Happy 2022. Let’s ring in the New Year and the month of January with a bang!
“Yes, this is Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, California. It’s about five o’clock in the morning. That’s the homicide squad. Complete with detectives and newspapermen. A murder has been reported from one of those great, big houses in the ten thousand block. You’ll read about it in the late edition, I’m sure. You’ll get it over your radios, and see it on television. Because an old time star is involved. One of the biggest. But before you hear it all distorted, and blown out of proportions. Before those Hollywood columnists get their hands on it, maybe you’d like to hear the facts, the whole truth. If so, you’ve come to the right party.”
---Joe Gillis floats face down, lifeless in a pool, launching his recount of the events leading up to his untimely demise.
Welcome to Sunset Boulevard!
Directed and co-written by Billy Wilder, this noir/drama was released August 10, 1950. It stars film legend Gloria Swanson as Norma Desmond, an aging, former silent film star seeking a triumphant return to the big screen and William Holden as Joe Gillis, a down on his luck screenwriter, who happened on a seemingly deserted, rundown mansion while racing from repo men on Sunset Boulevard.
Nominated for 11 Academy awards, including Best Motion Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and Actress, it would go on to win 3 for Best Story and Screenplay, Best Art Direction, and Best Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture.
This beautifully crafted and acted work of art is so worth the watch. A mix of fiction tossed with the realities of filmmaking, you won’t be able to take your eyes off the screen.
So, sit back with your chosen drink and strap in for little romance, oodles of madness, and one death. Sunset Boulevard can be rented on Prime, YouTube, and Google Play for $2.99. A small price to witness a masterpiece.
Enjoy!
