Macabre Subtext And Circular Structure Of Sunset Boulevard By Billy Wilder

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Through its macabre subtext and circular structure, Billy Wilder's ‘Sunset Boulevard’ encapsulates the nihilistic world of 1950s Hollywood, with essences of pessimism and cynicism ingrained in post-war America. The posthumous narration of protagonist Joe Gillis presents fame as a poisoned chalice that can leave you literally dead. Wilder highlights the human’s inherent desire for love and the detrimental consequences as it gets equated with infatuation with self-image and possession within interpersonal relationships. He explores how artistic integrity is ultimately attainable, and that both true sacrifice and indulgence are a necessity in this art making. The silent film star, Norma Desmond unveils the fleeting nature of fame, her mistaken