Sunset Boulevard

Name: Sunset Boulevard
Director: Billy Wilder
Genre: Drama
Released: 1950-01-01
Duration: 110 min
Rating: 8.3
Cast: William Holden, Gloria Swanson, Erich von Stroheim, Nancy Olson, Fred Clark

1950Dir. Billy Wilder1h 50m

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Runtime1h 50m

Released1950

Budget$1.8M

Box office$5M

DirectorBilly Wilder

About This Movie

Sunset Boulevard is such a fascinating dive into the darker side of Hollywood. Billy Wilder crafts this film with a sharp, almost claustrophobic atmosphere that mirrors the faded glamour of its main character, Norma Desmond. Gloria Swanson’s performance is haunting—she embodies this tragic figure with such intensity. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the tension to build gradually as the story unfolds. The mix of shadowy cinematography and those notable scenes really capture the desperation of aging in the industry. Plus, the practical effects used in the dream-like sequences feel so grounded. It’s a film that isn’t just about the story; it’s about the whole experience of watching it unfold, layer by layer.

Directed by Billy Wilder, released in 1950.Cinematography by John F. Seitz, notable for its noir style.Gloria Swanson's performance is a standout, often discussed.Features a haunting score by Franz Waxman.