Gloria Swanson as 'Norma Desmond' in "Sunset Blvd."

Gloria Swanson as 'Norma Desmond' in "Sunset Blvd."

Although considered a Film Noir, “Sunset Blvd” is also a tragedy of Shakespearean proportions. One of the best films about Hollywood ever made.

On first viewing, the film seems to be about a down and out screenwriter in Hollywood who lowers himself to be kept by a mentally ill former Silent Film actress who seeks to make a comeback. But it's actually a tragic story of a once world famous, still very talented, actress who lowers herself to keep a down and out screenwriter who has nothing but contempt for her.

Gloria Swanson gives a magnificent performance as 'Norma Desmond,' once famous silent film star who has withdrawn from the world which didn't accept her when the talkies came in. Norma is delusional and has lost touch with reality, believing she is still a big star that the world is waiting for to make a comeback. Norma is an enigmatic figure both larger than life and pitiful. In the end, it’s not the delusion of stardom that defeats her but rather love. The love for a man unworthy of her love.

Norma is helped by her butler/caretaker 'Max' played by Erich von Stroheim, who writes fan letters to Norma sheltering her from the truth that she has seemingly been forgotten. But Norma isn’t as forgotten as is inferred. Even Joe recognizes her and when she visits de Mille’s set, she is surrounded by admirers. She also has parties with other once famous silent stars. And she gives a great impersonation of Charlie Chaplin proving she is still a good actress. And she’s obviously wealthy as she has kept her house and even owns a $28,000 car. Many silent stars bought real estate in Hollywood and did very well for years after their stardom ended.

It is assumed that Joe is a good screenwriter but based on his narrative of the film which he has apparently written, he is just an average writer and not worthy of Norma’s belief in him. At first, we see Norma as Joe does without pity. She is demanding and controlling, and her emotions are like a rollercoaster. We can understand Joe’s dismissal of her as just a has-been. But slowly her humanity is shown. Her weakness and vulnerability and her deep love for Joe. It’s then that we see Joe for who he is. Our sympathy moves to Norma as her mind finally breaks and she goes mad.

Gloria Swanson delivers one of the screen's great performances, a fierce, courageous one, so worthy of an Academy Award. It’s an iconic portrayal of a desperate, vulnerable, strong-willed, egocentric woman. William Holden plays the down on his luck screenwriter who has nothing but disgust for Norma but takes her gifts and money and more in the hope that it will lead to something better. Erich von Stroheim is perfect as Norma’s dedicated butler who also happens to be a former husband, but Norma doesn’t seem to recognize who he is. All three are excellent and the film is a must-see.

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