Sunset Boulevards
Sunset Boulevards

Movie spotlight

Sunset Boulevards

1992
Movie
59 min
French

In this documentary about the exile of two famous French actors in Argentina during and after World War II, the director Cozarinsky returns to Argentina after many years in France and recalls places and events from his childhood, particularly the celebration of the liberation of Paris on in August of 1944, in Buenos Aires's Plaza Francia. Featuring testimony from various authors and acquaintances of Maria (Renee) Falconetti and Robert Le Vigan, the film explores their lives and final years in Argentina.

Insights

IMDb8.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes98%
Metacritic99
Google Users95%
Director: Billy WilderGenres: Film Noir, Drama, Mystery

Plot Summary

A struggling screenwriter, Joe Gillis, stumbles into the decaying mansion of Norma Desmond, a faded silent film star. Mistaking him for an undertaker, she hires him to help her write a comeback picture. Gillis becomes entangled in her delusional world, lured by her wealth and the promise of helping her return to stardom, but soon finds himself trapped in a web of obsession and madness.

Critical Reception

Sunset Boulevard is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made. It received widespread critical acclaim for its dark, cynical portrayal of Hollywood, its brilliant performances, and its masterful direction. The film has endured as a classic of American cinema, celebrated for its biting satire and timeless themes.

What Reviewers Say

  • A darkly humorous and cynical look at Hollywood's obsession with youth and fame.

  • Gloria Swanson's performance as Norma Desmond is iconic and unforgettable.

  • A masterclass in filmmaking, blending suspense, drama, and satire seamlessly.

Google audience: Viewers praise the film for its compelling narrative, brilliant acting, and its unflinching depiction of the darker side of Hollywood. Many find Gloria Swanson's performance mesmerizing and the overall film a timeless masterpiece.

Awards & Accolades

Won 3 Academy Awards (Best Original Screenplay, Best Art Direction, Best Original Score) and nominated for 8 others, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor. It is also listed on the AFI's 100 Years...100 Movies list.

Fun Fact

The iconic opening scene, with police discovering Joe Gillis's body floating in a swimming pool, was filmed at a studio mansion that had been vacant for years and was known for being notoriously difficult to rent for film shoots.

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