Sunset Boulevard

Starring: William Holden, Gloria Swanson, Erich Von Stroheim, Fred Clark, Jack Webb, Hedda Hopper, Buster Keaton, Nancy Olson
Directed by: Billy Wilder
Rating: Not rated
Genre: Drama, Film-Noir, Romance
1950

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: An out of work screenwriter (William Holden) hides out in a garage of an old mansion. He soon discovers that the mansion belongs to an old, silent film star (Gloria Swanson). He goes to work for her, writing a terrible screenplay that she is convinced will be her comeback vehicle. As their time together lengths, he begins to feel more and more like a captive.

Review:

Tim: This film is so important and appealing because it is Hollywood taking an honest and real look at itself- and finding strong criticism. Pay attention to the commentary on excess and aging (and fading) fame and glory. It is rare for Hollywood to paint such an unflinching and unflattering picture of itself. This is one of the all time classics and is required viewing.

Gloria Swanson deserves a great deal of credit for taking a part that many other actresses turned down. She plays the role perfectly, and has the film's two most famous lines- "I am big, it's the pictures that got small," and "I'm ready for my close-up, Mr. Deville." These are two of the greatest film quotes of all time, and are really worth your time.

William Holden is very good as the young writer. He interacts well with Swanson and manages to be a good foundation with which to base the rest of the movie. Erich Von Stroheim adds in a very good supporting role. I thought Nancy Olson gave a remarkably strong performance as well, but she is often overlooked.

Sunset Boulevard is a classic and a must-see. Hollywood's commentary of itself here is particularly honest. On rare occasions like this, you need to be there to see it.

The story is so interesting because it holds a mirror up to some of the less glamorous aspects of Hollywood. What we see are all the darker sides. Sure, there might not be monkey funerals all the time, but the point is made. This is a big, important film, and one that too few younger movie viewers have seen. Truly important films like this are quite rare in Hollywood, so I strongly advise you not to pass this one by.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 8



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend:
Citizen Kane, Guilty By Suspicion