"Sunset Boulevard

Paper Summary:

This paper introduces, discusses and analyzes the film "Sunset Boulevard". Specifically, the paper looks at the topic of movies about movies and how "Sunset Boulevard" is a classic film-school film about the heartbreak of working in Tinsel Town.

From the Paper:

"This film satirizes Hollywood, criticizes the lack of talent in many Hollywood professionals, and jabs a finger at just about every Hollywood icon, from Technicolor to De Mille. However, the real, underlying theme of the film is aging, and its effect on the career, especially of female stars. Norma Desmond was a huge star in silent films, but like many actresses, she could not make the switch to talking films. Her career died, and as she aged, she found it increasingly difficult, if not impossible, to find any work in her field. She turns into a bitter, angry, and unstable woman because of her inability to work and the inevitability of her situation. She refuses to really admit it is her age and looks that are holding her back as much as anything else. After only a few days, Joe understands her more than she will ever understand herself. He notes, "The plain fact was she was afraid of that world outside. Afraid it would remind her that time had passed" (Sunset Boulevard). Desmond is afraid, but more afraid of not working, which is why she is so determined to make her comeback in her own terrible script."

More papers on "Sunset Boulevard:

• Film Review # 102355 : "Sunset Boulevard"
• Film Review # 114495 : "Singin' in the Rain," "Sunset Boulevard," and "Psycho"
• Essay # 86207 : "Sunset Boulevard"

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