Billy Wilder's Sunset Boulevard, now 75 years old, continues to mesmerize audiences with its haunting portrayal of Hollywood's darker side. The film tells a ghost story about how the screenwriter is always the loser and the chump – Norma Desmond, played by Gloria Swanson as a reclusive former silent movie star, has written a screenplay but it's Joe Gillis, played by William Holden, who becomes her kept man.
The film boasts a superb script that remains sober in its judgment about the dangers of cinephilia and ancestor worship. Sunset Boulevard itself is an eerie street name with a chilling effect that echoes David Lynch's Mulholland Drive. This movie's unique blend of style and tragedy makes it one of the few films to deliver a satisfying ending – the downfall of Norma Desmond.
The film introduces Holden as Joe, a former copy boy in Ohio who has come to Los Angeles with big dreams but finds himself caught up in Norma's world after a car breakdown. This leads him into her house on Sunset Boulevard where confusion is cleared and he discovers his profession, but ends up staying at her place despite the oddities of her past.
As Joe gets drawn deeper into Norma's eccentric world, he becomes entangled with Betty Schaefer, production assistant played by Nancy Olson, who writes a genuinely good script. Their romance blossoms amidst Norma's disapproval – which adds depth to her already complex character.
Gloria Swanson shines in the film as the delusional and intense Norma Desmond whose performance is both captivating and sensual. It portrays Joe as someone who flourishes under Norma's tutelage despite his limitations, and it paints a poignant picture of love blossoming between two characters trapped by their pasts.
In Sunset Boulevard, Swanson plays a ghostwriter to perfection – bringing the character to life with wit, charm, and hilarity that has cemented her place as one of Hollywood legends. Her performance, however, is overshadowed by the film's larger message about the dangers of excessive admiration for Hollywood's glorious past.
The 75-year-old classic continues to serve as a cautionary tale – that movie professionals must not be held captive by it and continue innovating instead. As we appreciate this masterpiece now more than ever, we can see how its commentary has stood the test of time – and why Swanson will forever hold the place in our hearts as Norma Desmond.
The film boasts a superb script that remains sober in its judgment about the dangers of cinephilia and ancestor worship. Sunset Boulevard itself is an eerie street name with a chilling effect that echoes David Lynch's Mulholland Drive. This movie's unique blend of style and tragedy makes it one of the few films to deliver a satisfying ending – the downfall of Norma Desmond.
The film introduces Holden as Joe, a former copy boy in Ohio who has come to Los Angeles with big dreams but finds himself caught up in Norma's world after a car breakdown. This leads him into her house on Sunset Boulevard where confusion is cleared and he discovers his profession, but ends up staying at her place despite the oddities of her past.
As Joe gets drawn deeper into Norma's eccentric world, he becomes entangled with Betty Schaefer, production assistant played by Nancy Olson, who writes a genuinely good script. Their romance blossoms amidst Norma's disapproval – which adds depth to her already complex character.
Gloria Swanson shines in the film as the delusional and intense Norma Desmond whose performance is both captivating and sensual. It portrays Joe as someone who flourishes under Norma's tutelage despite his limitations, and it paints a poignant picture of love blossoming between two characters trapped by their pasts.
In Sunset Boulevard, Swanson plays a ghostwriter to perfection – bringing the character to life with wit, charm, and hilarity that has cemented her place as one of Hollywood legends. Her performance, however, is overshadowed by the film's larger message about the dangers of excessive admiration for Hollywood's glorious past.
The 75-year-old classic continues to serve as a cautionary tale – that movie professionals must not be held captive by it and continue innovating instead. As we appreciate this masterpiece now more than ever, we can see how its commentary has stood the test of time – and why Swanson will forever hold the place in our hearts as Norma Desmond.
. The way Billy Wilder tells this story about Hollywood's underbelly is haunting, like a ghostly whisper in your ear 
. I mean, who wouldn't be drawn into Norma Desmond's world, with her crazy screenplays and mansion on Sunset Boulevard? Gloria Swanson nails it as the delusional star, bringing so much energy to the role that it's hard not to get caught up in her chaos 
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. And that ending? Still gives me chills every time 
. It's a reminder to keep innovating and staying grounded, even in the face of all that Hollywood glamour 
. And Gloria Swanson? She's forever etched in my heart as Norma Desmond, the ultimate Hollywood legend 
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gloria swanson is a total legend here 
. The way Swanson plays Norma Desmond is just iconic – she's like this delusional queen who can't let go of her fame 
. And Holden's character, Joe Gillis, is so relatable – he's just trying to make a name for himself, but gets caught up in this crazy world 
. The film's unique style and atmosphere are still giving me chills, especially that eerie Sunset Boulevard setting 
. It's like David Lynch's Mulholland Drive, but more... nostalgic? Anyway, I think it's amazing how the film's message about not getting too caught up in Hollywood's past continues to resonate today 
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Her portrayal of a ghostwriter to perfection is truly mesmerizing. I also love how the film highlights the dangers of excessive admiration for Hollywood's glorious past – it's so relevant today! 
The way Billy Wilder weaves style and tragedy together is pure genius, making this one of my all-time favorite films. 
And let's not forget William Holden's performance as Joe Gillis – he brings such depth to the character, don't you think? 
It's truly a masterpiece! 
I'm loving the new appreciation for Sunset Boulevard! 75 years young and still giving us all the feels 
. The way Billy Wilder weaves storytelling with style and tragedy is pure magic 
. Gloria Swanson, oh how she brings that iconic character to life 
. It's like you can't help but be drawn in by her wit, charm, and those piercing eyes 
. But what I think really stands the test of time is the cautionary tale about Hollywood's darker side – it's a reminder to stay true to ourselves and keep innovating 
. Anyways, Sunset Boulevard is more than just a classic – it's an experience that leaves you mesmerized and wanting more 
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"The road to hell is paved with adoration" - that's what I think about people who still idolize Hollywood legends like Gloria Swanson's iconic character Norma Desmond, 75 years old and still mesmerizing us 
The way she's portrayed as a ghostwriter who brings the character to life with wit and charm is simply masterful. It's a cautionary tale about how movie professionals shouldn't be held captive by their past glories, but it's also a testament to Swanson's enduring legacy 
Still holding up 75 years later, the ultimate cautionary tale: don't get too caught up in the Tinseltown fantasy 
Sunset Boulevard is like, soooo hauntingly beautiful! Gloria Swanson is on point as the delusional Norma Desmond - she's got major sass and I am HERE FOR IT!!! 
It's wild to think Gloria Swanson brought Norma Desmond to life with such wit and charm 
The way the movie explores love, obsession, and the blurred lines between fame and madness is just SO captivating 
#SunsetBoulevardForever #BillyWilder #GloriaSwanson #ClassicFilm #HollywoodLegends
The way Billy Wilder crafts a film that's both darkly comedic and haunting is pure genius. Gloria Swanson gives the performance of a lifetime as the delusional and intense Norma Desmond - she's like a force of nature on screen. And William Holden, oh man, he's so relatable as the down-on-his-luck Joe Gillis. 
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. And the way Swanson brings Norma to life with her iconic performances is just masterful 
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. It's like a masterclass on how to tell a story with depth and complexity. And let's talk about Gloria Swanson as Norma Desmond – she's absolutely iconic 
... It's like Billy Wilder was tapping into something darker, more sinister than just a story about Hollywood's heyday. The way it portrays this obsession with old movies and the people who make them... it's just so unsettling 
the way it explores themes of love, fame, and identity is just genius. i think that's why this film has stood the test of time - it's not just a nostalgic trip back to old hollywood, but also a commentary on our society's obsession with celebrity culture 
75 years old is still so young for a film to be considered a classic 
What I love most about Sunset Boulevard is how it makes us appreciate the complexities of its characters... Joe's just a regular guy who gets swept up in Norma's world, and then there's Betty Schaefer - she's this talented production assistant who brings out the best in him. And Swanson? She's just pure perfection as the delusional Norma Desmond. It's like she owns that screen... I'm getting all nostalgic now thinking about it!