Oldies Movie Review - Sunset Boulevard

Director: Billy Wilder
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 110 minutes
Year: 1950
Starring: Gloria Swanson, William Holden, Erich von Stroheim, Nancy Olsen, Fred Clarke, Lloyd Cough. Jack Webb

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2024 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 25: A MOVIE FROM THE 1950s
 
Description: A screenwriter (William Holden) develops a dangerous relationship with a faded film star (Gloria Swanson) determined to make a triumphant return.

Review: Hollywood used to be shown as a paradise of glamour. Stars always lookd perfect and their status was maintained by the press courtesy of the powerful studio bosses. Anyone who worked in Hollywood knew that this world might be so beautiful on the outside, but was way darker behind the scenes. Director Billy Wilder created a portrait of this with “Sunset Boulevard”.

William Holden plays screenwriter Joe. He meets the once celebrated star of silent film, Norma Desmond. She disappeared from the Hollywood stage when the sound film took over. Living in a delusion herself, she thinks she is making a comeback. When Norma hears Joe is a writer, she wants him to help her with her comeback. He is allowed to live with Norma and she develops feelings for him. But it’s not mutual. And when Joe gets involved with a woman his own age, tensions run high.

Wilder used many authentic details, such as real names and cameos of illustrious Hollywood icons. And he used real locations. And Gloria Swanson herself, who plays Norma, was one a big Hollywood star in silent movies who became passé when the sound film came along. And casting her was the best choice.
Although Norma verges on madness, Swanson manages to make her a wonderful character who is not one-dimensional. She may be extremely theatrical and ill at ease, but she also has a charm that comes out.

There is a reason why “Sunset Boulevard” is on so many “best films of all time” lists. Wilder’s directorial work, the script, the casting, the authentic details and cinematography make the film a masterful classic.

Rating: 4/ 5