
On FilmInk – http://www.filmink.com.au/features/come-fly-with-me-ndash-birdman-and-fellini/
Glen Falkenstein explores the similarities between a couple of Oscar winners
“All art is autobiographical… Even if I set out to make a film about a fillet of sole, it would be about me.”
Italian filmmaker Federico Fellini, of 8 ½ fame, liked to make films that said something, about himself, and about film. His post-neorealist, dream-filled, highly-symbolic self-indulgent classic stands as a benchmark for the growing clique of filmmakers who like to watch, and create, films about film.
For Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, fresh of winning Best Director and Best Picture for Birdman, or the Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance, 8 ½ was clearly more than an inspiration. The films, sharing more than just motifs and similar themes, are cathartic experiments for filmmakers and moviegoers who want more from cinema than a box of popcorn with a beginning, middle and end.
Both open with a man flying…