Sunset Boulevard (1950, American)

Sunset Boulevard

“Alright, Mr DeMille, I’m ready for my close-up.”

Joe Gillis is a hack of a scriptwriter, running from his debts when he comes across Norma Desmond, an aging former star of the silent movies era. She asks him to polish a script she wrote for her big return to the silver screens. The script is poor but Norma pays well, feeds him, clothes him, houses him in a luxurious lifestyle. Joe accepts it all and begins a relationship with her.

When Joe starts looking elsewhere both romantically and professionally, Norma becomes more and more desperate for his attention and her fame.

It’s a dark comedy and thriller about Hollywood and stardom, and cinema. Gloria Swanson gives a wonderfully unhinged and powerful performance as Norma.

While it is true that there’s a certain amount of misogyny and ageism involved in the subgenre, I actually love a Grande Dame Guignol/ hagsploitation film, particularly older ones like this. Whatever Happened to Baby Jane, Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte, The Nanny, Lady in a Cage. It feels powerful to me, and I love watching these actresses own their age and let loose with these wild performances. Bette Davis is a particular favourite of mine.