Oral Presentation Part 2: Historical/Institutional/Socio-Cultural- Context/Factors

II. Historical and Institutional Factors-

Some major institutional factors that are associated to Sunset Boulevard is the end of the second World War. WWII helped develop a push for additional film noir movies, with plotlines that easily criticized human sincerity and integrity. Atrocities experienced during WWII may have lead to an appreciation of these noir films, which may have had a touch of “realism” during this historical context. Perhaps, like the jokes and expressions heard in the film, the realistic qualities of Sunset Boulevard were oriented towards individuals who had felt equally distressed or overwhelmed by life during the second World War. Sunset Boulevard, in particular, deeply examines the truth of Hollywood lifestyles during the 1950s. Each actor, in a sense, is parodying their own lives and influence in the film industry. By contrasting this film to others that followed, it is clear that the film came closest to exposing the reality and delusions behind the film industry. Critics of Sunset Boulevard disliked this realism, and this lead to films which became more lenient on the characters and plot. This film highlights the true effect Hollywood had on the film industry as a whole. It is clear the film industry was highly secretive and difficult to cope with. Audiences demanded perfection, forming a competition between film companies to produce films that would keep the American population away from their televisions and into movie cinemas.

III. Socio-cultural context-

Sunset Boulevard heavily ridiculed the Hollywood necessities to become (and remain) a star. Norma Desmond and Joe both aspire to be successful in Hollywood, and each face large troubles to reach their hopes. The filmmaking culture is not shown as many might believe it to be. The theme of entrapment, the inability to leave the lifestyle that an individual has chosen, not only reflects the “film noir” qualities of Sunset Boulevard. This film takes place in Los Angeles, on Sunset BLVD. Beverly Hills is connected to LA through this road, almost seen as a metaphor between Hollywood and the aspiration to achieve success and live in Beverly Hills. Sunset Boulevard is constructed around the question of what happens to stars when they are forgotten. Norma Desmond is a “case study” of the traumatizing effects of ageism in Hollywood, which has forced many successful actors to lose their fans. Sunset Boulevard therefore examines the effects of being labeled as no longer a star due to age, as parallels it to the mental deterioration of Norma Desmond. Our discussion has surrounded the actual treatment of actors and writers versus the depiction of Hollywood favored by Hollywood; where everyone is able to become a star. Sunset Boulevard criticized the film industry by portraying the “human exploitation” necessary to produce a film. Stars are used until their are no longer favored by their audiences, and writers are not supported until their work is completed and capable of making a profit. Sunset Boulevard, even if highly connoting of film noir, is a parody of the genre. By this point, many film had lead the evolution of the genre through the other evolutionary steps. The film uses this parody form of film noir to highlight social elements exposing the film industry. The film’s parody of film noir also serves as a vehicle to display the “human exploitation” described above. After the second World War, the public favored realistic interpretations of their surroundings, rather than plot lines that “hid” unwanted elements of life. American film noir movies had uncalled-for and sometimes violent endings, a fact that is parodied by Sunset Boulevard in the murder of Joe. By displaying Joe’s corpse at the beginning of the film, the plot is automatically identified as a parody of film noir and a satire of life. This film represents the film industry (obviously), and represents it quite realistically, which was not encouraged at the time by Hollywood or the industry itself. Critics of the film felt it embodied the industry and represented it as a demonic vilification that causes delirium (resulting in Norma Desmond -and Joe’s- fate). In the end, however, the film well represents its role in society, and emphasizes the various characters as representations of specific parts of the industry. Again, the film parodies the film noir aspects of other movies, and does so to emphasize the monotony and exploitative mindset that existed in the film industry during the 1950s. The audiences of the time would have understood the harshness of the industry. The film targets the majority of its criticism at the film industry for exploiting individuals who participate in it.