Review of Sunset Boulevard (1950) by Ninon M — 15 Sep 2017
'Sunset Boulevard' is a fascinating mise en abyme of Hollywood, where an unsuccessful screenwriter sees slowly a trap narrowing around him, tauten by another victim of the showbiz, Norma, an aging silent star whose noxious madness rises throughout Wilder's bleak drama, attaining a tragic paroxysm at the end.
Watching 'Sunset Boulevard' is like a frightening trip into madness, exhilarating and astoundingly rich. The film also draws an acerbic portrait of two Hollywoods; the first one being the faded, forgotten, ghostly Hollywood of Norma, the second one the penniless but inspired Hollywood of Joe.
A contrast made more vivid by the facially expressive acting of Gloria Swanson (true silent film star), in rupture with Holden's much more spontaneous portrayal of Joe (obviously coming from a different age).
On the whole, 'Sunset Boulevard' is a great cinematic discovery.
This review of Sunset Boulevard (1950) was written by Ninon M on 15 Sep 2017.
Sunset Boulevard has generally received very positive reviews.
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