drawn to seeing.
Review of The Magic of Fellini
The Magic of Fellini
(2002 TV Movie)
Not at all exhaustive but a nice discussion of Fellini's odd direction.
10 November 2011