Subtext and Symbolism
Character Motivations
Critical Quotes
Cinematic Techniques
Themes in Hollywood
100

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

100

Norma’s obsession with returning to stardom is driven by this psychological issue, rooted in her inability to accept change.

delusion or narcissism

100

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

100

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

100

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

200

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?

200

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

200

In the line "We didn’t need dialogue. We had faces," Norma is referencing this era of Hollywood cinema.

the silent film era

200

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

200

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.

300

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

300

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

300

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


300

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

300

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

400

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

400

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

400

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

400

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

400

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

500

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

500

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

500

"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

500

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

500

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