hollywood boulevard #12

I think I can say that Sunset Boulevard is the first Billy Wilder film I've ever seen. Kinda surprising considering he wrote and directed a good portion of the films of the Hollywood Hay Day era, and also, the Apartment. Now, I had thought I'd seen the Apartment, however, I don't believe I did, since the plot seems totally different from the movie I remember seeing. So, Sunset Boulevard has sold me on Billy Wilder films. Or at least, I'll be taking a look at his other films (not to mention others are on the AFI list anyways)

As a movie, it has a definate old Hollywood feel, and it reminds me of how quickly new technology can put people out of business. The movie is about a silent film star making her "return" to the screen, or at least attempting. It traces a writer hired to help her modify a screenplay she wrote for this "reintroduction." The movie starts with this writer face down in a pool, having been shot. I won't spoil the plot by saying that it's an entertaining movie. The musical score was noticable also, which I found interesting. As I believe, most times, the musical score shouldn't be noticable in a movie, except in the very dramatic moments when it's heightened and additive. Sunset Boulevard had a score throughout, and throughout it was noticable to me. Perhaps that has since changed, or it was more delibrate to highlight the silent film to sound film aspect. Regardless though, I'd say it's worth renting/checking out and watching.