Sunset Boulevard

Sunset Boulevard

Year: 1950

Runtime: 1 h 50 m

Director: Billy Wilder

DramaFilm-Noir

A fading silent film star, Norma Desmond, lives in seclusion on Sunset Boulevard, clinging to dreams of a comeback. When a struggling screenwriter stumbles into her orbit, he becomes entangled in her illusions and desperate schemes. The story explores themes of ambition, decay, and the dark side of Hollywood, revealing a portrait of a woman trapped by the past and desperate for recognition.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Sunset Boulevard (1950)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Sunset Boulevard (1950). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1940s

The film is set in the 1940s, a significant period in Hollywood when the transition from silent films to talkies deeply impacted the industry. This era saw the decline of many silent film stars, reflecting the harsh realities of fame and the fleeting nature of success in the film world. The societal expectations and personal aspirations of that time are encapsulated in the lives of the characters.

Location

Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, Paramount Pictures Studio

Sunset Boulevard is a famous street lined with historic landmarks and iconic scenes from Hollywood's golden age. Los Angeles, known as the entertainment capital of the world, serves as the backdrop for many cinematic tales, including the rise and fall of stars. Paramount Pictures is a pivotal studio where many great films and legends have emerged, adding to the allure of the area.

🌇 Location 🎬 Film Industry

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:18

Main Characters – Sunset Boulevard (1950)

Meet the key characters of Sunset Boulevard (1950), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Joe Gillis

Joe Gillis is a struggling screenwriter grappling with the harsh realities of Hollywood. Initially ambitious, his circumstances lead him to make morally questionable choices that ultimately seal his fate. His character evolves from hopeful to tragic as he navigates the treacherous waters of fame, ambition, and the allure of a stronger personality.

📝 Writer 🎭 Tragic Hero

Norma Desmond

Norma Desmond is a former silent film star whose delusions of grandeur reflect the price of fame. She embodies the decline of Hollywood's golden age, clinging desperately to her past glory. As her mental state deteriorates, her obsessive love for Joe and unwillingness to accept reality lead to tragic consequences.

👑 Diva 🤯 Obsession

Max Von Mayerling

Max Von Mayerling serves as Norma's loyal butler, harboring a complex relationship with her. Formerly her director and husband, he enables her delusions while grappling with the consequences of his loyalty. His character highlights the darker subtext of devotion and sacrifice amid a fading dream.

🤵 Butler 💔 Loyalty

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:18

Major Themes – Sunset Boulevard (1950)

Explore the central themes of Sunset Boulevard (1950), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌟 Fame and Obsession

The theme of fame and obsession permeates throughout the narrative. Norma Desmond's character exemplifies the darker side of Hollywood's allure, showcasing how the quest for stardom can lead to desperation and madness. Joe Gillis's conflicting desires between success and personal integrity further illustrate the toll that the pursuit of fame can take.

💔 Love and Betrayal

The complex relationships in the film explore themes of love and betrayal. Joe's entanglement with Norma highlights the manipulation and emotional dependency that can arise from desperation. Conversely, his connection with Betty reveals the consequences of choices made in pursuit of ambition, leading to heartbreak and disillusionment.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:18

Unlock the Full Story of Sunset Boulevard

Don't stop at just watching — explore Sunset Boulevard in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Sunset Boulevard is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Sunset Boulevard Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Sunset Boulevard, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Sunset Boulevard Summary

Sunset Boulevard Timeline

Track the full timeline of Sunset Boulevard with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Sunset Boulevard Timeline

More About Sunset Boulevard

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Sunset Boulevard: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Sunset Boulevard

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