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Sunset Boulevard

Play trailer 3:13 Poster for Sunset Boulevard Released Aug 10, 1950 1h 50m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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98% Tomatometer 122 Reviews 95% Popcornmeter 50,000+ Ratings
An aging silent film queen refuses to accept that her stardom has ended. She hires a young screenwriter to help set up her movie comeback. The screenwriter believes he can manipulate her, but he soon finds out he is wrong. The screenwriters ambivalence about their relationship and her unwillingness to let go leads to a situation of violence, madness, and death.
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Sunset Boulevard

Sunset Boulevard

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Critics Consensus

Arguably the greatest movie about Hollywood, Billy Wilder's masterpiece Sunset Boulevard is a tremendously entertaining combination of noir, black comedy, and character study.

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Critics Reviews

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Adam Kempenaar Filmspotting ...that staircase descent... The staging so that the police and cameramen and reporters all basically freeze, so it's like one of her oil canvases of a legendary or mythical figure come to life... [Norma] transcends space and time. Rated: 5/5 Aug 10, 2025 Full Review Wendy Ide The Times (UK) Billy Wilder’s chillingly cold-blooded satire of Hollywood is one of his finest films — and indeed arguably one of the greatest movies of the period. Jun 27, 2023 Full Review Marjory Adams Boston Globe Smashing drama of the old-fashioned kind, plus elegant perceptive characterization of the modern school, combined to make Sunset Boulevard one of the greatest films of the decade. Oct 11, 2021 Full Review Jeff Beck The Blu Spot Billy Wilder's Sunset Boulevard remains a stunning masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences with its gripping Hollywood tale of faded fame and the struggle to stay relevant in an ever-shifting cinematic landscape. Rated: 5/5 Sep 2, 2025 Full Review John Paul King Washington Blade Ultimately, though, what matters most of all is that it is a film with universal appeal — a timeless story, despite its aging stylistic and technical contributions. The fact that it remains so after 75 years is testament of the universal power of cinema. Aug 7, 2025 Full Review Josh Larsen LarsenOnFilm ... the quintessential backstage Gothic noir. Rated: 4/4 Aug 6, 2025 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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twfoley0312 This was an absolutely amazing film in every respect. This was a true skewering of both the darker side and the myth that was Hollywood of 75 years past. The film also took its subject head on while maintaining a satirical edge all while seamlesly & expertly unfolding the narrative in the realm of the genre of film noir. And then there is the cast & their performances. If only this film had not had the misfortune of being released in the same year as ALL ABOUT EVE, yet another film with themes of ageism and the fickle nature of the Hollywood stardom, SUNSET BOULEVARD would have taken home far more gold at the Academy Awards ceremony in 1951. Regardless, SUNSET BOULEVARD remains a glorious look at the darker side of Hollywood that is as relevant today as it was 75 years ago. This cinematic achievement was and remains a standout by all involved and is perhaps one of writer/director Billy Wilder's most generous offerings to audiences both then and three quarters of a century later. Looking back, Gloria Swanson's Nora Desmond was right when she said that it was the pictures that have become small. Revisit this enduring classic when motion pictures were truly big. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/13/25 Full Review Brook Always been a favorite. I have the DVD but it was great to see on the big screen. I was a little disappointed with the quality of the film. The restoration on DVD was clearer, but the film not so much. Still, an excellent film! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/06/25 Full Review CK Just saw the Broadway show and wanted to see how Jamie Lloyd's reimagined musical compared to the original film. I thought the film would be dated and was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Loved seeing it on the big screen, too. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/06/25 Full Review Bette Love this film noir! Billy Wilder at his best--and the stars are pretty great, too! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/06/25 Full Review Riley This is an incredible movie! The sets and costumes really transport you to the silent era of Hollywood. The acting is superb, and it was incredible to get the opportunity to see it on a big movie screen for the anniversary. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/06/25 Full Review Maria A Movies from yester year are the best, no extra gimmicks just great acting Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/06/25 Full Review Read all reviews
Sunset Boulevard

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Cast & Crew

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Billy Wilder

Director

William Holden

Joe Gillis

Gloria Swanson

Norma Desmond

Erich von Stroheim

Max Von Mayerling

Nancy Olson

Betty Schaefer

Fred Clark

Sheldrake

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Sunset Boulevard

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Sunset Boulevard

A scene from "Sunset Blvd." A scene from "Sunset Blvd." A scene from "Sunset Blvd." A scene from "Sunset Blvd." (L-R) Gloria Swanson as Norma Desmond and William Holden as Joe Gillis in "Sunset Boulevard." (L-R) Gloria Swanson as Norma Desmond and William Holden as Joe Gillis in "Sunset Boulevard." A scene from the film "Sunset Boulevard." (L-R) William Holden as Joe Gillis and Gloria Swanson as Norma Desmond in "Sunset Boulevard." (L-R) Gloria Swanson as Norma Desmond and William Holden as Joe Gillis in "Sunset Boulevard." Gloria Swanson as Norma Desmond in "Sunset Boulevard." View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis An aging silent film queen refuses to accept that her stardom has ended. She hires a young screenwriter to help set up her movie comeback. The screenwriter believes he can manipulate her, but he soon finds out he is wrong. The screenwriters ambivalence about their relationship and her unwillingness to let go leads to a situation of violence, madness, and death.
Director
Billy Wilder
Producer
Charles Brackett
Screenwriter
Charles Brackett, D.M. Marshman Jr., Billy Wilder
Distributor
Paramount Pictures
Production Co
Paramount Pictures
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Aug 10, 1950, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Jul 1, 2013
Runtime
1h 50m
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.37:1)
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