Review of Sunset Boulevard (1950) by Jon C — 29 Mar 2015

A cool story about the pressure of Hollywood.

Joe is a hack writer for the industry and sadly he is in a heap of a mess with some guys who he owes a debt to.

So he takes seclusion in a washed-up actress's house unbeknownst to him where she reveals her true demented self.

Gloria Swanson had the dead-eye expression and is cheerfully over-the-top.

She's been forgotten by the entertainment business and as a result is mentally unfit and suicidal, her whole life has been behind the camera and she would do anything to get back in the spotlight.

Joe is taken under her wing and says grow up and act your age, you cant pretend to be young anymore.

The movie industry is impeccably described here and the dark turns the story takes increase the frightening foreshadowing of a grisly end.

This is what happens when someone who just wants to make it back cant let go of what's around them.

Joe and Norma have chemistry with so many clashing thoughts and ideals about fame, stardom, comebacks, and embracing the new age of film.

Black-and-white noir filmmaking with a clear, brief view of the subject.