A screenwriter Joe Gills gets involved in a dangerous relationship with a faded old movie star Norma Desmond. She’s obsessed with herself and is trying to make a comeback to the movie screens with the help of Joe.
The story portrays the ugly side of the movie industry. A troubled screenwriter and a forgotten star are working together for a comeback. Joe isn’t really in for her recovery but rather for the money. The relationship between them gets slightly weird, and there is some madness around it. You kinda get the feeling of being trapped into a relationship.
The cinematography is advanced for its time. I understand why this movie is considered to be a classic. It’s not afraid to show a realistic take on Hollywood. It ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. I love it when movies aren’t afraid to take such an approach. Not everything is supposed to go well. Striving for success can be a dangerous thing if not tread lightly!
I know it’s probably part of the act, but I really disliked they way Gloria Swanson (Norma Desmond) played her character. It annoyed the crap out of me, but this isn’t probably her fault. This was the way she supposed to play the character. Even if it was meant to be played like that, I thought it was kinda “over the top.” This was my big downside for this movie and actually made the movie hard to watch. This doesn’t take away the fact that this is still a good movie.
My rating for this movie: 7/10