Review of Sunset Boulevard (1950) by Matt S — 14 Apr 2011

Sunset Boulevard is set in Hollywood during the 50s. Joe Gillis (William Holden) is a screenwriter, not one that is very well known, and is loaded with debts. He plans to return to his hometown and get away from his life, but while driving one day he meets up with people he did not want to see. Joe tries to escape and gets a flat tire, then parking in a seemingly empty garage. Little did he know that it belonged to the once acclaimed actress of silent films, Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson). Norma's career has basically been finished, and she lives alone in her mansion with only her butler, Max Von Mayerling (Erich von Stroheim) to keep her company. But once she meets up with Joe, and finds out that he is a screenwriter, she gets an idea. Norma asks Joe to read the screenplay she has been writing, and then to edit it. Since Joe is out of money and luck, he takes the offer and lives with her, but this turns out to be a not so good decision.

Wow, what an unbelievable film! Being such a big fan of movies, I am quite ashamed and embarrassed to say that I had not seen this film until now. Sunset Boulevard is fairly predictable, but it is made in such a way that it works today just as it did many years ago in 1950. The two main characters, Norma Desmond and Joe Gillis, are about as unforgettable as a character can be. As frightening as Norma Desmond was, I honestly cannot imagine what people were thinking when this came out. I mean, seriously? If "The Blob" was considered a horror film in 1958, then this must have been quite the ride for an audience of that time.

I often hear people say that Christopher Nolan's consistency as a director is equaled by none. And a name usually follows like Martin Scorsese, or Steven Spielberg. Even though that is an obviously ridiculous statement, any one who says it is no doubt not familiar with the works of Billy Wilder, or Fritz Lang for that matter. But that is another topic and another discussion. Billy Wilder is really a name people do not mention enough when talking about the best directors of all time. He truly had that vision of how to actually make a brilliant film. I know it is hard to compare older directors to newer ones, but Billy Wilder deserves to be on any best director list. His writing and direction are so perfect here, it really makes me mad to know that he did not win best director back when this came out. I was clearly not born in 1950, but if I had of been it would be a frustrating year between me and my relationship with The Academy.

The cast is absolutely incredible. Gloria Swanson takes the lead playing the crazy Norma Desmond, and how did she not win best actress? Another thing that I cannot understand. If I am even somewhat frightened by her portrayal of the character, after over 60 years, you know that it is excellent acting. She is scary, and all around amazing in playing such a disturbed character, because of her lack of fame. William Holden is not an actor that I know a whole lot about, but everytime I watch him in a film I really like his performance. Sunset Boulevard was no exception. This is actually most likely my favorite of his performances, though he was brilliant in Network. And the supporting actors were great as well. Erich von Stroheim was fantastic as the butler, and Nancy Olson was also very good. All around the acting was very good.

Overall, Sunset Boulevard is a film that will always be loved by me. It is brilliant in its approach to the real world of Hollywood. Billy Wilder has constructed an unforgettable film here, with both his writing and direction, backed up by great performances. Sunset Boulevard is the true definiton of a film masterpiece, that should be seen by any movie lover.