Review of Sunset Boulevard (1950) by Adrian B — 26 Sep 2010
One could argue that Sunset Boulevard is one of those rare masterpieces where nasty words could be used as a compliment towards the film. For instance, the acting is "horrifying" good from Gloria Swanson, or the film itself is disturbing, ugly, and sinister on all accounts, causing one's skin to crawl, especially when Swanson has that little cigarette holder on her finger.
As well, the affair between Holden and Swansons' characters is just downright awful and her love for him is one of the most contemptible of the films. For all those reasons, this is why I love it, because Wilder stretched the boundaries at the time.
The film took risks and it payed off...BIGTIME! Essentially, as everyone says, a masterpiece. It is too bad that Holden did not take home Best Actor and I am torn between Swanson and Bette Davis from All About Eve to who should have one Best Actress (probably not Judy Holiday from Born Yesterday).
This review of Sunset Boulevard (1950) was written by Adrian B on 26 Sep 2010.
Sunset Boulevard has generally received very positive reviews.
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