ego and vanity

His films like *8½* and *La Dolce Vita* dissect artistic ego, narcissism, and the hollow pursuit of fame with dreamlike complexity.

He explored ego, power dynamics, and self-destruction through intense character studies that expose vanity in personal relationships and social hierarchies.

His melodramas obsessively examine vanity, desire, and wounded egos, particularly through flamboyant characters whose self-image drives their tragic trajectories.