The cinematic classic ‘Sunset Boulevard’ celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, prompting audiences to revisit the dark, corrupt vision of Hollywood and Los Angeles it presented.
The film opens with the iconic words “SUNSET BLVD.” displayed in a bold municipal font, setting the stage for a narrative steeped in melancholy and ambition.
For many, including myself, the story of Joe Gillis—a struggling screenwriter—resonates deeply, especially in the context of today’s challenging landscape for artists striving to make their mark in a city that can be both a dreamscape and a nightmare.
Originally watched in the late 1980s, I saw the film through the lens of a surly teenager disillusioned by the harsh realities of urban life in Los Angeles.
During that transformative period, the optimism that came with the booming economy of the 1980s and the euphoria of the 1984 Olympics was rapidly fading.
The reality of life in Los Angeles, so vividly chronicled in Mike Davis’ ‘City of Quartz,’ illustrates the stark contrast between the glittering facade of Hollywood and the gritty underbelly of the city.
‘What happened to the city that promised so much?’ one might wonder, particularly in the wake of Rodney King’s beating, the violent uprising in 1992, and the subsequent societal shifts.
At the heart of ‘Sunset Boulevard’ is Joe Gillis, portrayed as a desperate writer whose dreams slip further away as financial disasters loom and the burden of self-doubt weighs heavily upon him.
Evoking pity and empathy, Joe’s journey depicts the struggle that many face, not only in Hollywood but in life, as ambition collides with reality.
He finds himself entangled in the web of Norma Desmond, a once-bright silent film star sinking into delusion and despair—an archetype of inevitable decay in the relentless entertainment industry.
As I rewatched the film, I found myself captivated not by Norma’s grandiosity but by the raw, unfiltered desperation emanating from Joe’s character.
While many may see Norma as the embodiment of tragedy, Joe represents something universal in that he is a dreamer caught in a relentless pursuit, a narrative that resonates in contemporary Los Angeles, especially as some try to resurrect their lives after recent calamities like wildfires and economic downturns.
The allure of Hollywood still captures many, even as its realities become less enchanting.
Joe’s lamentation—“I took inventory of my prospects. They now added up to exactly zero”—captures the sentiments of countless dreamers navigating the turbulent waters of an industry that once promised them success.
In many ways, Joe’s voiceover encapsulates the thoughts of many on their drives home after rejection or disappointment: the internal struggle between perseverance and despair.
Even as we yearn for the success that comes with fame, we must also recognize the resilience within us to keep going—much like Joe, who remains persistent despite his circumstances.
In today’s Los Angeles, the battle is often against not just personal obstacles but also broader societal forces impacting how we live and work.
From those in the entertainment sector grappling with a shrinking market to undocumented workers facing the harsh realities of system changes, the struggle is palpable.
Norma Desmond’s character serves as a cautionary tale of someone who refuses to step aside as the clock ticks, ultimately illustrating the futility of resisting the inevitable passage of time.
In a striking moment, Joe poignantly tells her, “There’s nothing tragic about being 50. Not unless you’re trying to be 25,” a line that rings even louder given the context of contemporary grievances about aging and relevance in a youth-obsessed industry.
As the conversations surrounding the film grow louder with its anniversary, I reflect on how both Joe and Norma serve as metaphors for different paths we can take—enduring resilience against existential threat (Joe) versus clinging to an unreachable past (Norma).
Trump’s affinity for ‘Sunset Boulevard’ highlights the intersections between fiction and reality, raising discussions about modern political figures who exhibit traits reminiscent of Norma.
The narrative of keeping attention during turbulent times finds echoes with figures who remain in the limelight despite repeated controversies.
With the renaissance of interest surrounding ‘Sunset Boulevard,’ various thought pieces and discussions proliferate, shedding light on the film’s enduring resonance.
These reflections have sparked renewed exploration of the ways we relate to dreaming big while navigating the challenges laid out before us.
As California grapples with widespread crises, including fires and immigration issues, the struggles depicted in ‘Sunset Boulevard’ feel eerily relevant to the present-day experiences of its residents.
Revisiting the film now in a world rife with challenges allows for a deeper understanding of the duality of hope and despair intrinsic to the human experience, particularly within the hurting yet resilient fabric of Los Angeles.
Yet, in the end, it is Joe Gillis—the embodiment of hope amid the ruins—who offers the most profound reflection on life, perhaps reminding us that while our dreams may take detours, the journey itself can be worth the struggle.
As we continue to navigate the complexities of life in contemporary California, ‘Sunset Boulevard’ remains a poignant reminder of both the dreams that beckon us and the constraints that threaten to hold us back.
image source from：latimes
