Directed by:
Billy WilderCinematography:
John F. SeitzComposer:
Franz WaxmanCast:
William Holden, Gloria Swanson, Erich von Stroheim, Nancy Olson, Fred Clark, Franklyn Farnum, Jack Webb, Lloyd Gough, Cecil B. DeMille, Hedda Hopper (more)VOD (5)
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Billy Wilder directs this Oscar-winning classic expose of the Hollywood studio system. Struggling Hollywood writer Joe Gillis (William Holden) is attempting to avoid his creditors when he pulls his car into the garage of an apparently deserted mansion. He soon discovers that it is in fact the home of Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson), an ageing actress who was once a star of silent films. Desperate for money, Gillis agrees to work on a screenplay adaptation of 'Salome' which Norma has written for her intended comeback. Gillis then gradually becomes trapped in Norma's bizarre fantasy world, and when he tries to leave her, she makes an attempt at suicide. The film also features silent screen legends Cecil B. DeMille, Buster Keaton and Erich von Stroheim in supporting roles. (Paramount Home Entertainment)
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Reviews (10)
Another one of those movies that you hear about how great they are, how significant they are, and then you see them and realize that it's all really true. An amazing picture of Hollywood in its time. A tribute to the legends of the silent era, as well as a demonstration of how show business actually works. It's smart, it's very cynical, and it's truly breathtaking. A glimpse of Buster Keaton warms the heart.
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By watching Sunset Boulevard I have taken another necessary step towards the dream moment when I can finally call myself a full-fledged movie buff. It’s a concept that has remained practically unchanged over time and that we do not necessarily have to look at as a creation that has been obediently flattened according to the requirements of its era, and especially Hollywood. This, on the contrary, is a film that to a certain extent contradicts conventions, and by criticising them in a very innovative and striking way ("caustically" from the distributor's blurb is quite apt), it sends a quite clear message to future generations of filmmakers: I’m still here and you will not get rid of me. :) A beautiful Nancy Olson, a convincingly bleak Gloria Swanson, a charismatic Holden, and excellent direction by one of the greatest filmmakers of the 20th century. In other words, satisfaction. 90%
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It occurs to me that it's not exactly flattery when (for example) Hollywood is referred to as the Dream Factory. If it makes the audience dream, that's good. But when the stars HAVE to dream because of it, it's worse. Sunset Boulevard captures all this transience very convincingly, mercilessly passes it on and still has something to say. Buster Keaton's role (he said one word, but twice!) delighted me, and Gloria Swanson, William Holden and Erich von Stroheim thrilled me.
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Sunset Blvd. is one of those films that I have to constantly re-evaluate within myself because too many people try to reinterpret it and rape its premise. I'd recommend more study of Gloria Swanson's career, as without her you have no chance to grasp this Wilder pun, even if you may struggle to endlessly analyze the narrative to your own taste.
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The cool thing about this noir gem, aside from its impressive ode to classic Hollywood, is that it manages with equal brilliance to hold up a mirror to the entire tinsel colossus. Its non-trivial approach results, among other things, in the fact that Sunset Boulevard still has an absolutely timeless effect to this day and rightfully ranks among the absolute top of the film noir genre. [90%]
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