Review of Sunset Boulevard (1950) by Nathan M — 03 Apr 2011

Not very challenging, but notable for its portrayal of decay and an escalating delusion of future grandeur. The deeply comprehensive narration and overacting by Gloria Swanson count as the primary drawbacks, but the latter might have been by design as her character was a washed up silent film actress, who apparently wasn't as impressive when she had to speak.

Visually there were impressive moments, but it is mostly just standard black and white fare with too little low key lighting in my opinion. Overall, its restricted by the conventions of its time, which prevented it from achieving an elevating subtlety that films like Roman Polanski's The Ghost Writer effortlessly grasp.