Watch Intervista

"Intervista" is a 1987 Italian film directed by Federico Fellini. The movie is a unique blend of documentary and fiction, where the director attempts to capture the essence of cinema and its evolution over the years. The film is divided into two parts, the first part is a documentary-style account of the making of a film directed by Fellini himself, while the second part is a fictionalized account of an interview between Fellini and a young journalist.

The first half of the movie is set on a film set where Fellini is directing a film called "The Journey of G. Mastorna." As the crew rushes to complete the final shots of the movie, Fellini takes the audience on a journey through the history of cinema, highlighting the works of some of the greatest filmmakers of all time. He discusses the evolution of cinema, from silent films to talkies, and how it has impacted the art form. Throughout the course of this section, the audience sees the crew working on the set, and get a behind-the-scenes look into how a movie is made.

The second half of the movie takes place after the completion of the film. Fellini, along with his production assistant, gets interviewed by a young journalist. The first part of the interview is a whimsical and surreal conversation that often veers off-course, exploring Fellini's life, family, and his relationships with women. However, as the interview progresses, it delves deeper into the nature of cinema and the role of the director in it. Fellini becomes introspective and reflective, pondering the question of whether cinema has the power to evoke emotions in its audience or if it is simply a fantasy.

Throughout the film, Fellini portrays himself as a sort of magician, able to create worlds and characters out of thin air, and evoke emotions in the viewers through his art. He poses the question whether cinema is simply a lie, or whether it is capable of holding within it the truth of the human experience. It’s a question that the film doesn't provide a clear answer to, but that won't stop the viewers from continuing to ponder it long after the credits roll.

The movie is shot beautifully, with a mix of color and black and white shots that give it a distinctive cinematic look. The cinematography captures the magic of the process of movie-making, with lingering, dreamlike shots of the film crew at work. The music, composed by Nicola Piovani, is deftly utilized to evoke the right emotions at the right times, and to underscore the power and universality of cinema.

The film features a talented cast, including Sergio Rubini, Antonella Ponziani, and Maurizio Mein. Each of them brings depth to their respective roles, and they all create well-realized characters.

In conclusion, “Intervista” is a unique and fascinating film that delves deeply into the nature of cinema and its power to evoke emotions. It's an artistic and philosophical exploration of the art of filmmaking, and a tribute to some of the greatest filmmakers in history. Worth watching for any cinephile, it's a movie that will leave viewers thoughtful and introspective long after the credits roll.