Fellini’s film 8 1/2 is a film about making a film in which reality and fantasy, and art and life intermingle in complex ways. At the abrupt end of the film, with Guido’s suicide, the confusion between life and fantasy is no longer beautiful; instead, it is disconcerting.
In Skyler’s “8 1/2,” a small peaceful port somewhere in Europe and somewhere back in time is about to be pounded by a violent storm. This storm will threaten the existence of the place. The giant moon has become a heavy bowling ball hurled toward the town. The storm, like a bowling ball thrown down a lane, can be heard, but it is yet to strike. It appears that the buildings are no better than bowling pins to be knocked down for some malevolent god’s amusement.
Whether this god is real or not, the damage to the port will be significant. The bowling shoes, size 8 1/2, are firmly planted on the ground reminding us to stay grounded but respectful to a wide range of perceptions. Even fanciful illusions may carry genuine and significant consequences for our lives.
