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Sunset Blvd.

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by Billy Wilder

 

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Summary in 1 sentence

A struggling Hollywood screenwriter becomes entangled in the life of a faded silent film star who is desperate to make a triumphant return to the screen.


Summary in a Twitter post

A struggling screenwriter gets entangled with a faded silent film star desperate for a comeback. Their spiraling relationship leads to madness and tragedy. #SunsetBlvd #FilmNoir #ClassicHollywood


Summary in an SMS/text message

Struggling screenwriter Joe Gillis gets entangled with faded silent film star Norma Desmond. She's delusional about her comeback, he's trapped in her mansion. Ends in tragedy. #FilmNoir #SunsetBlvd


Summary in a Facebook post

Just watched Billy Wilder's classic "Sunset Blvd." - a haunting tale of faded silent film star Norma Desmond's desperate attempt to return to the limelight, and struggling screenwriter Joe Gillis who gets entangled in her web of delusion. A chilling commentary on Hollywood's cruel treatment of its aging stars, the film's noir style, unforgettable performances, and iconic lines make it a must-watch. #SunsetBlvd #ClassicCinema


Summary in a 1 minute read

Sunset Blvd. is a 1950 film noir directed by Billy Wilder. It tells the story of Joe Gillis, a struggling screenwriter who stumbles upon the decaying mansion of former silent film star Norma Desmond. Norma, who is convinced she is still a big star, hires Joe to help her write a comeback screenplay. As Joe becomes increasingly involved in Norma's delusions, he also begins a romantic relationship with her. However, when Norma's former director and ex-husband, Max, reveals the truth about her fading career, she becomes increasingly unstable. Joe tries to leave, but Norma refuses to let him go, leading to a tragic and dramatic climax. The film is a commentary on the dark side of Hollywood and the obsession with fame and youth. It also features a memorable performance by Gloria Swanson as Norma Desmond and a famous line, "I am ready for my close-up, Mr. DeMille."


Summary in 1 page

  • Joe Gillis: Joe Gillis is a struggling screenwriter who is down on his luck and desperate for work. He accidentally stumbles upon the decaying mansion of former silent film star Norma Desmond, and becomes entangled in her delusional world.
  • Norma Desmond: Norma Desmond is a faded silent film star who lives in a fantasy world where she believes she is still a big star. She becomes obsessed with Joe and hires him to help her write a script for her comeback film.
  • Max von Mayerling: Max is Norma’s butler and former husband, who is fiercely loyal to her and helps her maintain her delusions of grandeur.
  • Betty Schaefer: Betty is a young script reader who becomes Joe’s love interest and helps him with the script for Norma’s comeback film.
  • Cecil B. DeMille: Cecil B. DeMille is a famous film director who plays himself in the film. He is one of Norma’s former colleagues and is surprised to see her still living in the past.

The film opens with Joe Gillis narrating his own death, as he is found floating face down in a swimming pool. The story then flashes back to show how Joe ended up in this situation.

Joe is a struggling screenwriter who is unable to sell any of his scripts. He is being chased by debt collectors and is desperate for work. While trying to avoid them, he stumbles upon the mansion of Norma Desmond, a former silent film star who has been out of the spotlight for years. Norma mistakes Joe for a funeral director and asks him to help her bury her beloved pet chimpanzee.

Joe soon learns that Norma is living in a delusional world where she believes she is still a big star. She is constantly watched over by her butler, Max von Mayerling, who was once her husband and director. Max is fiercely loyal to Norma and helps her maintain her illusions of grandeur.

Norma becomes infatuated with Joe and offers him a job to help her write a script for her comeback film. Joe, who is in desperate need of money, agrees to the job and moves into the mansion. He soon realizes that Norma is not only delusional but also possessive and controlling.

As Joe works on the script, he meets Betty Schaefer, a young script reader who becomes his love interest. Betty helps Joe with the script and they start to fall in love. However, their relationship is complicated by Joe’s involvement with Norma and his growing guilt over taking advantage of her delusions.

Meanwhile, Norma’s obsession with her comeback film grows and she becomes more and more controlling. She even fires her former director, Cecil B. DeMille, and insists that Joe take over the project. Joe, who is struggling with his own moral dilemma, agrees to direct the film.

As the film nears completion, Norma becomes more and more delusional, believing that her comeback will be a huge success. However, when the film is finally screened, it is met with laughter and ridicule from the audience. Norma’s world comes crashing down and she becomes even more unstable.

In a fit of desperation, Norma confronts Joe and reveals her true feelings for him. Joe, feeling trapped and guilty, tries to leave but is shot by Norma. As he falls into the pool, he narrates his own death.

The film ends with the police arriving at the mansion and Norma descending the grand staircase, believing that she is finally making her grand comeback. The final shot shows Norma, completely lost in her delusions, being surrounded by the flashing lights of the police cars.

In conclusion, Sunset Blvd. is a dark and tragic tale of a former star’s descent into madness and the consequences of living in a fantasy world. Through the characters of Joe, Norma, and Max, the film explores themes of delusion, obsession, and the destructive nature of Hollywood fame. With its iconic performances and masterful storytelling, Sunset Blvd. remains a timeless classic in the history of cinema.


FAQ

  1. What is the movie Sunset Blvd. about?

    The movie follows the story of a struggling screenwriter who becomes involved with a faded silent film star.
  2. When was Sunset Blvd. released?

    Sunset Blvd. was released in 1950.
  3. Who directed Sunset Blvd.?

    The movie was directed by Billy Wilder.
  4. Who are the main characters in Sunset Blvd.?

    The main characters are Joe Gillis, Norma Desmond, and Betty Schaefer.
  5. Is Sunset Blvd. based on a true story?

    No, it is a fictional story.
  6. What is the significance of the title Sunset Blvd.?

    The title refers to the famous street in Los Angeles where many Hollywood stars lived.
  7. What genre does Sunset Blvd. fall under?

    Sunset Blvd. is a film noir drama.
  8. Did Sunset Blvd. win any awards?

    Yes, it won three Academy Awards for Best Art Direction, Best Original Score, and Best Writing.
  9. Who plays the role of Norma Desmond in Sunset Blvd.?

    Gloria Swanson plays the role of Norma Desmond.
  10. Is Sunset Blvd. in black and white or color?

    The movie is in black and white.
  11. What is the famous quote from Sunset Blvd.?

    “I am big. It’s the pictures that got small.” – Norma Desmond
  12. What is the running time of Sunset Blvd.?

    The running time is 110 minutes.
  13. Is Sunset Blvd. available to watch online?

    Yes, it is available to stream on various platforms.
  14. What is the rating for Sunset Blvd.?

    The movie has a rating of 8.4/10 on IMDb.
  15. Who wrote the screenplay for Sunset Blvd.?

    Billy Wilder and Charles Brackett wrote the screenplay.
  16. What is the budget for Sunset Blvd.?

    The budget for the movie was $1.75 million.
  17. What is the box office revenue for Sunset Blvd.?

    The movie grossed over $5 million at the box office.
  18. Is Sunset Blvd. considered a classic?

    Yes, it is considered a classic film.
  19. What is the age rating for Sunset Blvd.?

    The movie is rated PG-13.
  20. What is the setting of Sunset Blvd.?

    The movie is set in Hollywood in the 1950s.
  21. Is Sunset Blvd. available on DVD or Blu-ray?

    Yes, it is available on both DVD and Blu-ray.
  22. What is the theme of Sunset Blvd.?

    The movie explores themes of obsession, fame, and the dark side of Hollywood.
  23. Who composed the score for Sunset Blvd.?

    Franz Waxman composed the score for the movie.
  24. What is the significance of the character of Max in Sunset Blvd.?

    Max is a devoted servant to Norma Desmond and represents the extreme lengths people will go for fame and success in Hollywood.
  25. What is the ending of Sunset Blvd.?

    The movie ends with a dramatic and tragic finale as Norma Desmond descends into madness.
  26. Is there a remake of Sunset Blvd.?

    Yes, there was a musical adaptation of the movie in 1993.


 

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