Subtext and Symbolism
The decaying mansion that Norma lives in symbolizes not only her declining fame but also this broader theme related to Hollywood’s treatment of its stars.
the fleeting nature of fame
Norma’s obsession with returning to stardom is driven by this psychological issue, rooted in her inability to accept change.
delusion or narcissism
I am big. It’s the pictures that got small." What does this quote reveal about Norma’s perception of herself?
her inability to accept her decline in fame or her delusional self-image
This type of lighting is used throughout the film to emphasize the dark, noir atmosphere, particularly when Norma is shot in shadow or half-light.
low-key/chiaroscuro
Norma's obsession with youth and beauty reflects this major theme in Sunset Boulevard, which critiques the industry's treatment of aging stars.
the fleeting nature of fame or the obsession with youth in Hollywood
The constant imagery of gates, particularly the large gate at Norma’s mansion, serves as a metaphor for this aspect of Joe's life.
entrapment or imprisonment?
Max’s devotion to Norma is explained by this hidden aspect of their past relationship, revealed late in the film.
the fact that he was her first husband
In the line "We didn’t need dialogue. We had faces," Norma is referencing this era of Hollywood cinema.
the silent film era
This recurring shot composition places Norma in the foreground and Joe in the background, highlighting this dynamic in their relationship.
Norma’s dominance or control over Joe
Joe’s fate in the film illustrates this darker side of Hollywood’s promise of success.
the destructive nature of ambition or the price of fame.
This recurring object, associated with Joe, represents his gradual loss of freedom and autonomy as he becomes further entangled in Norma’s world.
his car
Joe's decision to stay with Norma, despite knowing the toxicity of their relationship, is influenced by this internal conflict.
his desire for financial security and fear of failure
When Joe says, "He always wanted a pool. Well, in the end, he got himself a pool... only the price turned out to be a little high," this is the price he’s referring to.
Joe's life
In the scene where Joe tries to leave the mansion, the camera angles from below as he walks toward the gate emphasize this symbolic element of his struggle.
his entrapment or lack of freedom
The character of Max serves as a symbol of this aspect of Hollywood, representing the industry’s tendency to use and discard people.
loyalty to stars or the illusion of devotion
The swimming pool that Joe ends up floating in symbolizes both the Hollywood dream and this ironic aspect of Joe’s aspirations.
the cost of chasing ambition or the price of the American Dream
Betty’s growing interest in Joe is not only romantic but also fueled by this aspect of her character's ambition.
her desire to succeed as a writer or her idealistic view of collaboration with Joe
Max says, "Madame is the greatest star of them all." This statement is an example of this kind of technique, where the truth is obscured.
irony or delusion
This technique is used when the camera gradually zooms in on Norma’s face during her final close-up, reflecting her descent into madness.
slow zoom or close-up
Betty’s desire to become a scriptwriter, despite the odds, symbolizes this theme regarding women in Hollywood.
gender inequality or the struggle for recognition in a male-dominated industry
Norma’s obsessive beauty regime can be seen as a critique of this societal and industrial pressure.
Hollywood's unrealistic standards for women or the obsession with youth
DeMille’s decision to humor Norma when she visits him is driven by this complex feeling, despite knowing the reality of her situation.
pity or nostalgia for the past
"Wake up, Norma, you’d be killing yourself to an empty house." In this line, Joe is referring to this harsh reality of Norma's life.
her irrelevance or the fact that no one cares about her anymore
The high-angle shot used when Joe arrives at Norma’s mansion serves this narrative purpose, highlighting his emotional state.
his vulnerability or feeling of powerlessness
The film’s critique of Hollywood is epitomized in the way it portrays screenwriters like Joe, who are treated as this within the industry.
expendable or easily replaceable