#30: Sunset Blvd. (1950)
Starring: Gloria Swanson, William Holden
Directed by: Billy Wilder
Plot: A hack screenwriter writes a screenplay for a former silent-film star who has faded into Hollywood obscurity.
But is it any good?
Another unexpected gem on this list. In Sunset Blvd., a cynical screenwriter named Joe Gillis is down on his luck when he chances across a seemingly abandoned mansion. Only it’s not abandoned - it houses faded Hollywood star Norma Desmond and her ever-faithful butler. Gillis agrees to pen a script for Desmond and becomes a kept man, but soon finds the living arrangement, and Desmond’s delusions, stifling.
The script is biting and Gloria Swanson, herself an old silent-era star, plays the washed-up, mad old crone to perfection, surrounded by images or herself in her glory days. The final scene as she trails down the staircase is utterly chilling. Brilliant.
IMDb’s ratingL 8.6/10
My rating: 9/10
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Posted
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Sunday, June 15th, 2008 at 3:06 am under
