Billy Wilder’s 1950 melodramatic feature film Sunset Boulevard explores the dark side of Hollywood, where fame and fortune can lead to deception and madness. Wilder contends that those within the glamorous film industry will eventually receive the repercussions of their actions, however, things like karma work in funny ways. The lavish lifestyles celebrities seem to have can often draw in those who desire more, little do they know what truly lies beneath the surface. Sometimes desperation to reach that inner circle can lead to drastic choices being made, ones that cannot go without consequences. But ultimately, it simply comes down to the fact that the Hollywood life isn’t for everyone, because despite the many ruined by success, there are still the few who flourish in it. …show more content…
Joe Gillis, the film's protagonist and narrator, can’t seem to let the Hollywood dream go. Despite his numerous failed attempts at being a successful screenwriter, he still persists, even when “this year [he’s] hungry”. Audiences may mistake this drive as ambition, however, as the film progresses and Joe continues making questionable choices, it begins to appear as if he’s simply trying to grasp at a fantasy that won’t come true. On the other hand, someone like Norma Desmond, who was left behind after the change from silent films to talkies, isn’t chasing the dream but rather living in it. Despite being ostracised by the very people who initially supported her career, Norma still wants back. Little does she know, her next fifteen minutes of fame will also be her last. Furthermore, desire for a life in Hollywood may be fruitful, however the lengths some people will go to in order to get it will come back to haunt them