While I can’t pinpoint exactly when in my 20’s I discovered the films of Frederico Fellini, I can recall that it was via the landmark Criterion Collection library. 8 1/2 was the second of Fellini’s films that I watched, and it amazed me.

From its style and portrayal of Italy to the haunting, surreal and dreamlike quality of Fellini’s directing, 8 1/2 is a treasure. From the first scene, which puts you in the final moments of a literal dream, it is relentless in its hold on viewers many decades later.