Sunset Boulevard

Paramount Pictures | Release Date: August 10, 1950

8.5	USER SCORE Universal acclaim based on 95 Ratings

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lasttimeisawOct 8, 2014

Billy Wilder’s paramount triumph of film-noir melodrama, piercing through the Hollywood industry’s utter callousness and an over-the-hill silent era actress’ poignant illusion of a comeback to garner the spotlight.

The film begins likeBilly Wilder’s paramount triumph of film-noir melodrama, piercing through the Hollywood industry’s utter callousness and an over-the-hill silent era actress’ poignant illusion of a comeback to garner the spotlight.

The film begins like DOUBLE INDEMNITY (1944, 8/10), our ill-fated protagonist Joe Gills (Holden), a 30 something hack writer for the Hollywood studio, narrates beyond his grave to reveal the tragedy ending - as shown in a majestic shot from the angle of the bottom of a swimming pool (a trick done by putting a mirror in the bottom and shot from its reflection), a man’s body is floating on the water, facing down, and for sharp eyes, it is obviously Joe himself.
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SpangleMay 26, 2015

It is damn near impossible to say something bad about Sunset Boulevard. A classic in every sense of the word, this one shows why Billy Wilder's work is so critically acclaimed. Brilliant directed, paced, written, and some great acting fromIt is damn near impossible to say something bad about Sunset Boulevard. A classic in every sense of the word, this one shows why Billy Wilder's work is so critically acclaimed. Brilliant directed, paced, written, and some great acting from William Holden and Gloria Swanson, come together to form one of the most well-known and popular film noirs of all-time. Riveting throughout, this one tells the story of Hollywood gone wrong and really all comes together well. The narration and identity of the narrator were both great, great touches that really worked wonders for the film. The characters are all well-written and, oddly, sympathetic. Overall, Sunset Boulevard is a really cool film that I cannot recommend enough. Though it may not be my favorite film ever obviously, it is still really, really good and you can easily see why it has gotten the praise it has over the years.… Expand

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MovieGuysApr 23, 2014

Sunset Boulevard is yet another amazing Billy Wilder movie that has its place in cinematic history. The performances are all great, and the story is moving and emotional without being cheesy. What a wonderful movie.

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BrianEFeb 3, 2007

This is seriously my favorite movie of all time. The writing is sooo good, it seems impossible that it came from just two people. Gloria Swanson is amazing in this and deserved the Oscar, as did William Holden. I loved every frame of it.

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DavidS.Jul 18, 2009

One of the most extraordinary filmed works ever made. The writing, acting, direction and photography are first class. The connection between the real Gloria Swanson and Max the butler is worth researching.

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Compi24Aug 22, 2018

Not exactly a hot take here, but this is nothing short of one of Billy Wilder's best works and one of the greatest film noirs ever made. The narrative, the structure, the dialogue, the acting, the camerawork - this is one of those impeccablyNot exactly a hot take here, but this is nothing short of one of Billy Wilder's best works and one of the greatest film noirs ever made. The narrative, the structure, the dialogue, the acting, the camerawork - this is one of those impeccably rare occasions where every aspect of a film is so unbelievably well-executed that it really doesn't age. An easy, easy classic and one that should be seen by many, if not all, at one point or another.… Expand

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CodyZamboniAug 17, 2019

Billy Wilder's scathing noir comedy, features a landmark performance by Gloria Swanson. Who is almost matched by William Holden. Wilder makes fun of alot of Hollywood crapola and hypocrisy, but at the same time, offers fond bittersweetBilly Wilder's scathing noir comedy, features a landmark performance by Gloria Swanson. Who is almost matched by William Holden. Wilder makes fun of alot of Hollywood crapola and hypocrisy, but at the same time, offers fond bittersweet nostalgia for Hollywood's past.… Expand

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AJ_13Mar 13, 2021

That ending is one of the best scenes I've ever seen. Acting and music are sensational, and its writing and storytelling simply ahead of its time.

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tonykurebusuAug 20, 2023

The Norma Desmond replaced her beloved pet chimpanzee with the main character.

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