Rob Marshall directs this big-budget musical based on the classic Fellini film 8 1/2. Set in early 1960s Venice, the film follows famous film director Guido Contini (Daniel Day-Lewis) as he struggles to complete his latest project on the eve of his 40th birthday. Meanwhile, he must also juggle the various colourful women in his life: his wife Luisa (Marion Cotillard), his mistress Carla (Penelope Cruz), his muse Claudia (Nicole Kidman), his producer Liliane (Judi Dench), his mother (Sophia Loren) and even a prostitute who resurfaces from the depths of his past (Stacy Ferguson). Kate Hudson co-stars as the American journalist who interviews him about his life and work.

Her marriage on the rocks, Lizzie Cronin (Phoebe Cates) is forced to return to her domineering mother. In desperation, Lizzie calls upon Fred (Rik Mayall), the imaginary friend of her childhood, to help her through this difficult period. But Fred proves to be more hindrance than help - the effects of his actions are far from imaginary and Lizzie must take the blame.