Plot Overview
Sunset Boulevard stands as an iconic film noir with the distinctive touch of Billy Wilder, who not only directed but skillfully crafted its screenplay. The narrative gracefully unfolds around the character Joe Gillis, a screenwriter grappling with the challenges of a competitive industry. Gillis encounters the enigmatic and faded film star Norma Desmond, who plays with haunting brilliance. Norma, eager to reclaim the spotlight, cunningly convinces Joe to embark on a journey to revitalize her career by any means necessary. The film’s title is derived from the famous Sunset Boulevard, a crucial thoroughfare winding through the heart of Hollywood. This nomenclature choice is not merely geographical; instead, it serves as a symbolic gateway to the core of the American film industry. As the characters traverse this iconic boulevard, the narrative delves deep into the shadows lurking behind the captivating glamour facade. Through Wilder’s lens, we are taken into a labyrinth of intrigue, revealing the ruthless and brutal nature of the Hollywood machine.
Sunset Boulevard becomes a cinematic exploration of the symbiotic relationship between fame and obscurity, weaving a narrative tapestry that exposes the fragility of dreams under the sharp spotlight of Tinseltown. The film transcends its noir roots, evolving into a psychological drama that probes the complexities of ambition, despair, and the human soul. Wilder’s directorial prowess is evident as he skillfully juxtaposes the allure of fame with the harsh reality of its transience. The film unfolds with a gripping scene, setting the stage as diligent police investigators carefully examine the lifeless body of Joe Gillis, lying on a hauntingly adorned tableau inside a luxurious mansion along the iconic Sunset Boulevard. The stark contrast between the grandeur of the setting and the grim reality of Gillis’s death immediately captures the audience’s attention.
As the investigators meticulously examine details surrounding Joe’s death, the film takes a stunning leap into the past, transporting the audience back six months. Joe Gillis becomes a fluent narrator, skillfully recounting a series of intricate events that led to his untimely demise. This journey is more than a mere chronicle; it is a retrospective exploration of the twists that defined Joe’s life, revealing layers of intrigue and tension permeating his narrative. Through Gillis’s vivid memories, we immerse ourselves in a tumultuous world he inhabited, a world marked by the intoxicating allure of Hollywood and the unforeseen undercurrents flowing beneath its polished surface. The unfolding of the narrative becomes a dance between the past and the present, as Joe’s voice guides the audience through the labyrinth of his experiences and decisions, gradually peeling away the layers of mystery surrounding his tragic fate.
The Mansion Pool
The mansion pool on Sunset Boulevard transforms into a symbolic portal where we gain access to the inner workings of Joe Gillis’s life. It serves as a reflective memory pool, mirroring the profound impact of events that unfolded in its vicinity. The choice of Sunset Boulevard as the backdrop adds layers of irony, as the boulevard itself becomes a silent witness to the dark nuances of Hollywood’s allure. Joe Gillis finds himself rooted in the tumultuous world of Hollywood, masquerading as a struggling screenwriter, eagerly awaiting recognition for his creative efforts to capture the attention of Paramount Pictures. Hope and anticipation flow in his tone as he awaits the decision on his latest narrative creation, a story with the potential to catapult him from the periphery of obscurity to the captivating main stage of cinematic acknowledgment.
However, fate dealt a severe blow to Joe when his screenplay fell under the critical scrutiny of Betty Schaefer, a script reader and aspiring writer whose sharp eyes dissected his work with unapologetic precision. Harsh criticism continued to haunt Joe as he grappled with the disheartening reality that his aspirations were not well-received. Shortly thereafter, echoes of repossession and financial distress reverberated in Joe’s life, his existence teetering on the brink of despair. In a desperate attempt to evade the relentless pursuit of debt collectors, Joe found himself in a perilous escape, seeking refuge in what, at first glance, appeared to be the entrance of an abandoned grand mansion.
Cinematic Bond
Little did he know that the grand mansion, shrouded in an atmosphere of neglect and forgotten grandeur, was the residence of Norma Desmond, a silent film star whose glory days had long faded with the passage of time. The collision between Joe’s desperate escape and Norma’s secluded residence marked the beginning of a cinematic bond that would alter the course of both their lives. As this chance encounter unfolded, Norma, intrigued by the mysterious figure seeking shelter in her home, discovered Joe’s identity as a screenwriter. Seeing an opportunity to revive her inactive career, she leveraged Joe’s presence to seek his opinion on her work—an ambitious screenplay centered around the mythical figure of Salome.
Over time, Joe Gillis reluctantly found himself ensnared in the luxurious confines of Norma Desmond’s home, unwittingly becoming a prisoner of circumstance. Amidst the fading opulence, he delved deeper into the intricacies of Norma’s soul, discovering her strong obsession to revive the past glory of her career and infamous love. In the sacred hallways of the mansion, Joe uncovered a poignant revelation—the fan letters adorning Norma’s vanity were not genuine tokens of admiration from an adoring public, but a carefully orchestrated facade created by her devoted butler, Max. This revelation cast a tangible shadow over the mansion, underscoring the loneliness and delusions that permeated Norma’s isolated existence.
New Year’s Eve Revelation
As the calendar turned to New Year’s Eve, the mansion’s hall reverberated with a revelation that sent shockwaves through Joe’s world. In a moment of stark clarity, he realized that Norma Desmond’s affection had evolved into a passionate love for him. This revelation, however, rejected by Joe, sparked a tumultuous confrontation as Norma retreated in sorrow into the solitude of her room, her dreams of love and fame shattered. Seeking solace and respite from the turmoil in the mansion, Joe sought refuge at a New Year’s Eve party hosted by his middle-class friend Artie—a stark contrast to Norma’s decadent abode. Amidst the revelry and infectious activity, Joe unexpectedly encountered Betty once again. The revelation of Betty’s engagement to Artie added complexity to their evolving relationship.
Amidst the celebration, Betty expressed genuine appreciation for a scene in one of Joe’s previous screenplays. However, their conversation was suddenly disrupted by a phone call that would shatter the semblance of normalcy. Max’s voice on the other end delivered a harrowing message—Norma Desmond had taken a desperate act, slashing her wrists in a moment of despair. Racing against time and haunted by a sense of responsibility, Joe hurriedly returned to the mansion. The stark contrast between middle-class joy and the gloom of the grand house further intensified the whirlwind of emotions. Yet, Joe’s return marked a significant shift in the dynamics between him and Norma. The previously forbidden boundaries blurred, and they found solace in each other’s embrace, embarking on a tumultuous journey contrary to norms and societal expectations.
The carefully revised script of “Salome” made its way into the hands of Cecil B. DeMille, a renowned figure who had once directed films featuring the captivating Norma Desmond. The submission of this work marked a crucial moment in the narrative, as the mansion’s sacred hall echoed with anticipation, awaiting the anticipated call from DeMille himself. However, the resounding calls throughout the mansion were not the anticipated conversation with the famous director, but inquiries from Paramount Pictures seeking to rent exotic cars placed within the estate. The disappointment of not having direct contact with DeMille triggered a vehement rejection from Norma, who clung to the hope that this phone call was merely the beginning of the long-awaited return she had been anticipating.
Sheltered from Bitter Truth
Max became the harbinger of truth. Recognizing the necessity of a face-to-face meeting, he escorted Norma to the Paramount Pictures studio, where she would meet Cecil B. DeMille in person. The meeting, laden with historical significance and nostalgia, greeted Norma with respect and courtesy, an attitude she misinterpreted as the industry finally acknowledging her long-lost fame. The bitter reality remained veiled from Norma: the phone call from Paramount was not a sign of her return to the spotlight but an inquiry about renting her luxurious car for a film. Sheltered from this bitter truth, she embarked on an intensive beauty regimen, believing that the wheels of her comeback were already in motion.
Joe Gillis seized the night to secretly meet with Betty. This nighttime rendezvous became a vessel for an unexpected and forbidden romance, unfolding against the backdrop of Betty’s engagement. As the moonlit night unfolded, this clandestine meeting evolved into a creative collaboration, with Joe and Betty weaving threads of passion and creativity into an original screenplay. When the secret affair between Joe Gillis and Betty Schaefer was revealed in the shadows of Hollywood illusion, the veil of secrecy suddenly tore apart. Max disclosed a shocking revelation to Joe. In his moment of confession, Max unveiled his own identity as the former director who not only discovered Norma Desmond but also took her as his wife, relinquishing the spotlight to become her devoted butler.
Spread of Revelation
The revelation spread throughout the sacred hall of the mansion, adding a real-life nuance to the unfolding drama. The intricate layers of Norma’s past and Max’s unwavering devotion became the common thread in the complex narrative, adding haunting depth to the evolving tragedy. Simultaneously, the astute Norma sensed a shift in emotional balance in her domain and discovered a manuscript bearing the names of Betty and Joe. The script, a harbinger of betrayal, prompted Norma to desperately call Betty, unveiling the truth that shattered the illusions surrounding Joe’s identity.
Joe extended an invitation to Betty, summoning her to the heart of the mansion. The convergence of these characters paved the way for a climactic confrontation, where long-hidden truths would be revealed. Joe confronted Betty with a revelation that echoed throughout the mansion like a haunting refrain. He confessed to being Norma Desmond’s gigolo, a disclosure that left Betty shaken with disbelief and betrayal. This revelation marked the climax of their secret affair, entangling both characters in a web of consequences.
Weight of Deception
The weight of his own deception and the shadows of Hollywood illusions weigh heavily on Joe’s conscience. A significant decision emerges within him, urging him to leave the tumultuous world of Sunset Boulevard and return to the fundamental reality of his job at an Ohio newspaper. The mansion witnesses a horrifying turn of events. Norma, confronted with her unraveling dreams and the fear of abandonment, takes a desperate step—threatening to end her own life. In a cold-hearted rejection, Joe, consumed by his own chaos, dismisses her threat, further deepening the chasm between them.
Norma Desmond descends the grand staircase of her home. A subtle glow of nostalgia clings to her, a silent witness to the journey of time and the bitter reality awaiting her at the base of the decadent stairs. Waiting for her descent are the flashes of news camera lights and the eager pens of the press, a line of observers capturing the climax of Norma’s tragic tale. Unbeknownst to her, those cameras are not there to immortalize her portrayal as Salome but to document a different and more tragic reality unfolding within the walls of Sunset Boulevard.
Veiled in the intoxicating illusion that news cameras are ready to capture her cinematic comeback, Norma delivers a speech resonating with echoes of the past. Her words, a melodic blend of gratitude and fantasy, echo through the air as she expresses appreciation for her return to the pinnacle of splendor. The climax of her speech reaches its zenith with the iconic declaration, a symbol of her belief in the glorious resurgence of her fame. With a theatrical atmosphere transcending the bounds of reality, Norma declares, “Alright, Mr. DeMille, I’m ready for my close-up.” These words, infused with a poignant mix of longing and self-delusion, hang in the air like a requiem for the dreams that have unraveled within the grand mansion.
World’s Cruel Gaze
As the newsreel camera obediently rolls, capturing the final act of Norma Desmond’s grand spectacle, the reality behind the facade becomes all too clear. The world outside the mansion, with its cruel gaze and relentless scrutiny, becomes a witness to the tragedy of a once-glorious young star, clinging to the echoes of her former self. Posthumously narrated by the film’s protagonist, Joe Gillis, Sunset Boulevard unfolds its gripping tale through a non-linear, noir-styled narrative, navigating the labyrinth of dark corners in Hollywood and unveiling the intricate web of illusions enveloping its characters. At the heart of this cinematic masterpiece lies meticulous production design that pays homage to the noir film tradition, skillfully juxtaposing and highlighting the interplay between light and darkness.
The spotlight of scrutiny is directed at the Desmond estate, a significant setting reflecting the enigmatic decay of its owner. While its exterior facade mirrors the grandeur of Spanish-style houses scattered throughout Beverly Hills, its interior tells a contrasting tale—elderly, dusty, and gothic. This striking dichotomy serves as a visual metaphor, a manifestation of the facade where Desmond resides and an embodiment of its true nature as a relic of the past. As Joe Gillis navigates the dimly lit corridors of the mansion, he comments on the palpable sense of decay throughout the estate. “The whole place seemed to have been stricken with some kind of paralysis,” he observes, the grand mansion “unconquerable by the outside world, crumbling in slow motion.” This vivid description encapsulates the essence of Sunset Boulevard, where the setting itself becomes a character, contributing to the film’s atmospheric and haunting allure.
Frozen in Time
The mansion’s walls exclusively depict Desmond in the prime of her fame. This deliberate choice of imagery symbolizes Desmond’s painful reluctance to confront the reality of her decline. It encapsulates her desire to cling tightly to the illusion of a glorious past when she was a shining star on the silver screen. These frozen-in-time photographs serve as a visual manifestation of her internal struggle against the relentless march of time. The prevalence of illusion extends beyond the physical objects within the house; it seeps into the character structures that inhabit Norma’s world. Each character becomes a player in the intricate performance of upholding the illusion that supports Desmond’s fragile understanding of a reality that is increasingly distant. From Max, the loyal butler hiding the painful truth, to Joe himself, willingly entangled in Norma’s fantasy web, the ensemble cast is engaged in maintaining the facade.
Essentially, Sunset Boulevard weaves a narrative tapestry based on the subtle interplay between fantasy, skillfully blurring the boundaries between reality and illusion. The intricate dance between truth and deception begins with an inciting incident, a crucial moment where Joe Gillis, the film’s protagonist, spins a lie that sets the wheels of fate in motion. Confronted by his relentless creditor, Joe fabricates a story about the location of his car in Palm Springs, a lie that eventually becomes the catalyst for his entanglement with Norma Desmond. Joe’s lie unravels with unforeseen consequences. Forced to face the reality he sought to avoid, Joe finds himself directing his car towards the entrance of the Desmond mansion, unwittingly paving the way for a tragic destiny. This seemingly insignificant detail sets a profound precedent for the noir narrative crafted by Billy Wilder—a thematic foundation that echoes throughout the film. In Wilder’s world, lies become the unraveling thread, and their impacts unfold unpredictably like a chaotic dance of light and shadow in the noir tradition.
Norma Desmond
Norma Desmond emerges as the embodiment of the dark machinery of Hollywood dreams. A relic of the past, she personifies the faded lover of a time long gone in the annals of history. However, Desmond clings steadfastly to the poignant delusion, convincing herself that her return to the limelight is not only possible but imminent. Her character becomes a tragic manifestation of the seductive and cruel allure of Hollywood. The dream machine, once able to elevate stars to heavenly heights, now looms over Norma, ensnaring her in a desperate quest for fame that has long eluded her attention. Wilder skillfully captures the descent of this illusion, painting a haunting portrait of a woman lost in the labyrinth of her own fantasies.
In the intricate web of illusions that defines Norma Desmond’s world, her loyal head servant and former husband, Max, becomes the puppeteer, orchestrating a subtle dance of deception. With genuine dedication, he writes and sends a series of fan letters, an organized charade that allows Desmond to enjoy the public illusion that continues to be captivated by her fading fame. This carefully crafted facade serves as Norma’s salvation, shielding her from the bitter and uncertain reality. At the studio, Cecil B. DeMille wisely celebrates her presence while deliberately avoiding discussions about her screenplay. This strategic evasion, an act of kindness, protects her from potential disappointment, maintaining the balance of her illusion. Joe also participates in this intricate dance of deception, choosing to conceal his true feelings about Desmond’s screenplay. He justifies this silence with a sharp metaphor, likening it to sleepwalking—a fragile state that requires careful handling.
Amidst the meticulous web of illusions, cracks emerge, revealing glimpses of the real reality that Desmond seeks to suppress. Max, her faithful confidant, unveils melancholic moments and a history marked by numerous suicide attempts, exposing the vulnerability beneath the layers of glamour. New Year’s Eve becomes a haunting tableau, a night marred by Joe’s rejection—an event that shatters the carefully constructed illusions around Norma. While Norma is ensnared in her fantasies, Joe also operates behind the scenes of the subconscious. The lavish gift Desmond bestows upon him serves as a smokescreen, hiding the depth of her true affection. Unbeknownst to Joe, he becomes an illusion in Desmond’s own narrative, a figure in her dreams, envisioning a future filled with joy and years together. As she clings to the illusion of eternal youth, Desmond imagines Joe as a gallant man—an embodiment of the dreams propelling her forward.
Fortress of Illusions
The Desmond family stands as a fortress against relentless pursuits of appearance, reaffirming their steadfast commitment to upholding illusions over reality. Even in the face of existential challenges, the mansion becomes a stage where glamorous appearances and luxury must endure. The persistent effort to maintain this facade reflects Norma Desmond’s ceaseless struggle against a disturbing reality, symbolizing the film’s central theme of illusions colliding with harsh truths. The fragility of Norma’s illusions becomes increasingly evident. At a crucial moment when the veil of deception is lifted, revealing bitter reality, she is confronted with the failure of her grand illusions. Faced with the undeniable truth, the gap between her dreams and the outside world widens, pushing her to contemplate a drastic escape from the entanglement of disappointment.
As the illusion of death proves inevitable, Norma not only seeks her own demise but also orchestrates the death of her lover, Joe Gillis. His fate is not determined by grief over his departure; instead, unwittingly, he becomes a victim of Norma’s destructive fantasy of eternal fame. The mansion, a silent witness to these tragic events, echoes with Norma’s unsettling whispers as she utters haunting words: “No one ever leaves a star; that’s what makes one a star.” The film pierces through the layers of Hollywood glamour to reveal the dark side of obsession and delusion. Norma’s desperate act, taking Joe’s life, stems not from the despair of a conventional lover but from the destruction of her carefully constructed fantasies. The mansion, a symbolic microcosm of the labyrinthine illusions of Sunset Boulevard, becomes the stage for a tragedy where the pursuit of fame transforms into a force that twists and disrupts.
The final scene of this film unfolds as a significant departure from the previous narrative structure. As Joe Gillis is no longer the narrator, the film adopts a neutral stance, eliminating the subjective lens used to filter the story. Deviating from this protagonist’s point of view provides a stark realism in the conclusion, highlighting the events with an unfiltered and unadorned perspective. The culmination centers on the tragic fate of Norma Desmond, the fading star whose illusions lead her to an inevitable conclusion. Stranded in the labyrinth of her own fantasies, she is convinced that she is playing a scene for her film Salome. However, the bitter reality starkly contrasts with her cinematic reverie–she unknowingly walks into the grip of the police, the spiral staircase serving as a symbolic bridge between her fantastical world and the harsh reality awaiting her.
Relentless flashes from the unending paparazzi capture her descent into a new, more unpleasant chapter in her life. The alignment of the iconic staircase with haunting images of Norma becomes a spectacle for the outside world, adding horror to her difficulties. The neutral stance taken by the film accentuates the brutality of reality, sharply contrasting with the illusory dreams that characterize much of its narrative. Norma’s lack of remorse adds a chilling layer to the ongoing drama. The paparazzi, caught in a mix of fascination and horror, document her descent into disgrace. This harrowing spectacle, illuminated by the relentless flashes of the camera, becomes a haunting tableau that encapsulates the price of illusions in the unforgiving landscape of Hollywood.
Bibliography
- Burgner, M. (2023). Analysis Of Film Techniques In Sunset Boulevard By Billy Wilder. Lisa’s VCE Study Guides.
- Ehrenstein, D. (2020). ‘Sunset Boulevard’ of broken dreams. Washington Blade.
- Mazur, M. (2011). The Devil is a Woman: Sunset Boulevard, Norma Desmond, and Actress Noir. International Cinephile Society.
