November 13, 2009Sunset Blvd.
Read the Great Movies article by the film critic Roger Ebert and answer FOUR of the following questions in at least one paragraph each (a paragraph is AT LEAST six sentences).
ROGER EBERT'S GREAT MOVIES ARTICLE ON SUNSET BLVD.
1. What did you think of Sunset Blvd? What were its strengths? What (if any) were its weaknesses? (you do not need the article to answer this question)
2. After watching Sunset Blvd, which is a "film noir," what do you think are some of the characteristics of a film noir? Do you think you would enjoy other film noir movies or is this a genre that doesn't interest you at all? (you do not need the article to answer this question)
3. What do you think about black and white films as a whole? What are some of the advantages of black and white over color? What are some of the disadvantages? Were there scenes in Sunset Blvd that would have been better had they been in color? Which ones and why? (you do not need the article to answer this question)
4. Which performance does Ebert think holds the film together? Why? What are some of the parallels between this actor's real life and the character he plays?
5. Ebert states, "In one of the greatest of all film performances, Swanson's Norma Desmond skates close to the edge of parody." What does he mean by this? Do you think Gloria Swanson's performance went too far (or not far enough) or did she strike the right balance? Why?
6. Ebert discusses Joe's issues of self-loathing. What does he mean, and what are some examples of why Joe ought to hate himself? Did Joe deserve to die? Why or why not?
7. Describe the ending of Sunset Blvd. How is it sadly ironic?
This post is due by Thursday November 19th by midnight.
Charlie G.
ReplyDelete3. I think black and white in itself has no immediate advantages over color, but it is the subtle elemnts that in my mind make it a good choice for some genres. The lack of color is austere, and to only see in black and white has the effect of making characters harder to analyze. You don't know what thier skin is like, you don't know the colors of thier clothing, just the overall tone (which can make it easier in some cases). The ambiguity in black and white is also beneficial to certain films. Finally, the lack of color provides distance between the audience and the film, so that it never feels too real, and stays as close to art as possible. Unfortunately, if you want to see a real expierience, this is where black and white fails. The lack of color makes sharp visual effects less impactful, which is not good if a scene is visual heavy. I think the final scene would have been more poignient if shot in color. Finally, seeing the actress in her glory, make up and dress and all would have placed an air of glory and majesty to the culminating point in her madness as she approaches the camera.
4. The performance that holds the film together is Max's. This is due to the fact that he essentially plays himself. He was the third director in real life. He directed Gloria Swanson in real life as well. He also links Joe and the woman together, and plays both sides at times, helping joe and keeping his love from seeing the unkind world. I would agree with Ebert wholheartedly in his analysis.
5. Ebert means that her role is poking fun at herself. I think that Swanson hit the right balance for her character. I don't know what she was like in real life, but in a way I believed that she went insane atop her pedestial. She has a vilanous way about her, but at times she is so pathetic and human, you can feel for her and she wins the audience's pity. It was the end that surprised me the most. I didn't expect her to kill the only person who had cared for her beyond her butler so easily. I think she was the best actor in the film, and a benchmark for anyone trying to play a clinically insane person.
1. I happened to greatly enjoy the film. The extensive use of narrative surprised me,but given how well it was written, and how biting it can be, I came to enjoy it. I think this movie really broke the mold. It is nothing like what I had seen before, and I admire its daring sense of creativity and commentary when it came to criticising Hollywood. The only real weakness I found was the fact that we do not see Swanson on a more human level more often. I would recommend the film to anyone who is willing to watch it more than once to appreciate it.
Lindsay Ruais
ReplyDelete2. I liked Sunset Blvd. and I liked the whole Noir experience. I always pictured Noir movies as black and white detective films with alot of narration/inner monolouging and some cheesy dialouge with crazy similies. In that respect, Sunset Blvd has the narration, cheezy dialouge, and it was black and white. It wasn't a detective movie, but with Joe's death it kinda felt like it. I would like to watch another Film Noir movie again.
3. I personally like black and white movies, just as much as I like color films. In black and white films, the viewer is able to focus more on the main protaganists instead of being distracted by fantastic colors in the background. Also, directors can get away with using certain things in scenes where in a color movie it couldn't be done, for example: Psycho's director used syrup for the blood in the scenes where you obviously couldn't get away with that in color. A disadvantage is that the world is in color and people are used to that, but otherwise I really can't see anything wrong with it. Also, I can't think of a scene that would look better in color, black and white just fits the Noir style more to me.
4. He thinks that the character of Max holds the film together because of his performance as basically himself. Max is the one with all the secrets as he is the one that fuels Norma's appetite for her lost fame. Max is a silent film director who has directed some of Norma's films and then became her husband untill he became her butler. This is very similar to Erich's own life because he was a silent film director who directed some of Gloria's movies.
5. I think that Gloria was amazing in a role that parodied herself, she was able to take it in stride and do an amazing job. I think her performance was quite balanced, she made it so Norma skated on the brink of insanity for most of the movie and made the perfect transition into that insanity.
Julia B.
ReplyDelete1. I liked Sunset Boulevard a lot. There is a sort of morbid fascination it strikes, desperately horrifying. You cannot look away. Its strengths lie in the reality, in the actors themselves, and the general concept. The fact that the silent stars are used, and the director as the butler and the appearance of DeMille. They all create this sense that this could have (and maybe did, to a certain extent) happened. I did not notice any weaknesses myself.
2. A few characteristics of Film Noir seem to be a running narrative, some element of mystery or suspense, and beautiful women and not quite straight edge men. I think Film Noir is very interesting. I like it, but sometimes its a little frustrating, you just want to smack the screen and say "SPIT IT OUT ALREADY!" because things drag, but they still drag with decorum. You attention is kept. That sort of plot twist mentality continuously breaks complacency. Film Noir is a pretty cool genre.
4. Ebert says that Erich von Stroheim's performance holds the film together. Stroheim really was a silent film director, and he really did direct Gloria Swanson. Max, his character, directed Norma Desmond and used to be one of the three greatest directors. His devotion to Norma, his faith in her, really makes the movie hold together. His loyalty to her can be seen as sick or for her own good and protection. You have to wonder if Swanson and von Stroheim were this close in real life.
5. Ebert meants that she overexaggerates everything she does, sneering and moving violently in the smallest of actions. I think that her performance went just far enough. Her sort of innocence and self-exile give you a sense of pity while at the same time wanting her to disappear for her own good. Her bedroom, her dramatics, make everything so believable. She is clinging to reality by threads, but she has mostly slipped into a movie of her own, inside her head. Reality would occasionally break through however, shown in her anger and frustration.
1.I really enjoyed Sunset Boulevard. I thought that it was really interesting and unlike any movie I have seen before. I thought one of the strengths of the movie was the introduction. I was captivated from the very beginning after seeing the body in the pool. I also thought that the acting was amazing. Gloria Swanson did an incredible job portraying a washed up diva.
ReplyDelete3. I enjoy black and white films. I think that they offer an element that colored films cannot offer. Seeing films in black and white allows for less distraction. Sometimes the bright colors in a scene can distract the audience from its importance. The disadvantage of black and white is that it is less realistic. Most people see in color, so seeing something in black and white makes it less universal and less realistic for the audience. If I could do any scene in color, I would do the ending scene in color. I think that the color could be used to show Norma Desmond coming into the world of reality and showing the conflict between the two worlds.
4. Ebert says that the performance of Erich von Stroheim holds the film together. Erich plays Max, Norma’s butler. This performance holds the film together because it gives it “emotional resonance.” Max went through so much to keep Norma Desmond from seeing reality. He protected her from the truth. In the film, Max was the producer who found Norma Desmond. It parallels Erich von Stroheim’s life because he was a producer in silent films like his character.
7. Norma Desmond sees the cameras of the news crews and thinks that they are shooting a movie. She does not realize what happened. She murdered someone, but she thinks she is in a movie. It is ironic because she got what she wanted. Norma Desmond lived for the spotlight. She was no longer in the spotlight because she was a washed up actress. Killing Joe put her back in the spotlight.
-Amanda Krauss
Molly P.
ReplyDelete1. I liked Sunset Boulevard. It was dark and really weird but good at the same time. It slightly annoyed me that it was a movie about people working in movies. I feel like I know one too many movies about people working in movies. But besides that, I liked it. You could tell Norma was full of herself and in her own little world. And Joe just started to not care anymore that she controlled him because he didn’t really have anywhere to go. I felt trapped with him in the house. When he left to the party it was just a breathe of fresh air because it was a new scenery for the audience and Joe. Although the voiceover was over dramatic, I liked it. You could see how he appeared to Norma, and what he really thought inside about her and his situation.
2. I guess film noirs are dark, have a murder, and dramatic voiceover. Sunset Boulevard started with the murder, so you know it doesn’t end to grand for at least one person. Joe was murdered but the question is who did it and how? You can guess it was Norma because really, who else? And there is always the main character, Joe, who is the detective or trying to figure something out and getting in to a situation too deep. He wasn’t the detective but he did get meddled in the life of Norma and let her take control till he couldn’t handle it and cracked. And I do think I would be interested in watching more film noir movies.
3. I like black and white films but of course, not all films can be black and white. In black and white there are more shadows and greater contrasts. Things can be spookier because of the shadows, which helps make Sunset Boulevard a good black and white. It made the mansion seem drab. If the mansion was in color it might have given the setting more life and appeal. I think the whole thing worked well as black and white and I can’t think of a specific scene that would be better in color.
7. In the end, Norma shoots Joe then goes to jail for killing him. She was so wrapped up in her old life and became obsessed with being back in a film, she actually thought she was in one when she walked down the steps. Max plays along with it because he loves her so much and he knows it’s the only way to get her downstairs. It is sadly ironic because she wanted to be in a film and on camera again. And she was going to be in the papers and on camera again but in a negative way. She wasn’t loved by people anymore, they wouldn’t like her because she killed Joe.
Courtney W.
ReplyDelete1. Overall, I really liked Sunset Blvd. I thought it was a great movie and I enjoyed it from beginning to end. Its main strength to me was the character development of Norma Desmond. From the moment she came in, she was a has-been movie star, dying to be famous again. Her acting and and clear struggles through the movie really sold her character to me. I loved her. I really can't think of many weaknesses in this movie. I thought the film was great.
3. I personally am not a huge fan of black and white flims, but maybe that is just because I am not used to them. Some advantages of black and white films are they give less of an emphasis on the surroundings and more on the acting. A distadvantage to black and white films are that in some scenes, you would want the audience to get a better feel of the setting, but can not because of the lack of color. I think there were a few scenes in this movie that would have been better off as colors ones. For instance, I think Madam's mansion would have been much more impressive if it had been in color so that we, as a class, could have gotten a better feel of how extravegant it really was.
6. In the article, Ebery discusses Joe's self-loathing. This basically means that Joe was disgusted with himself and hated himself for the way he was living. Joe probably felt this way especially because of his means of living. He was leading Norma on and he knew that was not the right thing to do. Another reason for him being mad at himself is that he was the involved with his best friend's finace'. When he ended it with her, he really saw that he needed to get out of his situation with Norma.
Joe definitly did not deserve to die. He realized his mistakes and tried to get out, but Norma was too crazy.
7. The ending of Sunset Blvd was surprising to me to say the least. Norma shot Joe and went mad. But the ironic thing about the ending is that she had wanted to be back on the cameras for so long, and now she finally got it. Norma did not care what she was famous for, and it seemed to me that she was happy about killing Joe because it made her that much more famous.
Alex I.
ReplyDeleteMr.Dunn,
1.I really liked Sunset Blvd. I felt the story line was great ans how the characters somehow represented real people was perfect. I felt one of the strengths was the actors. The actors grasped the role and you believed you were watching the real people. I also liked how there was an underlying romantic story between Joe and Norma but Joe was mainly using Norma. I also like the relationship between Joe and Max because they seemed so similar. I did not think there were any weaknesses in the movie.
4. Max, the butler was the character that held the movie together. He did this because he gave the film emotional resonance and made it real in spite of it's Gothic flamboyance. Some parallels are first that in the movie the characters name is Max Von Mayerling and the actors name is Max Non Stroheim. Also in the movie he directed one of Norma's movies and in real life he directed Swanson in "Greed". In the movie he ended up being reduced to working as the butler of Norma, his ex-wife and in real life Max was reduced to playing martinets and parodies of himself in other people's films.
5. What Ebert meant was how Swanson got so into the character and was almost dramatizing what Norma did to make it humorous but did not take it too far. I think it was perfect because it was so dramatic but it still worked with the movie. The movie was already dark so if Swanson did not fully get into it, her role would have been "awkward". It was not too little or too much for me.
7. The ending of Sunset Blvd. is that Joe decides to leave Norma but Norma would not let that happen. She shot him about three times as he was leaving and he fell into the pool. When the reporters come Norma thinks they are here to shoot the movie. She comes downstairs and says that she is ready for her close-up. It is sadly ironic because she shot the man she tried to hold on to for so long and when she thinks she is getting her close up she is really being reported in the papers as a murderer.
Mr. Dunn,
ReplyDelete4. Ebert thought that the character Max, held the movie together. Just the subtle and mysterious role of max, who has such a huge influence on Norma Desmonds life. Max was played by the real life director, Erich Von Stroheim. Max is a has-been silent film director, and Erich was also a silent film director.
6. Joe wouldnt stick up for himself. He used Norma Desmond and her generosity towards him. When Betty told Joe she loved him, he sort of went after her, only to turn right around and tell her to get out. I dont think he deserved to die, but i dont think he should have been able to just walk away. I think he should have fixed Norma's script, then gotten caught by the men coming after him for his car. Either that, or just be stuck with Norma Desmond and help her get back into the public eye.
3. I like black and white films. I think they offer a different view towards the film. Some advantages to black and white films are that the focus is more on the plot and film itself, rather then the details and scenery. I think the scenes at her mansion, some of them, should have been in color. The party scene, and the scenes in the bedrooms should have been in color. I think they would add to the vast and emptiness of her home and life. I also think one or two of her close up shots would be more dramatic in color.
1. I enjoyed Sunset Blvd. I thought it was odd, yet comical, but mostly just odd. I think some of its strengths were, for one, the cast list. Most the main characters paralleled their real lives in the film, either almost playing themselves, or actually playing themselves. I think another strength was the twist in the plot when we learn about Max and his relations with Norma. I would have to go back and re-watch it, but I found no major weaknesses in the plot, or film.
Olivia B.
Zach B.
ReplyDelete1. Sunset Blvd was a greta movie in many ways. The hings that stand out to me are the acting and the dialogue. I say the dialogue is good becaues there is a narrator is starts with the ending and talks us through the movie. Of course the narrator is also the main character which adds in another interesting aspect. The actors were also fantastice the women playing Norma Desmond was great i she could pass as a real crazy person in real life. The butler also had a good actor as he had his own little personality in which you could love. The only mistakes are that it wasnt in color which at the time really wasnt an option and if you cant watch black and white movies this will be hard to watch.
2. Film Noir characteristics are basicaly really promiscous and sexy movies. There are usely two very good looking characters in love. except in this film we have a conflict with love which still maintains its sexyness throughout the movie. I would not really enjoy other film noir movies they really arent my style. But i did enjoy this movie I would however watch other film noirs. I keep my mind open for movies like film noir because I know they are not for everyone and it really has to be what you enjoy. There is nothing worse than haveing to sit through a movie you really dislike aka transformer 2 revenge of the fallen
3. Black and white movies are hard to watch because our brains have been exposed to the color spectacles we call some movies today. That is why I believe the black and white film is completely dead simply because we can not pay attension. The major advantages are that you have a lower budet to make the movie because the set can be less fetailed but at the same time its simple but you can add your own colors. Somebody siting there watching can think wow that house could be made of gold because she is so rich. the scenes that would have been better are all the outdoor scenes. I really cant say just one scene when all the outdoor scene are better in color as they promote a better tone for the movie as you can make it dark and cloudy to get a dark feeling. Or you can have the sun out or the moon they all give the viewer a certain feeling.
7. The end is very ironic because the narrator dies but the movie begins with this. Throughout the movie we learn that he has always wanted a pool and he wasnt exactly rich. when he moves in this house he now has his pool that he has always wanted. but then he gets shot and falls in it and dies in it. Another thing that was ironic was that he could have taken the gun from her he had in his hands. Thats the price he had to pay for takeing advantage of her.
1. I had never seen Sunset Blvd. before, but I had heard of it, and knew the two most famous lines from the film about only the pictures getting smaller, and that she was ready for her “close up” at the end of the film, which was probably going to be a mug shot. The first thing that caught my attention was the opening credits. I do not know why, but I really liked how the opening credits were shown along a moving road. Maybe it was because it was such a big change from the older, painted title cards. I liked the narration of the movie, and the over voice along with the black and white picture reminded me of the Twilight Zone episode, Sixteen Millimeter Shrine. (Actually, even some of the plot is similar). I loved Gloria Swanson’s character. She was insane, sad, and totally memorable. The audience feels bad for her because she is alone in her own little world, but at the same time, no one would really want to be her new best friend. She’s funny and dangerous. The only part I did not fully understand was why Joe pushed Betty away at the end. Was he not ready to give up his easy lifestyle just yet, did he believe Betty would be better off without him, or was he just pushing her away so Norma would not kill herself. Overall, I thought the film was smart, dark, memorable, and very entertaining.
ReplyDelete3. I do like black and white film, when the films calls for it. There are some movies that are made for bright colors and special effects. There are other films that are better without color. Since many attention spans call for 15 different shots in 10 seconds, (Transformers), slower, black and white films are not made as often. I actually do not mind that. I think using a black and white effect in a film is special, and can serve to mirror the theme or mood of the movie. For example, Good Night and Good Luck, and Schindler's List used a black and white effect, and it worked. Sunset Boulevard is best without color, but the scene of the party in the house I could see in color, just because I think color would make her home look even more outrageous.
5. The performance by Gloria Swanson definitely made the film for me. I can see why some people may see her portrayal of the tragic, fading Norma Desmond almost comical, especially people not used to this style of acting. The character of Norma Desmond is so complex that many actresses could have run the risk of over-acting, making Norma just a woman to laugh at. With Gloria’s acting, the audience not only has moments of laughter, but she makes us sympathize with her, and even fear her at some points. Her character is also such a memorable one. She acts through life as if she is still on the silver screen, and her many adoring fans still see her as relevant. She never sees herself as a dying star, but a star that simply became too big for the film industry at the time. She distances herself from reality, and thus forms her own, twisted world that she alone controls. Her story is sad and twisted at the same time, and to portray that type of character takes true talent.
7. The ending of Sunset Blvd. is so sadly ironic, it almost hurts to watch. The audience already knew of Joe's death, so that is not dwelling in our minds as much as what the repercussions are going to be for Norma Desmond. This woman is already severely messed up in the head, honestly, she just killed a man. Now she has all of the photographers she always wanted at her door, but at a terrible price. The most ironic thing is that she believes she is heading back into a career in the pictures. She does not realize she is being interrogated as a possible suspect, but thinks she is simply being interviewed. As she descends the staircase, she marvels at her "fans", with poor Max making sure she still believes her dream. She now has everything she has ever wanted, but it is not what she thinks it is.
1. Sunset Blvd definitley would not be on my top ten list of favorite films, but I didn't mind watching it. It was entertaining and I think extremely well done. I've stated before how I'm not really a fan of black and white films but I do think this movie is better in black and white. I really enjoyed the performance of the main character in the movie, William Holden. I think he did an excellent job as Joe Gills. I, however, was really bothered with Gloria Swanson's character, Norma. I don't know what it was about her, but she annoyed me throughout the whole film. I know she meant to be overly dramatic in it because of who she played, but I really could not stand her.
ReplyDelete2. I think some characteristics of film noir include the drama of the films, as well as the low-key black and white visuals. I did enjoy watching this movie, but I don't know how much film noir I can handle. I'm not really one for the Hollywood scandal type dramas. Such as this one with the washed up Hollywood star trying to get back in the game. Again, this movie was fine for me to watch but I would not freely choose another one on my spare time.
3. I'm not the biggest fan of black and white films. I do prefer watching movies in color. This is because I feel that color adds to the artistry of a shot. With colors, directors are able to add contrasts to scenes to give it the feel they want the audience to experience. I don't think black and white films can do that quite as much and it is hard to distinguish feelings in a scene by just looking at the screen. I believe color adds depth to a film and helps give better visuals of what the director is trying to say.
7. The end of the movie is sadly ironic because it ends with Norma coming down the stairs believeing she is in another movie and saying she is "ready for her close-up". Throughout the entire movie, she is trying to get back into the movie business. She wants to become the star she once was. She puts Joe through so much during the process and she is in desperate need of him. She becomes so desperate thats he ends up killing him. All the cameras that are at her house are those of news reporters and journalists. As well as cops there to arrest her. She is in this dillusional state and she really thinks they are fans trying to talk to her. So in the end, she ends up famous again, just like she always wanted.
Carla S.
Steven Porter.
ReplyDelete1. Sunset Boulevard was one of the more entertaining films we have watched this year. First, I liked the Butler a lot. He seemed a lot more genuine then the other two major characters. Max was a very kind man and was always looking out for Norma's best interest even if deep down he knew she was absolutely insane! However there were certain parts i really disliked. The character Norma really annoyed me she was very egotistical and basically on the verge of insanity. She seemed extremely vain and felt she was everything and more.
2. Some basic characteristics of the “film noir” style include dark themes such as murder and deceit. Sunset Boulevard displays some cruelty in society and how insane it can make people feel. In the movie Norma Desmond goes nuts all she has is a dead monkey and Max. The movie actually depressed me at point s because of how lonely Norma truly was. This depression led me to be extremely annoyed by Norma. She had this somewhat helpless attitude and instead of being a victim soon became a large annoyance. I think that “film noir” tries to play at the dark side of life and I thought that if Norma had not been so annoying the themes of anger, murder, and depression would have flourished more.
3. Personally, I think that color films in general are better because they simply help relate the movie to the audience better, because the majority of people think in color not black and white. However if this movie was in color it would be absolutely absurd. Norma Desmond is a former silent film actress shooting a movie in color?? Yeah that sounds real smart. I think Sunset Boulevard was perfect in Black and White, if I was part of an audience when the movie first came out I would think this story of Norma Desmond was very realistic and could strongly relate to it.
4. Roger Ebert feels that the best performance in the movie was that of the Butler Max. Max was played by a man named Erich von Stroheim. In real life Erich was a silent film director just like Max in the movie. Some scenes in Stroheim’s movies he plays identical roles in this movie. An example is when Max, the butler plays the projector for Norma to watch.
1.I really enjoyed Sunset Boulevard. It was very different from the types of movies I typically watch. I thought that the plotline was very original and interesting, and the characters were very enjoyable to watch. The film moved at a good pace and everything developed very well. I found myself very interested in the storyline and the fates of the characters. I would definitely recommend this movie to other people.
ReplyDelete3.I have very mixed opinions about black and white films. For a very long time, I could not stand watching black and white films and was very close minded about them. However, lately, I’ve been able to appreciate them more. It’s hard to explain but I like the classic Hollywood feel to them. However, I definitely could not just watch black and white films because I do think color adds a lot to movies. I don’t think that there are any scenes in Sunset Boulevard that would have worked better in color; I think black and white worked very well in this film.
4. Ebert believes that Erich von Stroheim, who plays Norma’s servant Max, holds the film together. He says that this is because von Stroheim gives the film “emotional resonance and makes it real in spite of its gothic flamboyance.” In the film, von Stroheim plays a former silent film director who was one of the greats. However, after silent films were phased out he fell into obscurity. In real life, von Stroheim was a famous silent film director whose career faded after talking films came into style.
5. Swanson “skated to the edge of parody” by playing Desmond in such a way that the character was almost a parody of a real human, because she was so extreme. I think Swanson did a very good job portraying Norma Desmond, considering the type of film it is. Today, her performance would probably be mocked and looked down on but for her time period I think it was very appropriate. I think she struck a good balance and made the character really enjoyable to watch.
Sam W.
ReplyDeleteMr. Dunn,
1. I thought that Sunset Boulevard was one of the best black and white films that I have ever seen. It kept me interested and with each passing scene, I wanted to find out what would happen next. I thought its greatest strength was great acting. Gloria Swanson, William Holden, and Erich von Stroheim did a great job filling their roles. I thought that the film didn't have any major weaknesses, but one thing that I didn't like was the ending when Joe was shot and killed. I thought the movie would have been perfect if Max and Norma Desmond had held Joe prisoner until Joe went insane and killed himself. Although it doesn't sound like a better ending, I personally didn't like Joe killed by Norma Desmond because he didn't deserve it.
4. The performance that holds the film together according to Roger Ebert is Erich von Stroheim, who plays Norma Desmond's butler Max. His performance gives the film many bright spots in terms of emotion and makes it real despite its dark and depressing mood. In the film, Max von Mayerling was once a great silent film director. He became the servant of the woman he directed and married. There are many parallels with von Stroheim, who directed Gloria Swanson in "Queen Kelly'' (1928). His credits included "Greed" and "The Merry Widow,'' but who directed only two sound films and was reduced to playing Nazi martinets and parodies of himself in other people's films.
5. Ebert means that the way Swanson acted in a psychotic manner was amusing. One reason was the fact that Norma Desmond believed she was a great movie star, many men wanted to be with her, and that she was wanted by many directors. She thought this many years after she was in her prime. I think that Gloria Swanson's performance went a little too far because she went too crazy over minor things. When Joe tried to leave her, she slit her wrists and couldn't stop crying. She also got too caught up thinking she was still a spectacular actress, even when it was obvious she wasn't. She never found out because no one was brave enough to tell her the truth.
6. When Ebert discusses Joe's issues of self-loathing, he is talking about why Joe hates himself. He says he doesn't want Norma's gifts and money, but takes them anyway. He also acts surprised when Norma has a New Year's Eve Party for just the two of them. He knew from the start that this was the way things would be because she hardly ever talked to friends and she was a actress who had lost her fame as the years went by. Joe realizes that Norma wants a writer for her script and someone who will tell her she is still attractive and still a great actress. He hates himself for agreeing to be Norma's writer, but he does this to get out of his old life where he is behind on his rent, his car is about to be repossessed, and doesn't like his job as a newspaper article writer in Dayton.
1. I believe Sunset Blvd was a fairly good movie. Its best strength was the quality acting. Both the leads, male and female, were played excellently as the relationship was formed throughout the movie. Sunset Blvd also plays with the viewer as it shows what is going to happen at the end. This creates a great amount of suspense throughout the movie, as I was always considering the man getting murdered. The weakness are very few, a major one being that the movie was fairly slow paced. I don’t enjoy slow paced movies as they loose track of entertainment and become boring to watch. Even with minor weaknesses Sunset Blvd was a excellent film that I enjoyed to watch.
ReplyDelete2. I personally don’t enjoy black and white films. I go to the movies looking to be blown away by sweet visuals and vibrant colors. Black and white movies seem duller and gloomy no matter what genre the movie is. An advantage of black and white films is it keeps the viewer focused on the acting and story line better, as there are no vibrant visuals to distract. I think Sunset Blvd is a great picture for black and white, but there are many scenes that would make the picture better if it were shot in color. Any scene in the mansion including color would enhance the movie. I say this because the mansion was very artsy and with color the viewer would be blown away by the pure beauty of the mansion.
3. The performance Elbert describes as holding the film together is Max the butler. He says this due to his utter devotion to Norma. Without all Max’s lies to his once bride, she would not be so caught up in her great ability and live a more normal life. For example Max forged thousands of fan letters for Norma to read, making Norma feel great and wanted. There are many parallels between Max and the actor playing him, Erich von Stroheim. He actually was a silent film director and directed the movie shown early in the movie called Queen Kelly. Gloria Swanson was also the lead role in that movie. This goes exactly with the story as Max was Norma’s director early in her career.
4. I believe that when Elbert said Norma was skating on the edge of parody, he means that her character was so crazy and over the top that it almost makes people find her funny and not serious. He also points out that her performance is one of the all time best. With these statements it is clear that Gloria Swanson performance was the perfect balance. I believe this because although she was very crazy and delusional she portrayed it as real. Her performance was so good due to the fact that the audience never knows what to expect. It is the right balance because if she was less insane it would ruin the whole story, and if she was to insane the audience would loose interest and not take the movie seriously.
Miles C
Rachael Barham
ReplyDeleteNUMBER ONE.
I loved Sunset Blvd. It was one of the best movies I think I’ve ever seen. I think the strengths came from who the actors were. They took one of the greatest silent film actresses and put her in the role of a washed up silent film star. She could pull from her personal experience and feelings to bring more life to the character. This same idea also happened with the role of Max. He was a director in the past and he brings his talent in at the end. He was also one of the greatest directors at that time.
NUMBER TWO.
I think that they are films that tend to take a darker approach. They tend to be of a certain time frame. But they may show the darker sides which usually are not considered. I would watch other film noir movies. I don’t know if they would become a completely fascination of mine. But they would be quite lovely.
NUMBER THREE.
I think black and white films are fantastic. I think the only disadvantage is that you don’t always get the full effect of things because there is a lack of color. But at the same time I think that because there is no color you can focus on the little details more. Colors may distract from this. I think the scenes having to do with her house would have been amazing in color but you get the idea f how extravagant things are even without it.
NUMBER SEVEN.
Because what she loves and wants the most became the end of her. It’s actually really tragic; when you love something so much that it takes over your life to the point of insanity. And she never had anyone around to tell her that she needs to take a step back and look at what’s wrong with her life, though that may have made things worse. Overall, I saw her downfall as a good thing. She couldn’t have help herself anyways.
1. I thought that Sunset boulevard was a great movie and it certainly does deserve its spot in being one of hollywood's classic movies. In my opinion the movie was very strong with the characters, inckuding Norma Desmond who kept us glued to the screen with her crazy antics and sad view of herself and the world around her. The relationships really worked in this movie especially the forced one of Norma and the main character (the writer).
ReplyDeleteAnother greath strenght in the movie is its aspect of comdey/romance/drama/suspense, the movie has everything that any movie fan would enjoy wether they watch horror flicks or romantic comedies.
I did not really find any weaknesses in the movie except that maybe at ,,parts it dragfed along too long, but irregardless, this is a movie that I enjoyed and would love watching again.
2. I believe that some characteristics of film noir deginetly include a murder in the story, a struggling/hopeless woman in need of help, a manly, maybe even too manly character that steps in as a hero, and of course a romance dwelling between the characters. I think film noirs would interest me for they excercise many different genres in the movie spotlight and always create more suspense and gratification. The only thing is that I would find some film noirs to be a bit repetetive and I would experience nothing I haven't seen mor heard before which really brings down the movie's appreciation.
3. Movies are movies in my opinion, they do not need color to make them watchable or eveng reater for that matter, color does not up a great script or a great cast of actors, but it still does add some creativity to some scenes that could not be made possible in black and white movies. In Sunset Boulevard, I think two scenes would have worked very well with color, the scene in the very beginning of the movie when the main character is found dead in the pool, I think the effect of the blood and the gloominess of the pool would have created a great aspect for the scene. The other scene that would have been great in black and white is the final scene of the movie with Norma finally getting her shot at fame again, that is why I think color would be great for it would signify her being back on the screen, wether in a movie or not.
4. The ending of Sunset Boulevard is in my opinion one of the greatest endings of any movie, not only does it shock you, but it lasdts with you for a very long time. The ending is sadly ironic in the way that Norma Desmond planned her return to the screen for a long time and got it not by acting in a movie but through the news cast committing her a murderer, and the fact that she went crazy really made it even more ironic. She was one of the greatest stars to shine in our world and then she turns into a nut-case desperate for attention which is a very common situation today with many stars including Britney Spears for example...
Saad Sarooufim
Fred McGrath
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed Sunset Blvd. In my opinion, one of the greatest strengths of the film was the fact that the ending was shown at the beginning. This kept everyone curious throughout the film, and kept people interested. Some films may do this, but not as well as this film did. The other films may give too much away. However, this film did a great job. It kept making me wonder how the ending happened the more I watched it.
I think that a “film noir” is obviously a film that is shown in black and white. I also think that it takes place in the 1940’s and 1950’s. Finally from what I have heard it involves a victim of circumstance. The victim of circumstance in this movie is Joe. I think I may like a few other film noirs, but I think I still prefer a lot of other types of film before this type.
In general, I do not like black and white films near as much as color ones. However, this film is an exception. I think that this film is better when it is shown in black and white, then if it is shown in color. The main reason for this is because it goes along with the time period. It is entertaining to watch a film that is in black in white, when it talks about other films being shown in black and white. I also think that it is good that it is in black and white because it goes along with the setting, which is mostly in Norma Desmond’s house. The only scene that I may have made color, was the scene at the studio, since you usually think of Hollywood as a colorful place.
I think that when Ebert states that “Norma skates close to the edge of parody”, that he means that at times Norma’s character just becomes a joke, and not that serious. Overall, I do not think that Norma crosses that line. I think it is good to try to make Norma rather funny and goofy. This adds more to the whole film. I also think it makes her character actually more realistic at times.
Mr Dunn
ReplyDelete1) I personally liked Sunset Boulevard, thought it was an interesting movie with a great ending to it. I thought its main strengths were in its interesting characters and solid dialog. The characters in the movie, especially Norma, really draw you into the film. The dialog through out the film is also well acted and does not get boring or tiresome to listen to. I really did not think that there were many weaknesses in the film; I suppose some of the narration parts of the film could have been better, but overall I really enjoyed the movie.
3) Personally, I do not enjoy black and white films as much as color films; I like the ability to see the color details of a scene. Color often adds to the atmosphere of the movie. Obviously my opinion is subjective though, having grown up with color films my whole life. Some advantages black and white films have over color is that you can kind of focus more on the scene and characters of the movie, rather than being distracted by the colorful environment. A disadvantage though, as I said before, is that I think that color can add to the atmosphere of the movie. A scene in the movie that was good in black and white was the one scene were Gillis and Betty start to become romantic. This makes the scene more concentrated and lets you focus on the dialog. A scene that would have been good in color is the ending were Norma shoots Gillis. I think it would have made it more gruesome and intense, especially the effect of his red blood in the pool.
6) Joe often as issues with the lack of self-loathing. In the movie it appears that he has no regret for his decisions. He is constantly manipulating people, specifically Norma to stay in her house, and is just a bad person in general. I thought that Joe out to hate himself in the end of the movie, where he is arrogant and is mean to Betty, but at the same time ditches Norma and does not even thank her for her hospitality. I don’t think he deserved to die, but he defiantly needed to be taught a lesson.
7) The movie ends with Norma shooting and killing Gillis then getting arrested for the murder. She is lured down the stairs by the cops and her butler tricking her into believing that she was going on stage in a movie. Norma was fully possessed with reclaiming her old fame as a movie star, to the point were she had become mentally insane. She believes that she is the greatest movie star of all time and must act in another movie as soon as possible so everyone can enjoy her performance.
Jeremy St. Louis
Gina M.
ReplyDelete1. I really enjoyed watching Sunset Boulevard. I think a strength of the film was seeing that Joe dies in the end of the film before you even know the story. It adds an air of mystery to the film, and is exciting to see how it unfolds and who kills him. Another strength of the film was the character Norma Desmond. Although she is incredibly crazy and makes you cringe to watch, she is very intriguing and you can’t help but want to get inside her head. I think a weakness of the film was how the relationship between Joe and Betty plays out. You see that Joe has become dependent on Norma and only wants the security and money that she offers. To me it was a disappointment because I gave Joe more credit than that and I was really routing for him and Betty.
3. I, surprisingly, really enjoy black and white films. Before this class, I never really gave them a chance, but I have discovered that I have no need for color to enjoy a film. Films in black and white provide a different feel then movies in color do. I like the feeling of old Hollywood glamour, and the black and white helps me dive into the mindset of that era. I think a possible weakness of black and white films is the fact that they can take you away from reality. Color films make the story feel more real and more easily relatable. You can more easily put yourself in the character’s shoes when they are so realistic. Over all, I like black and white films and will give them more of a chance from here on out.
5. By saying, “"In one of the greatest of all film performances, Swanson's Norma Desmond skates close to the edge of parody,” Ebert means that Desmond’s self-obsessed personality is practically making fun of these over-the-top stars. Desmond is an extremely dramatic person, and basically thinks she is the greatest thing to step foot on the planet. Norma plays the role of the typical narcissistic Hollywood actress, and takes it a step further to where the writer of the film is making a joke out of these actors and actresses. I think Swanson’s performance hit the nail on the head. She was just the right amount of crazy for the film, and played the washed-out film star perfectly. I believe there are plenty of people in the world that can’t get a grip and realize that their time has passed and they are no longer at the high point of their lives, and Swanson’s portrayal to not an overstatement of what people can become. Swanson’s performance in Sunset Boulevard was fantastic.
7. Sunset Boulevard ends with a tragic murder preformed by a basically insane person. Norma Desmond was suicidal when Joe tries to leave her, and it so cut off from reality that she thinks killing him, and therefore stopping him from ever truly leaving her, is the answer to her problem. It’s kind of ironic because Joe doesn’t want to help her regain her glory as a film star, and even tries to bring her back to reality, but in the end he does help her, by her murdering him. It’s like Norma is so driven to make a scene and be the center of attention that she results to death, whether it’s attempted suicide or murder, to gain back her lost fame. She’s tried so to get her life back, and in the end she does make headlines, but not the ones she would truly want. She’s going to go down in history as the great star-turned insane murderer, but it doesn’t matter to her. To Norma, any kind of headline is enough.
Cory C.
ReplyDelete3.I do not totally dislike color films,but if I had to choose i would definitely pick color films. I do believe that black and white films will sometimes have better story lines than movies from today, because movies today are more focused on effects. And with black and white movies they do not have very many special effects to use. I think a great advantage for black and white movies is that they keep a more serious tone throughout the movie, because they have no color. They also have major disadvantages such as, not very many special effects, without color it could be hard to set the mood, and color could help to keep the viewer more attentive. I believe that the very last scene of the movie would have been better in color, because it would have been more extravagant with all those people and the cameras.
4.Ebert says that the film is held together by the performance of Erich Von Streihman, who played max, the butler, in the movie.Max holds the film together, because he helps the viewer to understand why Norma is crazy. Max helps to tie all of the lose ends in the story.In real life Max was once a great movie director, but was brought down when sound movies came out, just as has happened to him in the movie.
5. In this quote i think the Ebert is trying to say that Norma almost pushes it too far with acting crazy. I do not think think that Swanson's performance went too far. I believe that it was quite balanced. Her insanity seems very real to me. I feel like this could happen to any person that could be loved by so many people and then just be forgotten.I think that she played this part great and made me truly believe the position that she was in.
7. The ending of Sunset Blvd. sd very ironic. Norma is in love with Joe and can not live without him. In fact when Joe tells her that he is leaving, she tries to kill herself. So Norma can not live without Joe, but in the end she kills Joe. This is very ironic because she says she can not live without him, but goes ahead and kills him.
By: C.J. Hancock
ReplyDelete1. I thought Sunset Boulevard was a really interesting film despite my initial doubts about it. At first I thought it was going to be a little dull but after Joe moves in with Norma I found myself really interested in what happens next. As Ebert said in his review of the movie I agree that all of the acting performances were believable and impressive. I also liked the fact that some of the actresses and actors played similar versions of themselves which in many ways made the film what it was. The combination of these elements turned the movie into a classic. Sunset Boulevard was a gripping picture that deserves the praise it receives.
4. The actor that Ebert says holds this film together is Erich von Stroheim or Max. The reason for this is that the fact Max loves Norma so much proves that there is something there to love. Without Max's presence the viewer would probably see Norma as a crazy arrogant middle-aged woman with nothing else to her. However, with Max taking the time to take care of Norma and make up all that fan mail it portrays what a broken woman Norma Desmond is. Max von Mayerling is a similar part to who he was in real life and that was von Stroheim, another great silent film director. Roger Ebert is completely correct when he says that the part of Max is a key ingredient to making Sunset Boulevard such a classic.
5. I think that Gloria Swanson had the perfect balance in her part as Norma Desmond. Swanson was a former silent film star and that might be why she made the role as believable as it was. She was supposed to be quite an eccentric character in real life and she could have possibly been feeling some of the emotions portrayed in the movie. Swanson definitely didn’t go over the top in her acting as she was supposed to be on the borderline of sanity and that was how she played the part. If she was any less bizarre then the whole film wouldn’t have made as much sense. Gloria Swanson proved that in Sunset Boulevard she could play a speaking role just as well as she played her parts in the days of the silent film.
6. Ebert discusses the fact that Joe often shows evidence of self-loathing. Joe is a down on his look writer needing a lucky break and that is exactly what he thinks he gets in Ms. Desmond. Joe realizes that he is completely taking advantage of the lonely woman and constantly feels guilt over all the nice things she buys him. Apart from that it also plays on his mind that he is basically prostituting himself and he knows he is better than that. All things considered Joe was not an evil man and sympathized for Norma who initially didn’t give him much choice in staying with her. I felt sorry for Joe’s character who didn’t realize the mess he was getting himself in until it was way too late.
1. I thought Sunset Blvd. was an interesting movie. I like the mystery behind it, that is started with this teaser. I really enjoyed Norma and her butler, both of them were odd and quirky. I think its strengths were is mystery. It was always a question, and one I kept thinking was, why don’t you just leave? It really made me think about the movie more. I thought the only weakness was the male character, he didn’t really bring much to the movie, in my opinion, but a supporting actor.
ReplyDelete3. I believe that black and white films add to the mystery. You don’t really get to be distracted by the looks or scenery. It holds the audiences attention more. I like black and white films, like in the Wizard of Oz, color was not important just the back story. However, when they land in Oz color brings in a whole new look to the movie, and is something to focus on. I think the big scenes that the party and the police at the scene were very interesting and color would have added something to it.
4. Ebert believes that the butler Max, played by Erich von Stroheim is the best actor in the film. The actor was an actual silent director, who like Norma in the movie was forgotten about. He was actually married to Swanson, and then he plays he butler in the movie. In the storyline, it comes out Max was actually married to Norma and now watched as she got men. It probably was bad acting in others films, and watching his ex now be the star in one, thats not his.
6. Joe is a totured writer, who should only write because he likes to write no matter the price. However, he is a Hollywood sell-out with no inspiration, which leads to his sad life with no money. Joe should hate himself for being a sell-out to Hollywood, thats what got him in the situation he’s in. He then lies and uses an old woman for his own wants and needs. Finally, basically feeding her delusion and stealing her money too. He then breaks up a different relationship, while leading Norma on. He just does what he wants, when he wants, how he wants. He is the classic male.
Did he deserve to die? I guess that is hard to say. No, because he is doing what most people would do. However, he was selling himself off to this lady, which is pretty bad. I think he didn’t deserve to die, but he definitely did not deserve to live.
To: Mr. Dunn
ReplyDeleteFrom: Dimitri Innocent
1.) What I like about Sunset Boulevard is a well-developed movie showing a former silent actress, Basically showing a life after stardom. The ironic roles seem too ironic which confuses the point to the movie. It is also very tragic how crazy someone can be about herself. She only remembers the fame she had, and almost protects herself from realizing the truth. Her staying in the house and avoiding others really proves this point. The only difference with her and Michael Jackson is that one enjoys company, and Michael still has fans.
3.) After viewing some black and white films, I notice how much comical they are. They do goofy stuff seen in the early days of black and white. With color it is not the same, sense it can really pull you in. With black and white I do not get the same pull, because I am always waiting for the realistic feel. In some shape or form I enjoy black and white for its classic look. Some of the greatest films were in black and white.
2.) Black and white films are great as a whole, especially because they are different from a colored film. I notice in Black and White films I am more relaxed and not looking into the what’s in the background, but the character. I also see more creativity, though I am focused. I hate some movies that contain over exaggerated acting. The problems with films are that they can be broken down to the smallest piece of detail, which brings many opinions.
7.) The ending of Sunset Boulevard was insane due to the fact you learn so much about some characters. Towards the end where you see the crazy side of Norma, making it worst after she killed a man. Through the film you notice the most ludicrous things, on how she cuts herself, and cannot have doorknobs in her home. The movie takes a turn for the worst where Norma loses her head, in search of appreciation by her fans. Max you learn is her true lover on how he does so much to protect her, he sets a scene for her as she walks doen her steps. This film captures shows how life after fame can be rough, by not being recognized can truly hurt those who were always noticed and followed.
Taylor C.
ReplyDeleteMr. Dunn,
1. I liked the movie. I thought it was clever in it's plot, and gripping with it's senile characters. It's weakness maybe was it's lack of color. Sometimes black and white movies make me tired..it's not the movie's fault there really wasn't much of an option back then.
2. Film Noir is a great genre. The classical Hollywood is fun to watch. The less realistic a movie is the more entertaining it is. People go to movies to escape from reality. I think FN does a good job at taking you away from reality.
3. Black and white films are great. I think they really just keep things classic. Even though they sometimes make me tired..which is their downfall. As for the scenes I'd like to see in color; the party scene. The colors of the room and her dress really would have been nice. My imagination did a pretty good job, but I would have still liked to have seen the actual colors. Another scene is the bedrooms for the same reason.
5. I think he means it was beautifully acted as far as it goes, but because her character was so excentric she was almost making fun of herself, and was not to be taken seriously. I think it was a great performance. The neurtoic nature and excentricities that I expected from a senile washed up movie star were captured by Norma and her crazy desire to live in the fountain of youth.