Sunset Boulevard (1950) Portrait of a Diva
Sunset Boulevard (1950) is a film directed by Billy Wilder and written by the same Wilder with Charles Brackett and D.M. Marshman Junior.
Players Gloria Swanson, William Holden, Erich Von Stroheim.
Source of inspiration for writers was the story of Mabel Normand, famous silent film actress died in 1930 overwhelmed by the scandal in which she was involved in 1922, as suspected murder of his colleague and lover William Desmond Taylor.
From the name of two characters, originated the name of Norma Desmond.
The choice of Gloria Swanson to play Norma Desmond, came after considering other famous movie stars like Mae West, Mary Pickford, Pola Negri and Greta Garbo.
Garbo did not even consider the proposal.
Ironically, the name of Garbo is pronounced by Norma Desmond in the film, probably as the only face worthy of consideration.
Also the role of William Holden (Joe Gillis the young writer, who aims to get noticed in Hollywood), was not chosen right away.
Other actors, such as Fred MacMurray and above all the most renowned Montgomery Clift were considered, but both refused the role.
Erich Von Stroheim player, the ex director and husband of Norma Desmond, now become driver and counselor of the diva.
In the real life, Von Stroheim was the husband of Swanson and directed the actress in Queen Kelly.
In the film are the cameos, some old silent film stars such as Buster Keaton, Anna Q. Nilsson and H.B. Warner.
Famous is the meeting between Norma Desmond and the director Cecil B. De Mille in the part of himself, in Paramount studios.
De Mille has launch the career of Gloria Swanson.
The film sparked harsh criticism especially by Louis B. Mayer, who stressed his disappointment at seeing Wilder criticize the industry that gave him a living.
Mae Murray star of the silent, declared himself offended by the character of Norma Desmond.
Of a favorable opinion, were the critics, including the Times, which praised the film, calling it "the worst of Hollywood, told the best way.
Was nominated for 11 Oscars, winning 3 awards in the category:
Best Writing, Best Music, Best Art Direction-Set Decoration Black and White.
Even today, it is considered one of the most beautiful films, able to tell with cynical Hollywood and the star system.
Behind smiles, success and money, there is also the saddest: the sunset of a great movie star.
Music for this tribute, from stage musical "Sunset Boulevard" by Andrew Lloyd Webber and the song is With One Look, played by Glenn Close, who acted the role of Norma Desmond in the musical for the American version.