“Sunset Boulevard,” directed by Billy Wilder in 1950, is a classic film noir that dives into the dark and twisted world of Hollywood. The film follows the story of a struggling screenwriter, Joe Gillis, who becomes entangled with Norma Desmond, a faded silent film star, leading to a haunting and tragic tale.
Metaphor
Movie Scene Example Opening scene The decaying mansion represents Norma’s career. Joe’s narration Refers to Hollywood as a “dream factory.”
Irony
Movie Scene Example Norma’s comeback Believes she is still a star while being delusional. Joe’s fate A writer who ends up a kept man and a victim.
Foreshadowing
Movie Scene Example Opening scene with Joe’s body Hints at Joe’s tragic end. Joe’s encounter with Norma Early signs of Norma’s instability.
Symbolism
Movie Scene Example Norma’s mansion Represents her decayed fame. The pool Symbolizes Joe’s downfall .
Motif
Movie Scene Example Repeated mentions of “the script” Emphasizes the importance of storytelling. The spotlight on Norma Highlights her obsession with fame.
Flashback
Movie Scene Example Joe’s narration Entire story is a flashback . Norma’s recounting her past Provides insight into her delusion.
Allusion
Movie Scene Example Norma watching her old films References real silent film era. DeMille’s appearance References to real Hollywood figures.
Personification
Movie Scene Example Norma’s dialogue about Hollywood Treats Hollywood as a living entity. Joe’s car Described as a “dead thing.”
Hyperbole
Movie Scene Example Norma’s dramatic behavior Her exaggerated emotions and actions. Joe’s descriptions of Norma Exaggerates her grandeur and delusion.
Juxtaposition
Movie Scene Example Joe’s shabby apartment vs. Norma’s mansion Contrasts their lives and careers. Joe’s reality vs. Norma’s delusions Highlights their different perceptions.
Joe Gillis
Literary Device Explanation Foreshadowing Early scenes hint at his eventual tragic fate. Irony A talented writer who becomes a kept man and ultimately meets his demise.
Norma Desmond
Literary Device Explanation Symbolism Her mansion symbolizes her decayed fame. Hyperbole Her exaggerated emotions and actions depict her delusional state.
Max von Mayerling
Literary Device Explanation Loyalty (motif ) His unwavering loyalty to Norma reveals the depth of his devotion. Irony A once-great director reduced to being Norma’s servant.
Character Dynamics
Character Relationship Explanation Joe and Norma Their toxic relationship drives the narrative and themes of ambition and downfall . Norma and Max Their codependent relationship highlights themes of loyalty and delusion.
Ambition and Downfall
Literary Device Explanation Irony Norma’s ambition leads to her downfall . Symbolism The decaying mansion symbolizes the decline of fame and success.
Illusion vs. Reality
Literary Device Explanation Juxtaposition Contrasts Norma’s delusions with Joe’s reality. Metaphor Hollywood as a “dream factory” represents the blurring of illusion and reality.
Obsession
Literary Device Explanation Hyperbole Norma’s exaggerated emotions and actions highlight her obsession with fame. Motif Repeated mentions of Norma’s past success emphasize her fixation on her former glory.
Visual Techniques
Literary Device Technique Explanation Symbolism Lighting and set design The decaying mansion is highlighted through gothic lighting and intricate set design. Irony Costume design Norma’s extravagant costumes contrast with her faded stardom.
Sound Techniques
Literary Device Technique Explanation Foreshadowing Music score The haunting music foreshadows the tragic events. Hyperbole Dialogue deliveryNorma’s dramatic dialogue delivery emphasizes her exaggerated emotions.
Scene Selection: Joe’s First Visit to Norma’s Mansion
Scene Breakdown : Joe stumbles upon Norma’s mansion and meets her for the first time.Literary Devices : Foreshadowing , Symbolism Cinematic Techniques : Gothic lighting, eerie musicImpact : Sets the tone for the film and foreshadows the tragic events.
Scene Selection: Norma’s Final Scene
Scene Breakdown : Norma descends the staircase, believing she’s on a film set.Literary Devices : Irony , Hyperbole Cinematic Techniques : Dramatic lighting, close-up shotsImpact : Highlights Norma’s delusion and the tragic culmination of her obsession.
Interactive Quiz
Which literary device is used when Norma’s mansion is depicted as decaying?
What does Joe Gillis’s narration throughout the film represent?
How does the use of dramatic lighting in Norma’s final scene enhance the film?
A) It foreshadows her fate.
B) It emphasizes her grandeur.
C) It highlights her delusion.
D) It contrasts with Joe’s reality.
Which theme is highlighted through the relationship between Joe and Norma?
A) Ambition and Downfall
B) Illusion vs. Reality
C) Obsession
D) All of the above
