In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen.


Marcello Mastroianni.

I think if I was ever to cast an actor as a lead for a European period film of the 40s and 50s, I would choose Marcello Mastroianni. The only thing is that he's passed away already, so too bad.

I bought a book called Federico Fellini: The Complete Films. It's not bad. I like Fellini's stuff. I mean, travelling from the world of neorealism to surrealism... haha. His films are like his life: forever heading in the direction of escapism (some people disagree on this... don't worry, just my opinion).

I've only ever seen one of his films - Otto e Mezzo (8 1/2 - 1963). It was enough to blow my mind away. There Mastroianni actually acts as a director in creative paralysis. In real life, Fellini himself didn't know what the hell the film was going to be about, until the shooting started... incredible, huh? In the end he actually decided to document his creative paralysis in Otto e Mezzo. He thought it was a poor effort of imagination but the production as already underway and couldn't halt the process. Of course, he was pleasantly surprised he won and Oscar for it.

Mastroianni, up till the production of Otto e Mezzo, had been touted as Fellini's onscreen alter ego. When everyone saw this film, it was a confirmation.

Mastroianni is Fellini onscreen, down to the signature black suit and ominous hat.

Why am I talking about dead celebrities? Envy for the glory of those long passed? I wish one day I could great like Fellini, for someone to call me Il Maestro, all around the world.

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam