An entertaining yet strangely sad classic from 1950, Sunset Boulevard is ranked #26 on IMDB’s Top 250. The movie was nominated for eight Academy Awards and won three others, including Best Writing. IMDB’s extremely high rating is a little surprising to me, but Sunset Boulevard is still a well-done and memorable picture about Hollywood, fading fame and ultimate murder – it’s no surprise that it was nominated for Best Picture.

Sunset Boulevard stars William Holden as a struggling screenwriter who is behind on his payments. Upon eluding some collection agents, he finds himself at the secluded mansion of silent film star Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson), who was the best of her era. Unfortunately, her era is past, but the hermit doesn’t realize it. Accompanied by her butler (Erich von Stroheim, who along with the other actors in the film was nominated for an Oscar), she lives as though she’s still in high demand, throwing parties for herself and driving around a classic but antique car. With the sudden presence of a newcomer – especially one who has ties to the industry – she takes profound interest in him, but will her psychological issues spell downfall? (more…)