Plot Points
Characters
Quotes
Behind the Scenes
Themes and Symbols
100

What is the profession of the main character, Joe Gillis?

Screenwriter


100

Who plays the role of Norma Desmond?

Gloria Swanson


100

"I am big. It's the ________ that got small"

pictures

100

What year was Sunset Boulevard released?

1950?

100

What does Norma Desmond’s mansion symbolize in the film?

the decay of old Hollywood

200

Where does Joe first meet Norma Desmond?

What is in her mansion?

200

Who is Joe's love interest, other than Norma, in the movie?

Betty Schaefer

200

Who says, "All right, Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my close-up"?

Norma Desmond

200

Which film studio produced Sunset Boulevard?

Paramount Studios

200

The dead monkey at the beginning of the film symbolizes what?

Norma's delusion and detachment from reality?

300

What does Norma believe Joe will help her do?

write her comeback screenplay?

300

What is the name of Norma Desmond's loyal servant?

Max Von Mayerling

300

"You see, this is my life! It always will be! There's nothing else—just us, and the cameras, and those wonderful people out there in the dark."

Norma Desmond

300

Who composed the score for Sunset Boulevard?

Franz Waxman

300

What theme is represented by Joe Gillis's struggle to succeed in Hollywood?

the destructive nature of fame and ambition

400

How does the movie Sunset Boulevard end?

Norma Desmond being arrested after killing Joe

400

What is the relationship between Norma Desmond and Max von Mayerling?

Former husband and director


400

"You're Norma Desmond. You used to be in silent pictures. You used to be big."

Joe Gillis

400

How many Academy Awards did Sunset Boulevard win?

3

400

The movie is narrated from the perspective of a dead man. What theme does this narrative choice reinforce?

the inevitability of fate and the consequences of choices?

500

What is the name of the film that Norma Desmond believes will be her comeback?

Salome

500

Who directed Sunset Boulevard?

Billy Wilder

500

"I am big. It's the pictures that got small." What does this quote signify about Norma Desmond?

What is her inability to accept the end of her stardom and the transition from silent films to talkies?

500

Who were the screenwriters for Sunset Boulevard?

Billy Wilder, Charles Brackett, and D.M. Marshman Jr.

500

What does the final scene, where Norma descends the staircase, symbolize?

her complete descent into madness and her final performance?

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