Sunset Boulevard (1950)

Detailed Summary

Introduction and Setting

Sunset Boulevard is a classic American film noir directed by Billy Wilder. The film is a dark and cynical take on Hollywood, focusing on themes of obsession, delusion, and the destructive nature of fame. It is set in Los Angeles, primarily on the titular Sunset Boulevard.

The Narration and Beginning

The film opens with a dead body floating in a swimming pool, narrated by Joe Gillis (William Holden), a struggling screenwriter. He begins recounting the events that led to his demise, providing a flashback to six months earlier.

Joe Gillis’ Struggles

Joe is having a hard time making ends meet in Hollywood. He is behind on his car payments and unable to sell his scripts. While trying to evade repo men, Joe ends up with a flat tire and drives into the driveway of a dilapidated mansion on Sunset Boulevard.

Meeting Norma Desmond

The mansion belongs to Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson), a former silent film star who has faded into obscurity. Norma lives with her loyal butler, Max (Erich von Stroheim). Mistaking Joe for an undertaker for her deceased pet chimpanzee, Norma eventually discovers his real profession and asks him to help her with a script she believes will be her comeback vehicle.

The Arrangement

Seeing an opportunity, Joe agrees to edit Norma’s overly ambitious and poorly written script. Norma offers him room and board at her mansion, and Joe reluctantly moves in. As he becomes more involved with Norma, he realizes her deep-seated delusions about her stardom and her belief that she is still adored by the public.

The Descent into Madness

Norma becomes increasingly possessive and controlling, isolating Joe from the outside world. She makes attempts to rekindle her career, contacting her old director, Cecil B. DeMille (playing himself), who humors her but has no real interest in her script. Joe starts a secret relationship with Betty Schaefer (Nancy Olson), a young script reader engaged to his friend Artie (Jack Webb).

The Climax

Norma discovers Joe’s affair with Betty and in a fit of rage, confronts them. Joe decides to leave Norma, but she threatens to kill herself. Joe coldly tells her the truth about her faded career and the hopelessness of her comeback. In a tragic climax, Norma shoots Joe as he is packing to leave. He falls into the pool, completing the opening scene of the film.

The Famous Ending

In the aftermath, Norma descends into complete madness, believing she is finally making her return to the screen. The police and media arrive, and Norma, in a delusional state, believes they are her film crew. She descends the staircase in her mansion, delivering the iconic line, “All right, Mr. DeMille, I’m ready for my close-up,” as the camera fades to black.

Movie Ending

The film ends with Norma Desmond completely lost in her delusions of grandeur, preparing for what she believes is her triumphant return to film, while being arrested for Joe’s murder. The haunting final scene emphasizes the tragic downfall of a once-great star.

Post-Credits Scene

There are no post-credits scenes in Sunset Boulevard.

Type of Movie

Sunset Boulevard is a film noir, blending elements of drama, crime, and psychological thriller. It is also a poignant commentary on the fleeting nature of fame and the dark side of Hollywood.

Cast

• William Holden as Joe Gillis
• Gloria Swanson as Norma Desmond
• Erich von Stroheim as Max von Mayerling
• Nancy Olson as Betty Schaefer
• Jack Webb as Artie Green
• Cecil B. DeMille as himself

Film Music and Composer

Franz Waxman composed the film’s score, enhancing the dramatic and suspenseful atmosphere.

Filming Locations

The film was shot primarily in Los Angeles, California. Key locations include:

• Norma Desmond’s mansion, represented by a real mansion on Wilshire Boulevard that has since been demolished.
• Paramount Studios, where the scenes involving Cecil B. DeMille were filmed.

Awards and Nominations

Sunset Boulevard received numerous prestigious awards, including:

• Academy Awards: Won Best Writing (Story and Screenplay), Best Art Direction (Black-and-White), Best Music (Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture). Nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (William Holden), Best Actress (Gloria Swanson), Best Supporting Actor (Erich von Stroheim), Best Supporting Actress (Nancy Olson), Best Cinematography (Black-and-White), and Best Film Editing.
• Golden Globe Awards: Won Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Director, Best Actress (Gloria Swanson), Best Score.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Gloria Swanson, a real-life silent film star, drew from her own experiences in Hollywood for her portrayal of Norma Desmond.
• The film’s commentary on the fleeting nature of fame and the impact of the transition from silent films to talkies is deeply rooted in the real history of Hollywood.
• Erich von Stroheim, who played Norma’s butler Max, was also a famous silent film director, adding another layer of authenticity to the film.

Inspirations and References

The film draws inspiration from the real-life decline of silent film stars and the broader theme of Hollywood’s obsession with youth and relevance. It also references real-life figures and events, making it a semi-autobiographical take on the industry’s dark side.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

The final cut of Sunset Boulevard closely follows Billy Wilder’s vision. Some deleted scenes and alternate endings have been discussed but are not widely available in special editions or DVD releases.

Book Adaptations and Differences

While no direct novelizations exist, various books and essays analyze the film, exploring its themes, impact on cinema, and commentary on Hollywood.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• Joe Gillis’ discovery of Norma Desmond’s mansion.
• The initial meeting between Joe and Norma.
• The New Year’s Eve party where Joe realizes the depth of Norma’s obsession.
• The scene where Joe discovers the truth about Max’s past.
• The climactic confrontation between Joe and Norma.
• The final scene with Norma descending the staircase.

Iconic Quotes

• “I am big. It’s the pictures that got small.” – Norma Desmond
• “All right, Mr. DeMille, I’m ready for my close-up.” – Norma Desmond
• “We didn’t need dialogue. We had faces!” – Norma Desmond
• “No one ever leaves a star. That’s what makes one a star.” – Norma Desmond

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• The film includes several real-life figures from the silent film era, such as Buster Keaton and Cecil B. DeMille, adding a layer of authenticity and historical context.
• Norma writes a script that tells a Salome story, reflecting her obsession with past glories and biblical grandeur.

Trivia

• The film’s budget was around $1.75 million, and it grossed over $5 million worldwide.
• The mansion used for Norma Desmond’s home was a real mansion owned by J. Paul Getty.
• Critics and audiences consider Gloria Swanson’s performance as one of the greatest in cinematic history, praising her for bringing depth and complexity to the role of Norma Desmond.

Why Watch?

Sunset Boulevard is a masterful blend of film noir, drama, and psychological thriller that offers a haunting and insightful look at the darker side of Hollywood. Its compelling story, memorable characters, and iconic scenes make it essential viewing for any film enthusiast.

Director’s Other Movies

Billy Wilder also directed:

• Double Indemnity (1944)
• Some Like It Hot (1959)
• The Apartment (1960)
• Sabrina (1954)
• Witness for the Prosecution (1957)

Recommended Films for Fans

• All About Eve (1950)
• Citizen Kane (1941)
• Chinatown (1974)
• Vertigo (1958)
• Network (1976)

Sunset Boulevard is a movie with a timeless quality that looks at fame, obsession, and the inevitable march of time in a really thoughtful way. Its lasting impact on cinema and culture shows how important this film really is.