Sunset Boulevard

Sunset Boulevard (1950)

  • 98% of critics liked it
    (53 reviews)

  • 95% of users liked it
    (46,755 ratings)

Billy Wilder's Sunset Boulevard ranks among the most scathing satires of Hollywood and the cruel fickleness of movie fandom. The story begins at the end as the body of Joe Gillis (William Holden) is fished out of a Hollywood swimming pool. From The Great Beyond, Joe details the circumstances of his… More

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Unrated, 1 hr. 50 min.
Directed By
Billy Wilder
Written By
Charles Brackett, Billy Wilder
Genres
Drama, Classics
In Theaters
Aug 4, 1950 Wide
On DVD
Nov 26, 2002
Paramount Pictures

Critic Reviews

  • Don Druker, Chicago Reader

    A tour de force for Swanson and one of Wilder's better efforts.

  • William Brogdon, Variety

    ...They rate a nod for daring, as well as credit for an all-around filmmaking job that, disregarding the unpleasant subject matter, is a standout.

  • Andrew Sarris, New York Observer

    Still the best Hollywood movie ever made about Hollywood.

  • Michael Atkinson, Village Voice

    What's not recognized enough is the indelible, self-sickened performance of William Holden as Desmond's boy-toy/hired hack.

  • James Berardinelli, ReelViews

    This is the greatest film about Hollywood ever put on celluloid by Hollywood.

Read all 18 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

  • c0up  


    'Sunset Boulevard'. A landmark film. Norma Desmond. A character like no other. Billy Wilder has created something special in this beautifully written and directed, genius of a "Hollywood story". From the first moment the camera pans out from SUNSET BLVD and along… More

  • Graham J


    A film that I can watch over and over, it is hilarious and sad all at the same time. William Holden's best performance and ofcourse Gloria Swanson is electrifying in a truly frightening portrayal of an actress past her prime.

  • Tsubaki S


    Well, of course is good, it's a character drama above all else. I'm just not very fan of certain plot devices put there in order for the movie to, well, move on. The last thing i would do is giving my back to a demented person with a gun, but i guess that's the way it… More

  • Chris W


    This film about a struggling writer who becomes involved with a dangerously delusional washed up movie star is a film where everything about it, and all the pieces that make it up are top notch. This just may be one of the greatest films ever made. It's certainly one of the most… More

  • Thomas B


    Great direction, fantastic script and an emotionally ripping ending. Full review later.

Read all 20 featured audience ratings

Cast

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Trailers & Clips

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