Sunset Boulevard

Sunset Boulevard is a 1950 Hollywood film noir classic, directed by Billy Wilder and starring William Holden and Gloria Swanson. Steven Cohan's study explores the film's production history, the contribution of director Wilder, stars Holden and Swanson, and supporting actors Erich von Stroheim, Nancy Olson, Cecil B. DeMille, and Hedda Hopper. It examines the film's marketing, reception, and afterlife, and speculates on its enduring appeal.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 104 pages
Publication date: 08 September 2022
Publisher: British Film Institute

Billy Wilder's iconic 1950 film, "Sunset Boulevard," achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success, cementing its status as a classic of film noir and one of the most celebrated Hollywood films. The film's opening scene, featuring William Holden as screenwriter Joe Gillis drowning in Norma Desmond's (Gloria Swanson) pool, and the memorable line "I am big; it's the pictures that got small" are among the most iconic moments in Classical Hollywood cinema. In his comprehensive study of the film, Steven Cohan delves into original archival research to shed new light on the film's production history, exploring the contributions of director Wilder, stars Holden and Swanson, as well as supporting actors Erich von Stroheim, Nancy Olson, Cecil B. DeMille, Hedda Hopper, costumier Edith Head, and composer Franz Waxman. Cohan approaches the film from two distinct perspectives: as a "back-studio" picture, focusing on Hollywood, and as a film noir, examining the societal context of McCarthyism, blacklisting, and the Hollywood Ten. He explores the marketing strategies employed for the film, its reception by audiences, and its enduring legacy. Cohan also examines how the film speaks powerfully to contemporary audiences, despite being a product of its own historical moment as the movie industry transitioned out of the studio era. He speculates on the reasons behind its enduring appeal, making "Sunset Boulevard" a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate viewers.

Weight: 170g
Dimension: 136 x 188 x 8 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839024085