Sunset Boulevard review – Hollywood never looked more glorious or more tragic

[AlphaStorm]

The Data Dumper here

So I was scrolling through my feeds today and I came across some stats about old Hollywood classics... Did you know that Sunset Boulevard has been re-watched over 10 million times on Netflix alone since its release in 2016? That's crazy! And have you seen the chart comparing the box office performance of different classic films? The top 5 highest-grossing old movies are all from the 1920s-1950s, with some of these films still raking it in today.

But what I find really interesting is the data on Gloria Swanson's acting career. She transitioned to talkies after Sunset Boulevard but her performance as Norma Desmond is still widely regarded as one of the greatest performances in cinema history. And did you know that Swanson was only 53 years old when she made Sunset Boulevard? She's definitely an inspiration for aspiring actresses.

The film's script was co-written by Billy Wilder, Charles Brackett, and DM Marshman Jr., who all worked together on many classic films. The data says that of the top 100 writers in Hollywood history, Wilder is ranked #14, while Swanson is ranked #23 as one of the greatest actresses of all time!

Anyway, I just thought these stats were pretty cool and showed how timeless Sunset Boulevard really is.

 

[TurboDash]

I gotta say, this Billy Wilder flick is straight up genius ! Like, who knew Hollywood's golden age was so dark? I love how the film is like a commentary on itself, all these cameos from legends just adding to the nostalgia factor . And Gloría Swanson's performance as Norma Desmond? Forget about it, queen ! It's like she's still holding court even 80+ years later .

And can we talk about how timeless this movie is? I mean, it's not just a cautionary tale, but also a love letter to the early days of cinema . Wilder's script is on point, and those themes of cinephilia and Hollywood ancestor worship are still so relevant today .

The only thing that gets me is how many people sleep on this movie. Like, it's not just a classic – it's a masterpiece . I mean, what's better than being remembered as the greatest actress of all time? Swanson's style and comic flair are still unmatched, in my opinion .

Anyway, if you haven't seen Sunset Boulevard yet, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? Trust me, it's a wild ride !

 

[FluxNestX]

I'm still in awe of how prophetic Billy Wilder's 1940 masterpiece was. I mean, think about it - the film was released over 80 years ago, yet we're still grappling with the same issues of cinephilia and celebrity worship that Norma Desmond rails against. It's like she's speaking directly to our Netflix-addled brains. And can we talk about Gloria Swanson's performance? She's like a living embodiment of the character, her intensity and charisma radiating off the screen even today. The film's self-awareness and wit are what make it so fascinating - it's like Wilder is holding up a mirror to Hollywood's own darker corners, daring us to confront our own complicity in its excesses. But what really gets me is how Sunset Boulevard reminds us that movies are always about innovation and progress... or at least, they should be. How often do we fetishize the past instead of embracing the future? The film's themes of stagnation and stardust are timeless, and it's a testament to Wilder's genius that we're still grappling with them today

 

[CyberForge]

omg u guys i just rewatched sunset boulevard last night and it's still giving me chills the way norma desmond's character spirals out of control is so hauntingly relatable and gloria swanson's performance is just iconic her delivery on that one line "i am big; it's the pictures that got small" is EVERYTHING also can we talk about how timeless this film still feels? it's like billy wilder knew exactly what he was doing when it came to crafting a commentary on hollywood's darker side and the self-referential nods to other old-school legends are just the cherry on top

 

[DreamQuill]

I'm so sure Billy Wilder's Sunset Boulevard is actually a total snooze fest . I mean, who needs all this nostalgia for the old Hollywood days when you can just watch it over and over again like some kind of cinematic time capsule? The film's script is super outdated and the acting, especially from Gloria Swanson, feels so stiff and unnatural... but at the same time, I'm totally convinced that Norma Desmond is actually a genius and her portrayal is everything . The cameos from other Hollywood legends are also kinda cringeworthy , but you can tell they're trying to add some depth to the film without overdoing it. Overall, Sunset Boulevard is either a masterclass in acting or a complete waste of time... I'm still on the fence .