8½1963
Both picked by Jerzy Skolimowski and Joanna Hogg in the Criterion Closet, both on Top 10 lists by Mary Ellen Mark and Monte Hellman, and both directed by Federico Fellini
- Criterion Collection
- Spine №219
- Commentary
- 1 track on the Channel player
Synopsis
When Gelsomina, a naïve young woman, is purchased from her impoverished mother by brutish circus strongman Zampanò to be his wife and partner, she loyally endures her husband's coldness and abuse as they travel the Italian countryside performing together. Soon Zampanò must deal with his jealousy and conflicted feelings about Gelsomina when she finds a kindred spirit in Il Matto, the carefree circus fool, and contemplates leaving Zampanò.
