Sunset Blvd. at 70: Broken Dreams - 70th Anniversary Video | Movie Birthdays
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- Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
- Sunset Blvd. 70th Anniversary Video Essay
This video looks back at Billy Wilder’s classic dark Hollywood tale Sunset Blvd. Arguably one of the greatest Hollywood directors of all time, Wilder defied categorisation as he moved from genre to genre delivering timeless classics that have come to define American cinema. Sunset Blvd. followed in the tradition of his earlier film noir offerings such as The Lost Weekend and Double Indemnity to portray a satirical and haunting look at Hollywood and the obsessive nature of filmmaking. The film has a standout performance from screen legend Gloria Swanson, who alongside Billy Wilder must never be forgotten by modern audiences. Check out the video and let me know what you think in the comments.
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Movie Birthdays is a video essay channel that celebrates great movies as they come of age and reach a milestone. You're all invited to join the party and enjoy the journey as we look at the craft behind the films you love but also the films you might have missed.
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“I am big…it’s the pictures that got small “ what a line to a great movie 🎥🍿😊
Right on!
Gloria Swanson was insanely good in this movie.
one of the best movies of all time. my criteria
My daughter is 31 years old now, when she was about eleven years old, I rented Sunset Boulevard, of course in black and white. When the movie started she shouted.. Oh Daddy this is some old movie it is even in black and white... Because she loved me, I was able to assure her and said give it a few minutes and lets see how it goes. When she sees Gloria Swanson up there in Sun Glasses saying to William Holden; "young man, come here" in that Hollywood elite old style accent... Well my daughter asked: "Gosh daddy who is that?" I got a chance to explain to her the long history of film and how the movie is a commentary on time , Hollywood, popularity and our lives itself. I never saw a young child so transfixed by a black and white movie while eating pizza. Since then all movies she has watched is now measured against the genius of Billy Wilder and the ability of actors and actresses to actually act and create mystery, drama, and take us into their world which is seriously and cleverly crafted. She also enjoyed me telling her about such types in the background as Eric Von Stroheim, Buster Keaton... My little girl, in one movie, by seeing quality became an instant and quite profound movie critic. Who knows what other powerful outcomes have happened due to this film. I think it is one of Hollywood's best movies, daring to take itself under study and showing it is much more than stars and tensil, but love, hate, drama, and tragedy in its deepest and most profound realities. Peace!!!
What an amazing story, it really made me smile. A testament to the power of great cinema and the genius of Billy Wilder. What a great age to see Sunset Blvd and for it to leave such a powerful impression. I think I was 20 when I first saw this movie and it was equally as captivating, if I had you as a guide. It took years of rewatching and researching to understand the many layers at play. I loved your breakdown of the themes within the film.
Thanks for such a great comment. Here’s to more cinematic discovery for the generations to come that will keep the artform alive forever.
@@MovieBirthdays Your commentary concerning the film is revealing, detailed, thought provoking and superb. You captured all the extant and hidden issues of Hollywood as portrayed in the movie. I have just discovered your channel and I will examine many more visual essays you have accomplished. Thanks MB for examining the fabric of movies, even those that were not embraced by the public. I used to read books when I was young, devouring all the author's ideas... Science fiction to fact, and that background in reading, comprehending, and digesting has made me ripe for a channel such as this. My goal now is to have my daughter watch this 70th anniversary video. I think she will enjoy it as much as the movie itself. Looking forward to more from you, bless you.
Beautifully written, WGHC2637 --- Hollywood's in dire need these days of experienced, talented writers --- no age limits, but comic book universe-types please use the back door if/when arriving w/new material at interview. Your daughter's ideas may be of interest to us as well. Please post completed screenplays & manuscript(s) w/ SASE --- no texts or e mails will be given consideration. Seriously & the best of luck....
What a magnificently detailed post, & so accurate! I wonder if your lovely daughter inherited your writing skills. Just a thought 😊
@@isolda980 Oh she is one of those who hovers in anticipation of the next thing life does... she is far beyond my poor attempts to comment and hint... exactly where she needs to be. Thanks for asking.
I sometimes wonder if Rudolph Valentino would have survived the transition from silent to talkies. Of course, we will never know since he died tragically in 1926. Still, it would be interesting if he did survive and it was him cast in a film like this. R.I.P. Swason and Valentino. There’s still people who remember you both.
Gloria Swanson was amazing in this movie
Billy Wilder: genius, brilliant. Okay- I adore him.
This is a very superior analysis, a head and shoulders above the usual UA-cam video. You are right also about modern audiences ability to connect with older films generally. A great deal of rubbish is made in today’s cinema but that has always been the case. Cinema has always been a business first which is the reason that relatively few films become classics compared to the number that have been made. I do believe that there will always be people who appreciate great films from every era. As you rightly mentioned, Billy Wilder did eventually fall out of favour but he left behind an incredibly impressive body of work. Sunset Boulevard is an incredible film. I wish Gloria Swanson had won an Oscar for her performance but it doesn’t really matter, she was deeply invested in making this film. Gloria Swanson was not Norma Desmond but there were elements of her in the character, she had lived that period and she stars who had become like Norma. There was a slight cruelty in Wilder’s nature that showed in his work and gave it an edge, this was true in the “waxworks” scenes.
Thank you for such an astute comment full of great insight.
God, haven’t seen this film in forever. That ending still gives me chills. Fantastic coverage as always, loving the channel
Thanks mate, glad you like the channel. Hadn’t seen it for a while myself and still packs a punch as you said, some classics never die.
My favorite movie!
Wonderful exposition of this wonderful movie. Thank you! I'm in my late seventies which didn't make me a part of the first run audience though it did leave me appreciating Bill Holden and so Sunset Boulevard. That led to looking into the work of Gloria Swanson and Eric von Stroheim.
"It's the pictures that got small," has never seemed so apropos.
What a wonderful Movie! 💋
such a great film
one of my all time favorite movies by one of my all time favorite directors. Carol Burnett used to do a wonderful parody of Norma Desmond. There's something unmistakable about a Wilder movie. They certainly don't make movies like that anymore, such a pity.
Wilder was one of the greats, with all of his movies you know you’re in good hands. He knows how to pull viewers into a story with great characters and in the case of Sunset Blvd he builds such a great atmosphere it’s almost like you’re in a trance. A powerfully piece of cinema about cinema. Thanks for your comment.
My grown kids dont like black n white films but i think this made sunset blvd more effective scary!
my all time favourite
Some Like It Hot!!! Fabulous! Marilyn! Sunset Blvd, a High Drama masterpiece! Gloria!
Excellent summary of one of the greatest movies ever made. I've watched it a hundred times and I'd watch it another hundred. Ultimately it is a very sad story but one which is also incredibly profound and uplifting. It isn't remotely sentimental or mawkish or depressing. The melodrama is spine-tingling, captivating and compelling. There is nothing downbeat, pretentious or insincere. The word masterpiece is overused but it is entirely apt here. x
The sheer PERFECTION of this movie! Best lesson in film writing + film making ever. And in film history as well, of course. Human nature had definitely no secret for Billy Wilder & Charles Brackett.
THIS WAS A BRILLIANT PRODUCTION..............
I was 10 y old in 1961
and my cousin living in NY
and her friends who were in NYU took me to see the 10th anniversary of the film
In an Art House. It is one of the top 25 films and of course the poet and genius writer/director Billy Wilder. All his films are great
I love the last century
@@davidanthonystone5165 Myself, I think from 1945-1965 were the BEST YEARS of the 20th Century. Born '47.
I’ve seen this film,several year’s ago.This is why I’m glad that I’m not a movie 🍿 Star!😊Well….this is an interesting film,because,the character’s,well….are real,maybe,you’d see a lot of humanity in it?😊
This was an enjoyable film,🎥 by the way!This must be a film 🎥 on life and all its difficulties?Even ballet dancer’s don’t dance forever!They have to retire,too!But,they go off to teach other younger dancer’s,and carry on their gift 🎁 of dance.😊
Mrs Swanson managed to meld together the mystery and drama of the silent movie age to the very different modern age of movies as they were in 1950 at the end of the studio system which now seems passe and old fashioned.
I agree. What’s interesting is that as fresh as Sunset Blvd. still feels, it definitely is a film from another time. They just don’t make movies like that any more.
Right on.
Fantastic video, your points are absolutely spot on. The film is masterpiece on the hypocrisy of the legend and glamour of Hollywood, on how those in denial are clutching at straws and how the inevitable passing of time is being fought by those who wish to stay in their heyday. This hypocrisy is played out even further when Desmond visits the soundstage at Paramount and sees the aging extras, those who never had a chance of the limelight and are still working, the extras, the staff and ultimately Cecil B DeMille himself who represents the past glamour of Hollywood and still managed to hang in there through to the 50s. There is a line that has always resonated with me and that is near the end when Gillis tells Desmond;
Norma, grow up. You're a woman of fifty. There's nothing tragic about being fifty - not unless you try to be twenty-five.
Theoretically, he is right, but this is 1950s Hollywood and, according to the late Robert Evans referring to Ava Gardner, once you reached thirty five, it was over. Injustice and cruel, the theme of ageism is still hanging over the film industry and sadly has still not been overtly addressed. Sure there has been a change, with an ageing population there are films now cater towards them, but the theme is still there. Pretty serendipitous that you included a clip of Mulholland Drive, a film that started off as a TV pilot and, according to some, was put on ice due, in part, to the age of the two female leads (absolutely bonkers if you ask me)
I didn’t know that about the cast of Mulholland Drive, really interesting. Great observations from you too, the obsession with youth has ultimately brought Hollywood movies to where it is now. The main output has generally been reduced to youth orientated blockbusters predominantly owned by Disney. It seems that the smaller screen (tv) has become the domain for more grown up stories fulfilling Norma’s prophecy. Thanks again for your feedback.
@@MovieBirthdays Well said, I never thought about it that way. The big screen driving towards youth oriented material, and the ‘grown up stories’ being relegated to the small screen, with the irony being that we are supposedly in the second golden age of shows due to the advent of platforms such as Netflix. The tech has changed, but her vision is sadly becoming reality. However the film also deals with film stars and the celebrity cache, and, for for good or for bad, this is dying out in mainstream cinema where the property itself has become the star. The theory is good and sound since if the script normally doesn’t hold up, then the film fails. However this time the property has normally been open to repetition, which is not always a good thing either IMO.
Totally agree. 👍
Men tend to do better in Hollywood as they age. I can only think of a handful number of actresses who transcended age, Bette Davis, Katherine Hepburn and perhaps Joan Crawford. Swanson certainly deserved a longer career but Sunset Blvd might have angered the brass in Hollywood too much. It's a shame how youth oriented society has become. Older actors like older cats are really worthy of adoption.
I know that this word gets used so much but Billy Wilder was a true genius.
It’s not overused in this case.👍
Thank you. I love the picture, and it is not a criticism to say that it seems like a gothic vampie movie somewhat brought up to date. Such a basic story never becomes too old fashioned, they are always re-imagined.
The vampire metaphor is very apt. Norma uses his youth to stay young and immortal.
Billy Wilder, the template for guys like Kubrick and Soderbergh. Great vid.
Thanks. Definitely, his versatility and ability to adapt his style for the requirements of the genre but still keeping some signature is definitely what stands out about Wilder.
@Randy White Diversify portfolio by doing films of different genres.
Excellent Synopsis!!! 👏
EXCELLENT, I SAW THE MUSICAL 3 TIMES (BOSTON, LONDON AND NEW YORK)...AFTER LOVING THE ORIGINAL MOVIE.
OMG why now that i found your channel Please never stop making videos
Thanks so much, I’m glad you like the channel. I have a few new videos on the way so stay tuned.
Excellent video with great commentary.
Thank you for your "Take" on Sunset Boulevard. It is just Excellent.
Thanks so much, I loved taking a deep dive into this classic movie. So atmospheric, but it also captures a very rich time in Hollywood history.
Thanks so much, I loved taking a deep dive into this classic movie. So atmospheric, but it also captures a very rich time in Hollywood history.
Billy wilder was fifty when he did sunset boulevard he lived to be around a hundred
Wilder made The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes and Avanti later on, both very good imo 🤔☺️👍
I’ve seen Avanti, I never got around to seeing Sherlock Holmes, I’ll have to track it down.
This presentation was a complete pleasure to watch...excellent editing meets clear and concise commentary...
You've got my full attention....
Subscribing immediately...
@@dkcorderoyximenez3382 thank you so much for the very kind comment.
Really marvelous -- thank you! Everytime somebody does another essay on this movie new insights are brought out. You give it both a long and close-up view.
It is interesting how long the classics are keeping their luster, isn't it -- and which ones don't. In Sunset Boulevard we all glimpse our own failures of purpose and principle. Every time I watch it I hopelessly hope Gillis won't invite murder by dumping Norma so callously -- but kindness isn't the quality you think of first when it comes to the movie business.
@@scronx thank you for such a beautifully insightful comment. I’m glad you enjoyed the video.
Absolutely brilliant! Your commentary was concise and superb. You really got to the heart of this production and the spot on comparisons of film and Hollywood today. This type of picture will never be made again. Today's filmmakers can't capture it, and the audiences with their smaller screens and shorter attention spans can't appreciate it. The drek made today isn't art.
Fantastic, keep up with the great work. thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the comment, glad you enjoyed the video. I’ve got some great videos coming over the next few weeks so please subscribe if you haven’t already.
Nice critique!
Favorite video on my fav movie
Never seen this film but a very informative video, enjoyed it cheers.
Try to track it down it’s definitely worth a watch. Let me know what you think. Also thanks for joining the Discord I’m planning to use it a lot more.
One of the best ever!
Excellent review.
Great video. Thanks for all the effort it took to string this together!
No problem, I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks, MB, for an interesting and thought provoking video essay. I've enjoyed the famous line "It's the pictures that got small!" many times without giving it a second thought. But your comment -- that our screens are literally getting smaller, along with our attention spans -- snapped this cliché into sharp focus for me. Amidst a plague of handheld devices and inane Twitter feeds everywhere: What tiny fraction of the great films are being properly viewed, as intended, on the silver screen nowadays? It's enough to make one weep for what has been lost.
There may be more to the "Mad about the Boy" note in the solid gold cigarette case than its echo of a Noel Coward tune (11:59). First, please accept that nothing happens in a Wilder & Diamond film by accident or by luck -- notwithstanding BW's "typische Wiener Ironie" (4:38). Specifically, consider the jocular query at the house party: "Who'd you borrow that from? Adolphe Menjou?" (8:25) Mindful of the 1939 minor screen classic "Golden Boy", starring -- wait for it -- Barbara Stanwyck, Bill Holden and Adolphe Menjou, it's possible that Gillis' "Close, but no cigar" wise-crack ought to be taken as a similarly ironical "Bull's eye!" reply.
Thanks for such an insightful comment. It does make me wonder if classic movies are finding a new audience their place almost doesn’t seem with the viewing habits that are being developed today.
Great observations regarding the references that Wilder sprinkled throughout the movie which further adds to the excitement of it being a self-reflexive peek behind the scenes.
Thanks again for taking the time, please feel free to check out my other videos. I would love to hear your thoughts and insights.
The movie set where norma came to meet demille is actual set of samson and delilah
I didn’t realise that, thanks for pointing it out.
Bravo!👏
Tk you
Is there one on the apartment as well?
Love your content, great as always! Keep it up!
Thanks a lot. Appreciate the feedback.
This channel has really great reviews, and the speaker voice is cool.
Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed the video. That’s the first compliment on my voice over so thanks for that too. I’ve got a great video coming tomorrow so make sure you hit the bell next to the subscribe button so that you don’t miss it. 👍
@@MovieBirthdays yeah, your voice is relaxing, it's difficult to find one. For sure I'll be watching the next 👍
Hope you enjoy the next one. Let me know what you think in the comments.
When you want to know all about movie technique - watch the Hitchcocks. When you want to know about people - watch a Billy Wilder movie.
Great advice.
Hollywood of the 21st century IS Norma Desmond. Going... going...
10:31 Is that Ann Miller making a quick cameo?
Arnie became jack Webb a police drama producer
You keep mispronouncing DeMille's first name. It's SESS-ul, not SEE-cill.
Now Broadway has turned it into a piece of CRAP!
Trump is Norma Desmond, aging, has-been, waving at people that are not there! This anniversary is timely! GRIN
True. At least Norma, like Swanson, had style and a credibly successful past.