Intervista

Federico Fellini is interviewed by a Japanese television crew who are preparing a report on his latest film. This sets the stage for an exploration of Fellini's creative process and the challenges he faces as he ages.

As the crew prepares to film a nighttime scene described by Fellini as 'the prisoner’s dream', he reflects on his struggles with aging. He feels the metaphorical weight of escaping a dark tunnel becoming increasingly daunting.

Once he breaks free from his dark reflections, Fellini finds himself at an astonishing height, gazing down at the Cinecittà studios. This imagery symbolizes his complex relationship with the filmmaking process and artistic freedom.

The next morning, Fellini joins the Japanese crew for a tour of the Cinecittà studios. They witness various outrageous television commercials being filmed, showcasing the extravagant side of Italian cinema.

During the tour, Fellini's casting director presents four young actors for the lead role of Karl Rossmann in his adaptation of Kafka's Amerika. This moment highlights Fellini's commitment to finding the perfect cast.

Fellini introduces the audience to Nadia Ottaviani, the charming female custodian of Cinecittà. She cleverly evades the interview by retreating into Studio 5's backlot to gather dandelions for herbal tea, reflecting the everyday magic of the film set.

Fellini's assistant director, Maurizio Mein, works at the Casa del Passeggero, now a drugstore. Fellini wishes to feature this location in his film, reminiscing about his first visit to Cinecittà during the Fascist regime in 1938.

Fellini interacts with his younger self, portrayed by Sergio Rubini, as crew members reconstruct the façade of the Casa del Passeggero. This scene bridges the gap between past and present in Fellini's cinematic world.

In a surreal sequence, a fake tramway transports the young Fellini from an American Wild West setting to a breathtaking cliff in Ethiopia. This journey epitomizes Fellini's imaginative storytelling and influences from diverse cultures.

Fellini interviews the matinee idol Katya during his adventures at Cinecittà. Katya serves as a homage to actress Greta Gonda, marking a significant connection to Fellini's past experiences in film.

As the narrative unfolds, the lines between reality and filmmaking blur. The audience is thrust into the tumultuous worlds of domineering directors and their chaotic productions, reflecting the unpredictability of cinema.

Fellini and Maurizio Mein tirelessly assemble the perfect cast for Amerika. Their efforts are complicated by disgruntled actors, unsettling bomb threats, and visits to Anita Ekberg's home for reenactments, highlighting the challenges mixed with creativity.

The film features bizarre screen tests with Kafka's character Brunelda, who finds herself in a bathtub with two young men. These peculiar moments amplify the surreal nature that is characteristic of Fellini's filmmaking.

As chaos looms, a thunderstorm threatens the production of Amerika, culminating in a bizarre attack led by faux Indians wielding television antennas as spears. This scene metaphorically represents the unpredictability of film production.

Back in Studio 5 at Cinecittà, Fellini offers a melancholy reflection on the completion of his film. He humorously responds to producers criticizing his somber ending, illuminating their world with a hopeful arc lamp's glow.