SUNSET BLVD. (1950)

Film of the Day #104

SUNSET BOULEVARD
1950 • Billy Wilder

Screenplay: Charles Brackett, Billy Wilder, D. M. Marshman Jr.
Producer: Charles Brackett
Cast: William Holden, Gloria Swanson, Erich von Stroheim, Nancy Olson, Fred Clark, Lloyd Gough, Jack Webb
Cinematography: John F. Seitz
Music: Franz Waxman

Paramount Pictures

I am big! It’s the pictures that got small.

Sunset Blvd. takes us on a haunting journey through the dark underbelly of Hollywood. The film remains an eerie depiction of the industry's glamorous facade turning into a nightmarish trap. Centered around the faded silent film star, Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson), the story reveals the cynical view of Hollywood, especially remarkable for its time.

Norma Desmond, once a beloved actress, now lives in a fantasy world of her own creation, fueled by the memories of her former fame and glory. Her delusional mindset is a result of the destructive power that fame can have on an individual, as it lures them into a web of illusions, cutting them off from reality. Desmond's character serves as a poignant reflection of the toll that fame can take on someone's mental health.

The film explores the theme of giving up dreams and the harsh reality of aging in Hollywood. Norma's unwillingness to accept the passage of time keeps her trapped in the past, clinging to the illusion of a comeback that will never happen. As the narrative unfolds, the audience witnesses her final descent down her grand staircase, culminating in her iconic line, with pity-filled faces surrounding her.

Billy Wilder's Sunset Blvd was daring for its time, skirting the boundaries of the production code with its dark and cynical portrayal of Hollywood. The film masterfully exposes the dark side of the industry while challenging the traditional norms of storytelling in Hollywood.

One of the film's standout scenes is the opening pool shot, which depicts Joe's dead body floating in a pool, all ghostly-like, while he narrates the story from the afterlife. It's mind-blowing how they pulled it off. Cinematographer John F. Seitz put a special plexiglass platform at the bottom of the pool, hiding William Holden's body underwater while his face was above the surface. He then used a mirror angled at the pool's edge to capture his reflection from above the water, making it look like William Holden was underwater. Lighting fixtures were strategically placed around the pool area to illuminate Holden's face from below, enhancing the ghostly atmosphere and maintaining the illusion of underwater narration.

In a memorable moment in the film, Norma Desmond performs an impressive Charlie Chaplin impression, adding to the depth of her character and showcasing Gloria Swanson's versatility as an actress. It’s a shout-out to the silent era in which Gloria herself was a contemporary of Chaplin’s. The film also features cameos from silent cinema pioneers like Buster Keaton and H. B. Warner. Cecil B. DeMille and Hedda Hopper also pop up as themselves, also linking the fictional Desmond to Hollywood’s past.

Gloria Swanson's portrayal of Norma Desmond was a tour de force performance. As a former silent film star attempting to make a comeback, Swanson's role demanded a wide emotional range, from delusional grandeur to heartbreaking vulnerability. Her exceptional work in Sunset Blvd earned widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike, and her performance was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress.

William Holden's performance in Sunset Blvd is nothing short of phenomenal. As Joe Gillis, a struggling screenwriter, Holden delivers a perfect blend of charm, wit, and vulnerability. He serves as the vehicle to draw the viewer in as he gets caught in the mesmerizing web of Norma Desmond's delusional world. Joe Gillis is a man torn between ambition and moral conflict. Holden's ability to bring depth and authenticity to his character shines through in every scene. As the story unfolds and Joe's entanglement with Norma becomes more complex, he navigates Joe’s journey with finesse, making us empathize with his plight, even as he gets entangled in the tragic and surreal world of Hollywood's faded stars.

Erich von Stroheim's performance as Max von Mayerling, Norma Desmond's devoted butler and ex-husband, is equally remarkable. Stroheim's commanding presence and stoic demeanor lend an air of mystery to his character. His portrayal adds layers of intrigue to the story, as we slowly discover the depth of his loyalty and the secrets he carries. Stroheim's portrayal exudes a sense of authority and servitude simultaneously, making Max an enigmatic and unforgettable figure in the film.

During the awards season for the year of Sunset Blvd's release, both Gloria Swanson and Bette Davis found themselves competing for the Best Actress category, (Davis for excellent performance in All About Eve). However, on the big night, neither of them emerged victorious. Judy Holliday, a rising star, won the Best Actress award for her role in Born Yesterday. Many were surprised and even disappointed that both Swanson and Davis were snubbed, as their performances were considered exceptional and deserving of recognition. It remains a notable and often-discussed topic that Holliday only won because Swanson and Davis’ performances were both so good, their votes canceled each other out. Nevertheless, their performances in Sunset Blvd and All About Eve remain iconic and have solidified their places in Hollywood history as two of the greatest actresses of their time.

Sunset Blvd remains a must-watch classic, a chilling tale of fame's intoxicating allure and its power to transform dreams into a harrowing nightmare. Billy Wilder's brilliant direction, Gloria Swanson's unforgettable performance, and the film's beautifully noirish cinematography all work together to form a masterpiece. The seediness of Sunset Blvd shattered the Hollywood myth of it being a land where dreams come true, by showing that it’s also where dreams go to die.

All right, Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my close-up.

Notable Awards & Accomplishments

• Academy Award Winner: Best Story and Screenplay
• Academy Award Nominee: Best Picture
• Academy Award Nominee: Best Actress – Gloria Swanson
• Academy Award Nominee: Best Actor – William Holden

Streaming: Paramount+, Hoopla
Digital Rental/Purchase: Available at most major digital retailers
Physical Media: Available on Blu-Ray and DVD.

Listen to the Sunset Blvd episode of the Essential Films Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or stream it HERE