Sunset Boulevard (1950)
I’m ready for my close up!
Presentation:
1940s movie stars were crazy too. Classical black and white film noir with narration at its finest, but it’s not exactly a detective film. We do try to uncover why Joe Gillis is murdered, but it’s more of a psychological exposé. The whole concept is a lot of fun, half serious and half dark comedy. At least I think it was trying to be funny, otherwise why did I burst out laughing several times? Holden is sort of forgettable, but maybe that’s because Gloria Swanson ironically steals the spotlight. While playing a washed up actor, she actually becomes an absolute star, carrying the entire film with just her eyes. It’s incredible what she does in this film to portray delusion, and you can see the impact of her performance on Psycho and Olivia Coleman. Her performance is so great, that this film has remained relevant and timeless. I think you can watch this again and again just for her performance. Not cliche and entertaining from start to finish with very little lulls in the story.
Conclusion:
It’s quite amazing that this script was conceived when Hollywood stars had only begun talking in film for 20 years. It really feels like the topic could be done today and no one would bat an eye. I think it’s much better than similar themed films today like The Substance. Perhaps mental illness will always be timeless. In any case, everything just works and has the perfect amount of levity while still feeling like brooding film noir. I’m ready for her closeup!
Recommendations
Before there was thriller there was Hitchcock.