Movies

Why ‘Sunset Boulevard’ is the Must-See Classic You Can’t Afford to Miss!

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You don’t necessarily have to watch Billy Wilder’s masterpiece, the noir/dark comedy “Sunset Boulevard,” to grasp why it’s considered one of the greatest and most iconic films ever made. Many people are familiar with its famous lines (“I am big — it’s the pictures that got small!” or “Mr. DeMille, I’m ready for my close-up now!”) and have likely seen at least a clip or shot from the movie featuring Norma Desmond, the delusional and faded silent film star, portrayed brilliantly by Gloria Swanson, who was also a veteran of Hollywood’s silent film era.

However, delving deeper into why Sunset Boulevard remains relevant after 75 years, the movie focuses on Joe Gillis, portrayed by William Holden, who unwillingly aids Norma in her quest to revive her film career. The story unfolds with strange and ultimately disastrous consequences. The film’s technical prowess, notably its cinematography and set design, is equally matched by its incisive script and enduring portrayal of the cynical underbelly of Hollywood’s glamorous facade, which hides deep-seated problems like dysfunction and self-centeredness.

A Noir Set in an Old Mansion

Sunset Boulevard may not feature a classic hard-boiled detective, but it mirrors many aspects of the noir films popular in Hollywood during the 1940s and ’50s. For instance, it’s set in Los Angeles and revolves around a morally ambiguous male protagonist, or an “anti-hero.” Similar to these classic noir productions, director Billy Wilder employs expressionistic camera angles and dramatic contrasts between light and shadow to portray Norma Desmond’s mansion as ominous and threatening. This cinematography hints at the fact that Norma Desmond’s illusions of a return to grandeur are anything but harmless.

Sunset Boulevard uses voiceover narration and flashbacks, a characteristic often seen in noir films from that era, to unfold its narrative. Remarkably, this film predominantly comprises one extended flashback. The story opens with Joe’s lifeless body discovered floating in a pool by police and journalists, setting the stage for the rest of the film, which recounts how he ended up there. Interestingly, the movie’s conclusion is revealed at the outset, creating a sense of fatalism, suggesting that the events unfolding throughout the movie were destined to occur.

Perhaps the key element of any film noir is the captivating yet enigmatic woman known as a femme fatale, who usually develops romantic or sexual relationships with the male lead, only to betray or endanger him later in the movie. However, Norma Desmond deviates from the typical femme fatale in several aspects, such as her advanced age and flamboyant demeanor. Instead, she bears more resemblance to Bette Davis’ character in “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?” (1962) rather than Barbara Stanwyck’s character in “Double Indemnity” (1944), which Wilder also directed.

Relevant Themes About Hollywood and the Film Industry

Beyond its outstanding technical quality, captivating narrative, and memorable acting, what makes Sunset Boulevard a significant film lies in the enduring portrayal of Hollywood’s cynical side. To this day, many aspiring screenwriters can identify with Joe’s struggle to get his scripts noticed by major studios and the financial challenges that come with pursuing a career in Hollywood. The scene where he seeks financial aid from his agent (Lloyd Gough) at a golf course resonates deeply as the agent refuses, justifying it by stating that Gillis must endure hardship to become a better screenwriter. This rationale appears hypocritical and self-serving, particularly considering that the agent is golfing with his wealthy friends while Joe seeks help. It’s not difficult to imagine that similar selfish and condescending attitudes exist among many individuals in Hollywood today.

Beyond doubt, Norma, despite her delusions and instability, stirs a sense of sympathy due to the harsh treatment she received from an industry she significantly contributed to in its early stages. While figures such as Cecil B. DeMille (depicted in the movie, alongside other icons like silent-film star Buster Keaton and gossip columnist Hedda Hopper) were able to persist post-transition from silent films to talkies, it’s unfortunate that actresses like Norma were deemed outdated.

The tragic end of Norma’s film career, brought about by technological advancements in moviemaking, resonates strikingly with the advent of AI in modern times. This development has fueled concerns about AI potentially supplanting human actors and scriptwriters in the realm of movie production.

There’s a hint of authenticity to how Norma’s age and looks impacted her career decline, and later efforts to rejuvenate it by opting for treatments that give her a more youthful appearance in the second half of the movie. In modern times, Hollywood has faced criticism for valuing actresses primarily when they are young (and presumably attractive), while male actors are often allowed to age gracefully without losing their appeal.

In fact, that very topic is explored in the 2024 movie titled “The Substance“, featuring Demi Moore. However, the film “Sunset Boulevard” tackled this issue about gender inequality in Hollywood roughly three-quarters of a century earlier than “The Substance“, at a time when the industry was arguably even more biased against women.

‘Sunset Boulevard’ Is the Quintessential Film About Hollywood

Seventy-five years after its release, Sunset Boulevard continues to captivate audiences for numerous reasons. Its memorable dialogue, coupled with standout performances, has solidified it as a defining work. Moreover, its insightful commentary on the film industry feels strikingly relevant even today. Among many films that depict Hollywood, Sunset Boulevard stands out as an exceptional gem. Directed by one of the most celebrated filmmakers in history, this movie is arguably his masterpiece. You can stream it now on MGM+.

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2025-05-24 17:32

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