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
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