Review of Sunset Boulevard (1950) by Blake P — 17 Aug 2011

"Sunset Boulevard is great. By the time it had been made, Billy Wilder was already renowned with hits like "Double Indemnity", William Holden was becoming big, and had made "Golden Boy" and "I Wanted Wings", but Gloria Swanson was well .

.. a has been. She was a silent screen star, and had been washed up for almost twenty years when this movie was made. The question always loomed in my head through the entire movie: "Is Gloria basing Norma on herself?" Even with that question, there's no doubt about it-- it works.

"Sunset Boulevard" was widely acclaimed upon its release, and both critics and audiences alike loved it. With its dark comedy, drama, and film noir combined together, this movie just tastes delicious.

1950 was a tough time for the Academy Awards, with other big ones like "All About Eve" and "The Asphalt Jungle". Swanson could have definitely won the AA's, but when you had Bette Davis and Judy Holliday as competition, it's pretty tough.

Though Gloria did not win her award, that almost makes it better. The good thing about big movies is the actors give Oscar worthy performances. That is exactly what the cast does. Holden is great, and though normally a bit wooden, he handles every scene wonderfully, and makes his role more normal.

Olsen, who never made it big, also is great, and makes her innocent appeal go to the fullest, almost a heroine in some way. But of course, it's Gloria that steals the show. Lines like "I am big-- it's the pictures that got small.

" and "DeMille, I'm ready for my close-up" could be pretty nerdy lines, but she somehow makes them campy and memorable, and without her caress to each and every one, they would not be as legendary.

What I think is so impressive about her, is how perfect she acts. She overacts, but that's exactly what is needed. Would a crazy, washed-up silent screen star be? Yes. "Sunset Boulevard" deserves the title of one of the best movies ever made.