You are very lucky. I saw a nice print of La Dolce Vita recently, but I’ve been wanting to see 8 1/2 on the big screen for a while.
I saw 8 1/2 on the big screen a couple months ago, and yes, I had the same reaction.
It’s truly an overwhelming visual experience. The blackest blacks and the whitest whites collid to create something better than color. It’s one of the essential films and should ideally be seen on the big screen.
I saw it on the big screen over ten years ago (?) and my passion for the film grew. Anyone who underestimates Fellini should watch this film in a theater.
My home city is most deficient in showing classic films in good 35mm prints. I got a chance to see Mizoguchi’s UGETSU in a tattered print that looked more dark brown and gray than black and white but it was still a great experience because you could feel the cutting and the camera movement. Even better was Ingmar Bergman’s THE SILENCE which I saw last year, still remember every second. Anyone who says Bergman is a theatre bound film-maker ought to see that film and weep for the fools they are.
I am from Singapore and just watched the 35mm yesterday too. I have seen it twice before, but it is a completely different experience; i understand the film in a deeper level. I also came out of the film, at the foyer, thinking I was Mastroianni acting as Fellini and seeing everyone through a camera lens and everyone were actors dressed in clown suits and then they as the same, looking at me dressed in a clown suit.
Rick
The experience can only be summed up in three succinct words……Holy Fucking Shit. If you ever have the opportunity to see this on the big screen, I strongly suggest you seize it.