Sunset Boulevard

Sunset Boulevard

By Billy Wilder

  • Genre: Classics
  • Release Date: 1950-08-04
  • Advisory Rating: NR
  • Runtime: 1h 50min
  • Director: Billy Wilder
  • Production Company: Paramount
  • Production Country: United States of America
  • iTunes Price: USD 14.99
  • iTunes Rent Price: USD 3.99
8.3/10
8.3
From 2,450 Ratings

Description

Gloria Swanson, as Norma Desmond, an aging silent-film queen, and William Holden, as the struggling young screenwriter who is held in thrall by her madness, created two of the screen's most memorable characters in "Sunset Boulevard." Winner of three Academy Awards®, director Billy Wilder's powerful orchestration of the bizarre tale is a true cinematic classic. From the unforgettable opening sequence -- a body found floating in a decayed mansion's swimming pool -- through the inevitable unfolding of tragic destiny, "Sunset Boulevard" is the definitive statement on the dark and desperate side of Hollywood. Erich von Stroheim as Desmond's discoverer, ex-husband and butler, and Nancy Olson as the bright spot amidst unrelenting ominousness, are equally celebrated for their masterful performances.

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Reviews

  • A Landmark of American Cinema

    5
    By ФФФСССДДДДЯЯЯ
    Sunset Boulevard tells the tale of a young, down-on-his-luck screewriter, Joe Gillis (William Holden), and his bizarre relationship with an aging silent film star, Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson). Joe narrates for the viewers beginning with the results of a tragic event. He then recounts his chance meeting with Norma by pulling into a random driveway on Sunset Boulevard to escape the men trying to repossess his car. When she learns that Joe is a screenwriter, Norma employs him to help finalize a screenplay she wrote for DeMille to direct. Out of a lack of better options (I.e. any options), Joe reluctantly takes the job. After having lived in her house for so many years with no one, but herself and her butler Max (Erich von Stroheim), Norma turns her and Joe's simple working relationship into something toxic. Sunset Boulevard is a story of forgotten glory, ludicrous ambitions, and selfish desire. It is a landmark of American cinema and is worth any individual's time to enjoy.
  • SARAH MAFFIE FELICIA KELLIE GONZALEZ ARACLIE MAFFIE

    5
    By SAMUEL MAFFIE
    FRIDAY FEBRUARY 14 (2020)
  • Brilliant

    5
    By been there...done that
    This movie is one of my favorites and would highly recommend it to anyone. ‘Mr. DeMille, I’m ready for my close-up.’
  • My Favorite Wilder Film

    5
    By Shredder 418
    Granted, the man was a fantastic writer and director (both Double Indemnity and Some Like It Hot are great films, and Sabrina is a good one as well), but this will always be my very favorite. One of the only perfect, if not, near-perfect film noirs that has ever graced the silver screen (Double Indemnity is another near-perfect one as well, which goes to show that Billy Wilder was a great filmmaker). The casting is just right, and the performance by Gloria Swanson as Norma Desmond is nearly unrivaled. I know I'm a heretic for saying this, but I enjoyed this performance more than Bette Davis' powerhouse performance as Margo Channing in All About Eve (another near-perfect film, to be sure, but I've always liked Sunset Blvd. a bit more). If you haven't seen it by now, I'd certainly urge you to make it the very next thing you watch.
  • Sunset boulevard-excellent

    5
    By ElCabo23
    The most near-perfect movie I have ever seen. So classic Hollywood in the production and in its reflection of Hollywood. The shot of the apartment on Ivar of Joe s apartment. The cars, the house, the studio, absolutely beautiful and moving. Transports me to an age I didn't know but feel like I am going home. Weird. Bill Wilder and Diamond are masters. Double indemnity, some Like it hot,
  • Amazing

    5
    By BurgerDonald
    One of the best movies I have ever seen. Period.
  • Fantastic

    5
    By Jenn85
    One of my favorite film noirs, I firmly believe that Gloria Swanson was robbed of an Oscar. Her preformance is nothing short of brilliant. I realize that when it was released, it wasn't as popular as it is today but how could they deny Gloria's amazing transformation into Norma Desmond? Rent or buy (which I recommend) this film! You won't regret it!
  • One of the best movies ever made.

    5
    By jokun
    As soon as this movie is digitized and made widescreen then offer it for sale, please. This is one film anyone would want in his or her library.
  • Sunset Boulevard

    5
    By sfsdgrtjrb
    Give the option to own !!
  • Great Movie, but...

    5
    By Mliii
    This is a FANTASTIC movie that easily translates across generations. But I'd sure rather own it than rent it!

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