My favorite movies of all time were both from that same period, 'Sunset Boulevard' and 'All About Eve'. I think Sunset Boulevard slightly edges ahead of Eve, as no matter how often I see Sunset Boulevard, I'm ready to watch it again. It's amazing that the musical version of the story that came about decades later is also an incredible work that provides a great role for a stage actress. Gloria Swanson was hands down the best choice for Norma in the movie, as she had been a great silent screen star. The casting was incredible. William Holden, as they said, had one major movie role years before Sunset Blvd., so in a way he was a struggling character. Eric Von Stroheim had been a major director of silent movies and had directed Gloria Swanson in her heyday, which made him perfect for the story line of Norma's majordomo in her household who just happened to be one of her former husbands. The wax works characters, friends of Gloria Swanson in real life and major silent film stars at the time Swanson was at her career height, giving a sense of authenticity. And of course Cecil B. DeMille, who had directed Swanson in real life, and who responded to the Norma character as he had responded to Swanson in real life. What an incredible casting of characters, being able to convince all these people to commit to this movie, and which made it rise above other movies of the time, to become a legend.
Sunset Boulevard is incredibly meta: A theoretically retired actress portrays one, who can’t let go of her glory days (pun slightly intended). Norma obsessively watches *Queen Kelly*, directed by none other than Erich von Stroheim (Max)
Norma says, “Don’t worry about money. I’ll make it worth your while.” Norma means, “You are now at my beck and call, boy toy.” If 50 Shades of Grey were a competent novel/film, it could have gone in a similar direction with roles reversed. With a title like that, E.L. James’ twisted BDSM fantasy could’ve turned into a sexy film noir (or film gris, keeping with the color theme)
This may be an unpopular opinion but this is the second interview that I have heard Nancy Olson I am not sure if she is aware but she comes across as extremely arrogant ... In the first interview, it was on a podcast and she only talked about how William Holden wanted to get with her, but she refused him ...
