The_Film_That_Changed_My_Life

8½
77
something that, as you live your life, and as you become a filmmaker, it
becomes more and more meaningful on every viewing. I just saw it again
four months ago, and it’s much more powerful now, in a way. It’s no less
powerful and much more meaningful.
Do you think that’s one of the hallmarks of great art? That you can
come back to it and find greater depth?
Jaglom: Yes, absolutely. If not greater depth, each time you can find different
things that you didn’t see before. You’re never bored by it, even though
it’s not about the story because you know what is going to happen next. It
just has a kind of shape and dynamic to it; it is the never-ending story. It
just appeals to you on so many different levels that interest can’t possibly
run out. When somebody tells me that they want to become a filmmaker—
when I meet kids or talk to students, film classes—I tell them that the first
thing they should do is see that film and make sure they really want to be
a filmmaker.
There’s a great introduction on the Criterion DVD with Terry Gilliam
talking about the hotel lobby scene, where Mastroianni dances among
members of his crew, all of whom have problems that need answers. He
says that’s exactly what it’s like directing a film. Having directed many
films yourself, is that a fair assessment?
Jaglom: Oh yeah, it is. It’s the ultimate dance between people and not
knowing what you’re doing, and acting as if you know what you’re doing.
It’s a very strange universe in which you are both the ruler and your own
victim. You seem to be in charge of everybody and everything, and you have
to have answers for everybody and everything. More often than not, you
don’t have an answer, but you have to give an answer. It’s a kind of universe
that you make up as you go along.
Why do you think so many films about films, about Hollywood, spin
out of control? The narratives spin out of control? The director, Guido,
just loses control?
Jaglom: I’ve never thought of that, but probably because the filmmaking
process is a completely chaotic one and a terrifying one. Like life, it can spin