Review of Sunset Boulevard (1950) by Jj M — 15 Jun 2011
The cynicism is deep in this one. Even the spritely Miss Schaefer came across cold in the end. But a technically flawless and extremely influential slice of film noir, which in turn seems to have been influenced itself by Gothic-style films of the 20s and 30s.
Norma Desmond is the witch, Max is the eeriely suspicious butler and Sunset Blvd. is the Wuthering Heights of Hollywood. Joe Gillis on the other hand is the personification of all that is sick in Hollywood - $$$.
And Billy Wilder disposes of him in a swimming pool just for that reason. A startling vision from the Wilder-man and a superbly taut thriller for the time.
This review of Sunset Boulevard (1950) was written by Jj M on 15 Jun 2011.
Sunset Boulevard has generally received very positive reviews.
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