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!

Haven’t seen Sunset Boulevard yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

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.

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.

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.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:18

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies about decaying grandeur and psychological claustrophobia like Sunset Boulevard

Stories where extravagant settings mirror a character's mental decline.If you liked the oppressive atmosphere of Sunset Boulevard, this selection features movies where characters are psychologically trapped in worlds of fading opulence. These stories explore delusion, isolation, and the haunting power of the past, often set in grand but decaying locations that become characters in themselves.

claustrophobicatmosphericdecayingmelancholicdelusionalunsettlinggothicisolated

Narrative Summary

The narrative often follows an outsider who becomes entangled with a delusional resident of a decaying, grandiose space. The setting itself acts as an antagonist, reinforcing the protagonist's distorted reality. The story builds towards an inevitable tragic climax, driven by the unsustainable clash between fantasy and reality.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared, oppressive mood. They use their settings not just as backdrop, but as active forces that shape the narrative and psychology of the characters. The experience is defined by a creeping sense of dread, melancholic atmosphere, and the tragic spectacle of a mind succumbing to its own illusions.

Movies about the dark side of fame and tragic downfalls like Sunset Boulevard

Bleak portraits of obsession and psychological collapse in the world of entertainment.Fans of Sunset Boulevard's exploration of fading fame will find similar themes here. These movies delve into the psychological damage of celebrity, obsession with legacy, and the brutal reality behind the glamour, often culminating in devastating personal collapses.

unsettlinglonelyobsessivetragiccriticalmelancholicdelusionalcautionary

Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a character, often from the world of film, theater, or music, who is unable to cope with fading relevance or the pressures of fame. Their grip on reality weakens as they desperately cling to their former glory or pursue a destructive obsession, leading to an irreversible downfall.

Why These Movies?

These films are connected by their shared thematic focus on the psychological destruction wrought by fame and the entertainment industry. They share a dark, critical tone and a heavy emotional weight, portraying fame not as glamorous but as a trap that leads to isolation and tragedy.

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 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 Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Sunset Boulevard that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

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.

Similar Movies to Sunset Boulevard

Discover movies like Sunset Boulevard that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.