https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunset_Boulevard_(film)
I've heard about this movie forever, it's touted as one of the greatest movies of all time, cinematic perfection, amazing acting and so on. I was familiar with the plot and I've always thought it sounded creepy and intriguing, but I had never taken the time to watch it.
So I watched it lastnight, and it was just as great as they said.
Several times I thought, "They're all hating on Norma, but her life doesn't seem that bad to me." Lol. I kind of thought she had it made, TBH. Everyone "on the outside" was just a joke anyway.
It was one of those movies where none of the characters were really all that likeable, IMO. They all had flaws that prevented you from really caring about them that much. Max was the most interesting character to me because he was mysterious, and when you found out about his story, it was almost like a mini plot twist.
Norma was my second fave character, and I think if she had been a little less dramatic and actually OWNED her shit, she would have been more likeable... but of course, then it would have been a completely different plot and outcome.
Gloria Swanson dominated every second of her screentime. She was... glorious.
There's just something about those old hollywood movies. They used such brilliant tactics to make a connection with the viewer's emotions, and even their bodies and surroundings. That's powerful art right there.
They merged the story playing out on screen with the actual physical world of the audience by breaking the fourth wall, acknowledging the audience viewing the film in the dark... it was eerie and electrifying.
My emotions during the ending scene took me by surprise. I didn't expect to be moved by it. I had seen the ending before, out of context, because it's one of the most famous and iconic movie scenes of all time. But it still totally got me.
I've seen a lot of funny, off-base takes on the ending, one of them being that when she moves toward the camera, the picture fading symbolizes her fading into obscurity for good. And I guess that's one way to look at it, but that's not what they were going for.
One should note the unique qualities of the "blur" effect that was used at the end of the scene, it wasn't just a simple fade...
If the audience member had been participating properly, they would have tears welling in their eyes, coinciding with the exact moment the watery blur effect takes place. It brought you into the film, and brought her into your world at the same time. Genius. Masterful.
