Whether it takes place in the production stage or the post- production stage of sound design. But DeMille hates her script, and her association with Joe ends in murder and madness. ” The segment of Sunset Boulevard that will be analyzed in this essay is significant because, through the use and interplay of cinematography, editing, elements of Mise-en-Scene, and the dialogue, Norma’s delusions are highlighted and magnified. a musical in 2 acts, 21 scenes: Libretto by Don Black and Christopher Hampton; based on the film and screenplay Sunset Boulevard by Billy Wilder: Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Dramatica is a registered trademark of Screenplay Systems Incorporated. . BETTY:  It’s not your career—it’s mine. "Sunset Boulevard" is a backstage melodrama using a filmland, instead of a legit, locale. The objective characters are motivated by how they see themselves. The objective characters are concerned with how to realize their career objectives using Joe’s talent as a writer. However, the studio just wants to rent her vintage car. I have to get ready for my scene. Twenty years ago Norma Desmond was a silent film queen. She harasses the young woman and Joe finally leaves Norma for good. She sees the same path for Joe. Joe walks out on Norma, so she decides if she can’t have him, no-one else will. The general population of postwar America liked the film while executives in Hollywood despised it. I made her a star. What happens when she finds out? . Dostoevsky? Betty imagines that if she can convince Joe to let her help him develop one of his stories, she can earn herself a screen credit and launch her writing career. Whether the story comes in a linear ‘beginning, middle, and ending’ order or an untraditional order that may start at the end or the middle will set the ultimate tone of the story, thus the film. We didn’t need dialogue. And what made it even worse was that she was around all the time, hovering over me. . NORMA:  [. . . Sunset Boulevard: A Screenplay Analysis . Max loves Norma so much he lets her treat him like a servant, supporting her fantasy for so long that she feels justified to enslave Joe, and arrive on the Paramount lot as if she were a queen. For all its humour, Sunset Boulevard is a bitter and queasy film, and the figure of Desmond is its greatest grotesque, a woman of 50 striving to be 25, surrounded by … . You don’t believe me, but I did, I did! All right, Mr. DeMille, I’m ready for my close-up. NORMA:  No you didn’t. Soviet Union, In this particular review, I will discuss why I believe Casablanca is the greatest film of all time and why. . Norma Desmond was discovered when she was eighteen and groomed into a great silent film star. Joe’s frustrated when Norma refuses to have her card game interrupted while at that very moment his car is towed away by the finance men. . Billy Wilder and Charles Brackett’s original idea for Sunset Boulevard was to portray an aging silent movie star as an embodiment of Hollywood’s callous treatment of … This causes Joe to leave Norma which leads to his murder. Sunset Boulevard means a lot of things to a lot of people. He always wanted a pool. It was released to the public on August 10, 1950 in New York City. MAX:  She never will. More than anything she wants to be a star again. It was named after a major street that runs through Hollywood the center of the American movie industry. Sunset Boulevard plot summary, character breakdowns, context and analysis, and performance video clips. Sunset Boulevard (styled in the main title on-screen as SUNSET BLVD.) There is a curious style, a great sense of high voltage about her. . Joe regrets being sequestered in Norma’s house as her lover, and attempts to free himself which provokes her to kill him. Sunset Boulevard Summary. Even when Joe tells Norma the truth about her fan letters and the real reason for the call from Paramount, Max continues his speculative efforts on Norma’s behalf: Not lately. After Louis Bloom witnesses how stringers are filming a car wreck for the news broadcast, he decides that this career is just for him. Adaptation of the literary classics to the films has surged as one of the most appealing topics in the 21st century of interdisciplinary studies. Norma’s so thrilled to be back at Paramount where she once was so happy, she takes Mr. DeMille’s kindness to mean that a deal for her to do another picture is “practically set.”  Believing this, she considers how her fifty-year-old face will look before the cameras, and subjects herself to torturous beauty treatments. to Leonor as an Anniversary gift turned out to be Romeos’ gift to Tess for her birthday, Just a story won’t do. And floating in a pool. How do you like that? Sunset Boulevard Summary. He ducks into the driveway of a decaying mansion belonging to Norma Desmond. He returns and they become lovers. And Sunset Boulevard has one of those folks, too: Norma Desmond. She attempts suicide and he returns, becoming her lover and a kept man. . a musical in 2 acts, 21 scenes: Libretto by Don Black and Christopher Hampton; based on the film and screenplay Sunset Boulevard by Billy Wilder: Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. . In discussing Citizen Kane, Charles Higham mentioned "artistic cheats," flaws in credibility whereby characters in scenes gave information about which they couldn't possibly have full detailed knowledge.Sunset Boulevard's entire point of view is based on a gimmick. SUNSET BOULEVARD. Things appear to pick up for Joe when he’s hired to rewrite Norma’s script, but the job turns sour. His situation drives him to accept a rewrite job from Norma Desmond against his better judgment. . GILLIS:  There’s nothing tragic about being fifty—not unless you try to be twenty-five. cars outside the streets. She employs Joe Gillis, a disillusioned young writer, to work on the script with which she hopes to make a comeback, even though Cecil B. DeMille has turned it down. And no dialogue. . Her talent to entertain distracts Joe from the boredom of living with her, and delays his escape. I’m too happy. GILLIS:  Maybe DeMille is shooting. Movie Analysis Of Sunset Boulevard Film Studies Essay Sunset Boulevard, directed by Billy wilder in 1950, is considered to be the greatest film about Hollywood ever put on celluloid by Hollywood. Sunset Boulevard preliminary draft with original opening scenes and Montgomery Clift listed on cast sheet, 1948.A fascinating early script draft for Sunset Boulevard, Billy Wilder’s classic 1950 film noir with Gloria Swanson and William Holden.A simply typed warning from Wilder and screenwriter Charles Brackett graces the cover page: “This is the first act of Sunset Boulevard. Max? Betty reads some of Joe’s work and decides there’s one story worth developing. Sunset Boulevard Film Analysis 1029 Words | 5 Pages. (Sadoul, p. 362). Look at me. .] Billy Wilder 's Sunset Boulevard (Wilder 1950) will be analysed and explored with its techniques and styles of mise-en-scéne and how this aspect of filmmaking establishes together as a cohesive whole with the. Even though his instincts tell him something is wrong with Norma that first night, Joe ignores this innate warning system. Joe finds himself living in a one-room apartment, behind in his rent, and on the verge of losing his car. Norma comprehends the meaning of Joe’s protests: When Norma offers him the chance to make some money, pay his bills, and continue his efforts to sell his scripts, he accepts. No matter how many stories he pumps out, they’ll always be inferior because of his cynical attitude. Say it! She reminds Joe of this when he rejects her idea that they work together: Joe, floating in his watery grave, acknowledges that twisted bit of fate. She becomes more possessive of Joe, and snaps when she discovers that he’s sneaking out of her home to write a love story with a young woman. NORMA:  There was a time when this business had the eyes of the whole wide world. Norma’s tendency to focus only on herself causes Joe problems:  She moves him out of his apartment without asking first because she’s lonely and wants to control his work on her script; buys him expensive clothes over his protests because she’s tired of his limited wardrobe; blinded by her happiness, she plans the next year of Joe’s life without considering he might have plans of his own. He does lose his car, becoming totally dependent upon Norma, and this dependence eventually kills him. Suppose you make up your mind. GILLIS:  I went for a walk. You aren’t going to buy me anything more. GILLIS:  I’ve lost my car. Louis is about manipulating a crime scene in order to produce more violence which can be sold later on. But it wasn’t so simple, getting some coherence into those wild hallucinations of hers. Norma tries to learn where Joe goes when he leaves her house at night. Around her throat there is a leopard-patterned scarf, and wound about her head a turban of the same material. How the music is used in film indicates the level of film quality and work of casting team. In the film Sunset Boulevard many character struggled with wishes, lies and dreams of fame and fortune. Joe is a screenwriter, trying to make car payments and expenses. As the story progresses Norma considers more ways to regain her stardom:  Knowing how popular biblical epics are, she contemplates using the epic story of Salome as a vehicle for her comeback; realizing the impact her presence makes, she arrives in the flesh at Paramount to get a commitment from DeMille to direct her picture. I’m all wrong for you. . NORMA:  What is the scene? Say it! When this too fails, she succumbs to her ego and destroys him. Unfortunately, he falls victim to Norma’s money and iron will. And floating in a pool. This section contains 706 words Max has stopped using his senses when it come to Norma. NORMA:  No one leaves a star. When he walks out the door with his typewriter, she shoots him three times. In fact everything he does speeds him along the path to becoming another casualty of Hollywood. Later, Joe tells her the truth about her visit with DeMille. Sunset Boulevard (1950) is a classic black comedy/drama, and perhaps the most acclaimed, but darkest film-noir story about "behind the scenes" Hollywood, self-deceit, spiritual and spatial emptiness, and the price of fame, greed, narcissism, and ambition. He ducks into the driveway of a decaying mansion belonging to Norma Desmond. What fun we’re going to have. I kind of hoped to get in on this deal. GILLIS:  I haven’t been keeping myself at all. Joe pretends to be a heartless gigolo so Betty will stop loving him and marry Artie; Max pretends to be a film director to lure Norma downstairs to be arrested for killing Joe; Norma acts like the silent screen star she once was when she madly glides down the staircase to the newsreel cameras. He learns that losing his only means of transportation and independence means nothing to Norma. . In 1960, Edward Ruscha began taking a series of photos of every building on the “Sunset Strip” in Los Angeles, California. We had faces. While Joe believes he can manipulate her to his benefit, but he soon finds out he’s dead wrong. The story is moved along by actions:  When the finance men try to repossess Joe’s car he runs from them, gets a flat tire, and hides in Norma’s driveway. What is it you want—money? The bright lights represent fame and success as for the darkness symbolizes lost hope and loneliness. And being a star, Norma forbids Joe to leave her and shoots him. However, I chose a specific extract from the movie to analyze in detail. There are also freeze-frames and jump cuts, which add to the effect of French New Wave cinema. . BETTY:  I just think pictures should say a little something. Ready to give him up for me. GILLIS:  [. I could have gone on with my career, only I found everything unendurable after she divorced me. Joe must start to act with more integrity if he’s going to truly be a success. Where’s the fire? So they opened their big mouths, and out came talk, talk, talk. and hides his car in Norma’s garage; when he’s offered the chance of a job, Joe grabs it, embellishing on his experience and pay rate; when Norma comes on too strong on New Year’s Eve, Joe leaves her house, hitches a ride, and finds people his own age to party with; when he discovers that Norma is harassing Betty, he takes charge of the situation, tells Betty to come see him, then tells her the truth. Now you’ll have to write. Sunset Boulevard Sequence Analysis: Norma Desmond’s Final Scene June 26, 2019 by Essay Writer In Billy Wilder’s 1950 film Sunset Boulevard, Gloria Swanson plays a former silent film star named Norma Desmond who lives as a wealthy recluse in order to protect … Join StageAgent today and unlock amazing theatre resources and opportunities. “She is a little woman. James Joyce? [. Film noirs describe pessimistic films associated with black and white visual styles, crime fiction, and dark themes. Max envisions that by removing all the locks from every door in Norma’s mansion, she won’t attempt suicide again; he envisions that by writing fake fan letters and mailing them from post offices around Los Angeles, Norma will be so happy not to have been forgotten she won’t get depressed over her forced retirement. NORMA:  Now what is it? This scene, along with the entire movie, reflects on Jean-Luc Godard’s work in all ways possible. Having tried every way she knows to achieve her comeback—and failing, Norma attempts to hold onto the man who makes her feel loved. The objective characters envision how Joe or themselves can make it in Hollywood. The extreme example is, of course, Norma Desmond:  Norma perceives herself to be the greatest star of them all past, present, and future; she dedicates her life to convincing current movie producers that she’s still a star. She goes to see DeMille, but he doesn’t tell her the truth. I wanted the dough, and I wanted to get out of there as quickly as I could. Just to know you want me. .] .! These recollections fill her with happiness and fuel her enormous ego. NORMA:  You can’t work from an apartment where you owe three month’s rent. . .] The shoes The film combines a considerable amount of music that emphasizes and develops the movie topic. Or I’ll open my house in Malibu, and you can have the whole ocean. . .] Have they forgotten what a star looks like? Sunset Boulevard is a film that received mixed reviews among American societies. After trying to live with Norma as her lover, Joe enters into an enterprise that will earn him his independence from her. Adelphi Theatre, London - 12 July, 1993 (1529 perfs) Shubert Theatre, Los Angeles - 9 … Directed by Billy Wilder. What mood/tone is set in the first few minutes? . NORMA:  Oh yes, yes. The noir feel isintroduces immediately aswe see the old fashionedcards drive past in low keyblack and white lighting.The shadowy contrasty skyis a key element of noir isthis shot. NORMA:  Still wonderful, isn’t it? As the story progresses the characters come up with more ideas to achieve their goals:  Joe comes up with the idea to ask his friends for money to pay his car notes; Morino advances the idea that losing his car will be good for Joe, because he’ll have to write; Betty comes up with the notion to co-write Joe’s story idea so she can earn herself a writing credit; Max comes up with the idea not to tell Norma the truth about Paramount’s wanting her vintage car for a film, not her screenplay, so that she’ll be happy. Further, when he was alive, his concern was to avoid his past life as a lowly newspaper man. Film Analysis Worksheet FILM Sunset Boulevard by Billy Wilder_____ First 2-3 Minutes What happens? . Joe strives to make a living as a writer in Hollywood. . SUNSET BOULEVARD. . “Sunset Boulevard” is a movie made in Hollywood that is about making movies in Hollywood, this is why it is self referential. Well, his disembodied voice leads us back in time and gives us the skinny. For example, Betty and Norma imagine ways to collaborate with Joe to advance their careers; agent Morino envisions Joe stuck in his room writing a great story that will earn him a commission. Sunset Boulevard is a 1950 film noir directed by Billy Wilder. But he quickly becomes dissatisfied with the job and annoyed with Norma. The following analysis reveals a comprehensive look at the Storyform for Sunset Boulevard. Driven by the instinct to keep her man, Norma fights dirty with taunting phone calls to Betty, and loses Joe for good. Mise-en-Scène?) Getting herself ready for a picture. If Norma was capable of rational thought she might have anticipated how a relationship with a much younger, independent-minded man like Joe would probably end up. And, each person may have their own respective reasons as to why this film holds a special place in the minds and heart of those who love cinematic art. Betty wants to develop “Dark Windows” with Joe, pitch it to the producer, co-write it with Joe, and launch her writing career. The only other person besides Norma living at the mansion is Norma's valet, Max, whose unofficial job is to prime Norma's fragile but larger than life ego. Analysis of opening sequence to Sunset BoulevardSunset Boulevard is a film noir which was released in the 1950’s and is filmed inblack and white. .] But if your career is on the skids, or if you’re struggling to get established, Hollywood is a hard place to exist in. Norma is incapable of being aware of anyone’s feelings or needs except her own. A timeless example of non-linear storytelling carrying a film would be the graphic novel to screen adaptation of Frank Miller’s Sin City. You've reached the "hub" for any and all Dramatica analysis of Sunset Boulevard. (The young, beautiful Salomé holding the saintly Baptist's severed head on a platter became a famous subject in art.) .] . When you use the processes of recording, editing and mixing of sounds you greatly enhance the quality of the movie. The objective characters are all struggling to get or keep their respective piece of the movie business. She’s attempted suicide, and has been married three times. NORMA:  [. It’s one of the most famous endings in Hollywood film history with one of the most famous last lines of dialogue as well: Sunset Blvd. Wealthy silent film queen Norma Desmond hires Joe Gillis to rewrite a script she hopes Cecil B. DeMille will make, starring herself. How did this happen? . Instinct carries greater weight in the subjective story:  Joe belatedly acts on his instincts and attempts to gain financial independence from Norma by sneaking out at night to work on his script with Betty. Lighting? I don’t care what it takes. She went through a merciless series of treatments. made by her father, but during the time were Imelda had problems with her father she Artie Green travels to Arizona as an assistant director to become a full-fledged director, and unwittingly gives Betty the chance to fall in love with Joe. Meanwhile, at 10086 Sunset Boulevard, in Desmond’s mad mansion, there is always champagne and caviar to hand, and enough money to cater … NORMA:  What you’re trying to say is that you don’t want me to love you. NORMA:  I need you as I never needed you. A lot of Diegetic sounds were used to . . Louis starts selling the footage to Nina Romina, the director of the local TV station, who is awed by his material and wishes to get the crime stories involving more blood and cruelty. If she were just a little aware of people and events outside of herself she might realize how much Max loves her and Joe does not. Visual devices were used in the film, for example the red shoes that were shown Later he strangled himself with it. In the Paramount sound stage DeMille tells Norma how expensive her picture would be to make, but she only expresses her deepest desires. Where am I? Sin City is a ride from beginning to end, and the non-linear path it chooses only aids in its ability to captivate the, Zelig (1983), featuring the main protagonist of the same name who can transform to any group he is with, is a mockumentary produced by Woody Allen. Generally speaking, music that was used in Furious 7 could be divided in terms of depicted topics and main tasks into four groups. Illustrations of how “interdiction” makes Joe uniquely able to achieve the goal are: Joe successfully postpones the seizure of his car; he manages to escape Norma long enough to achieve some good writing with Betty and see a future of dignity and financial independence. Composition? . Joe focuses on keeping Norma happy, and protecting the wholesome Artie and Betty from the truth about his unsavory lifestyle. Betty finally understands why Joe’s been lying to her and Artie about where he lives and is heartbroken; Joe finally understands just how desperate Norma was to hold onto him, as he floats face down in her pool. MAX:  It was I who asked to come back, humiliating as it may seem. Mise-en-Scène?) Joe is a screenwriter, trying to make car payments and expenses. What are your expectations about what the film will be like at this point? Paying his rent and buying him clothes helps condition Joe to be tolerant of her overbearing ways, as well. Joe sees himself as a talented writer having a dry spell. and I thought it was a matter of life and death. He feels defeated when he fails to sell “Bases Loaded” to Sheldrake, or to raise money for his car payments. Each aspect of the movie was represented well, and the overall outcome of the movie was outstanding. The only movies she watches are silent ones starring her younger self. The closer Norma believes she is to getting back into pictures, the more demanding and possessive she is of Joe. . Joe might have inferred that if he only wrote a couple B movies so far, and his present work isn’t any good, there’s a probability that he won’t be the hot writer he intended. Then he forces her to face up to the fact that she’s changed: Norma thinks that she’s the greatest movie star that ever was; that she’ll returned to the screen and prove she’s still a great star. Summary: A heavy December rain leaks through Joe’s room over the garage, forcing him to relocate to a room in the main house, one adjacent to Norma’s room and formerly used by her 3 ex-husbands. You’d have turned down “Gone with the Wind.”. . BETTY:  I’m sorry, Mr. Gillis. DeMille didn’t have the heart to tell you. After Betty declares her love for Joe, he directs his thoughts to himself and his future: Norma represents falsehood:  She misconstrues the phone calls from Paramount to mean that DeMille intends to direct her script, starring her. (Thomas, p. 115). Sunset Boulevard Film Summary & Analysis. ” The segment of Sunset Boulevard that will be analyzed in this essay is significant because, through the use and interplay of cinematography, editing, elements of Mise-en-Scene, and the dialogue, Norma’s delusions are highlighted and magnified. Screenwriter Joe Gillis has had some minor success in Hollywood writing B film scripts, but it’s been a long time since he’s sold anything. . Acting upon the little decency he has left, he packs only his old belongings, and takes off the gold watch Norma’s given him: Norma imagines engaging her astrologer to check DeMille’s horoscope to determine the right time to send him her script so he’ll direct it with her as the star. 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