Stardust Memories

 Why don’t people like Woody Allen’s ‘Stardust Memories’?  "It’s a rip off of Fellini’s ‘81/2’, there’s too much going on".  Too much going on?  That’s what makes the film visually interesting there’s always something to look at, always direction and misdirection, it gives it a kinetic feel, it makes nothing look dynamic.  No doubt Allen understands how to give the cinematic to cinema and it shows.  It being too much like ‘81/2’ is fair criticism since he does virtually rob Fellini ver batem but being a fan of Fellini, ‘81/2’ is one of my favourite films, I’d like to defend Allen.  The reason why Allen can repeat Fellini is because he can imitate a great master while stamping his own style at the same time.  I allow Allen to indulge himself because if you don’t he stops being interesting.  He doesn’t rip Fellini because ‘81/2’ was such a success but because it really is one of his most admired films.  It’s a love letter to his art form and beautiful it is too.  And it’s funny while trying to get to grips with some big questions about the role of the comedian artist in a world of tragedy.  Write off ‘Stardust Memories’ at your own peril and if you are a fan of Fellini, don’t be scared, you’re in safe hands and it’s exactly what you want, to re-live ‘81/2’ while being offered something new.  It’s cinematic goldust.