Original French release film poster for Federico Fellini’s masterpiece ‘8½’ (Otto e mezzo, 1963), one of the most celebrated films in cinema history. Distributed in France by Columbia Films S.A., this striking poster was printed by Cinematato, Paris. The bold graphic design employs a vivid red ground dominated by the large ‘8½’ title numeral, within which photographic stills of the cast are collaged — including a prominent oval portrait of star Marcello Mastroianni in his trademark hat. Behind the typography, an intricate ink-drawn scaffolding structure evokes the film’s iconic rocket-launch tower set, blending cinematic realism with abstract expressionism. Additional still photographs depict female cast members in costume, including a figure in white descending stairs and a group seated on scaffolding. Credits read ‘Réalisé par Federico Fellini’ with cast including Marcello Mastroianni, Claudia Cardinale, Anouk Aimée, Sandra Milo, Rossella Falk, Barbara Steele, and Madeleine Lebeau. Produced by Angelo Rizzoli. The Visa Ministériel number 802 is visible. The poster bears a small artist monogram (‘mp’) in the lower right corner. A highly collectible original from a landmark film, with superb two-colour graphic design typical of early 1960s French cinema poster art.
Visible centre horizontal and vertical fold lines consistent with storage folding. Some light toning/yellowing to the paper borders. Minor surface wear and light scuffing visible in detail shots. No visible tears, tape residue, or significant foxing detected from photographs.
