Sunset Boulevard Original Photograph

 Erich Von Stroheim Sunset Boulevard (Paramount, 1950).

Billy Wilder took a close look at celebrity and the abusive Hollywood “machine” in this dark classic. This film noir gem concerns a writer (William Holden) who plays the confidant and companion to an aging silent film actress (Gloria Swanson) in order to further his career. The film also cast other major stars from the silent era including Erich von Stroheim, Buster Keaton and the director Cecil B. DeMille. And although the film is considered a noir masterpiece, it is also part horror film as we see Norma Desmond’s (Swanson) descent into madness. Swanson was nominated for an Oscar as were Holden and von Stroheim. Billy Wilder and Charles Brackett won the Academy Award for Best Screenplay.