William Holden is the struggling screenwriter who pulls into Norma's driveway on Sunset Boulevard to avoid having his car repossessed. Here, in the fading dusk, he comes upon a strange and macabre sight. The movie Queen is laying to rest her cherished pet chimpanzee with all the solemnity of a real funeral. Her only companion is Max, her valet and first husband, played to perfection by Erich von Stroheim.

Sunset Boulevard is chock full of great lines.

"We had faces then."

"I am big it's the pictures that got small."

And of course "I'm ready for my close-up Mr. DeMille."

Directed by the incredible Billy Wilder and filmed in glorious black and white, Sunset Boulevard is pure melodrama. Gloria Swanson has simply created the greatest original screen character in movie history.

Eric
Well, let me point out that Patrick contradicts himself. First he notes that the lead "is played by real life faded silent movie queen Gloria Swanson." Then later in the review credits her as creating "the greatest original screen character in movie history." Hello, how original and creative is it to have a faded silent movie star play a faded silent movie star?

That said, the movie is a wonderful, yet sad look into the private life of a movie star who is "still proudly waving to a parade that has long since passed." High melodrama with Gloria Swanson hamming it up every chance she gets.

Scott
Well, now that Eric has finished reviewing Patrick's review, let's get back to reviewing the movie.

This is one of those movies with so much atmosphere it sucks you right in. A dark atmosphere that is held together by William Holden's 'beyond the grave' narration. An idea that would be ripped off nearly fifty years later by American Beauty.

I think Patrick hit upon the right word in his review, "Decay". In Norma's mansion, it fairly drips from the walls.

Beautifully filmed by Billy Wilder, with brilliant acting jobs by Swanson and Holden, this is a true classic.

Photos © Copyright 1950 Paramount Pictures All Rights Reserved