During the tail end of September 1950, cinema goers saw the release of Billy Wilders satirical, film noir “Sunset Boulevard”; a film that portrays the corrupt nature of Hollywood glitz. Sunset Boulevard presents a scathing review of the dangers of becoming obsessed and deluded by the diamond-studded allure of Hollywood culture. Highlighting the corrupting effects of fame and stardom and the toxic psychological effects of failing to accept the inevitable career decline that comes with age. Additionally, Sunset Boulevard also explores the fatal effects of excessive self-obsession and self-righteousness. P1 Norma Desmond is a self-obsessed and incredibly deluded previous generation actress who refuses to come to terms with the Hollywood productions, …show more content…
It is her idea of incredible self-importance and refusal to move on from the past that drives Norma Desmond to put three bullets into her ‘partner’ and personal screenwriter, Joe Gilles. Towards the end of the film (1hr 41m 24sec), a scene between Joe Gilles, Norma Desmond and her personal butler Max Von Mayerling depicts how Norma’s completely deluded perception of reality and her place in it finally reaches a breaking point. Even in the face of Joe Gilles exposing the secrets being kept from Desmond “You tell her, Max. Come on, do her that favor. tell her there isn't going to be any picture, there aren't any fan letters except the ones you write yourself.” During this scene Wilder maintains a medium shot with minimal non diegetic audio to maintain focus on the dialogue and body language of the characters. Even in the reveal of this bombshell, Norma is entirely enthralled and hung up on Max’s response “Madame is the greatest star of them all...” Despite the soul crushing reveal that her cherished fan letters and box office prospects are a farce, Norma is completely engrossed in her fantasy world “You heard him. I'm a star!”. The mise en scene changes as Norma Desmond steps forward and exhibits a completely