Sunset Boulevard

Set in the early years of cinema, a time when movies started going to sound, a struggling screenwriter names Joe Gillis meets a has-been silent movie star-Norma Desmond. After their meeting, emotions, selfishness, and the idea of climbing out of obscurity begin a chain of events that ultimately lead to death. Gloria Swanson, one of only a few silent stars to make a successful transition to sound films, along with William Holden tell the dark tale of the side of the movie business few people ever hear about.

The cinematography really sets a great tone for this film. Dark and mysterious, the background, the use of lighting and facial expression tell a great story that combines the advances in cinema that Hollywood was making at the time along with elements that made silent film actors-movie stars.

The acting was superb. The difference between silent film acting and sound film acting is expression. Gloria's use of facial expression to tell her story and show her emotion was right on the money. That might be why she was nominated for an Oscar. William Holden's performance complimented his leading lady's performance by feeding off her expressions and use of physical storytelling.

No good movie would be complete without a great story to tell. Sunset Boulevard tells a dark tale, supported by a great list of characters, all of whom seem to be devious in their own way. The butler knows all her secrets, all her needs and knows how to solve all her problems. Betty, the sweet attractive girlfriend of Joe's best friend-seems to have an agenda of her own for Joe. The story of this film, having more than just the basic story line of life in Hollywood, won the Oscar in 1950 for Best Screenplay.

The thing that makes this film unique in comparison to many other films in its time period is this film can still keep a today's audience interested in what will happen next. Many films of its time tend to get out of date; people see how the acting doesn't compare to today's acting, how sound is so much different today than back then. With this film, the acting, cinematography and the storyline can still keep your interest after all these years. That's what sets this film apart. With that in mind, let me just say one thing; grab your popcorn, grab your drink and enjoy a ride down the darkest boulevard in the movie business-Sunset Boulevard.