The defence The Prestige Tourist
“Ambition earns the room.”
The film reaches for consequence and scale, accepting the risk of seriousness instead of shrinking from it.
Back to trending 
Sunset Boulevard
Drama · 1950
A hack screenwriter writes a screenplay for a former silent film star who has faded into Hollywood obscurity.
Movie details
Sunset Boulevard
“A Hollywood Story: Sensational...Daring...Unforgettable...Sunset Blvd”
1950 Drama 1h 50m
Critical arithmetic
One number, for now.
Scores change. Arguments endure.
TMDB
8.3 / 10
Community rating
A hack screenwriter writes a screenplay for a former silent film star who has faded into Hollywood obscurity.
CriticWise case file
What this film says about your taste.
Not a recommendation score. A measure of how closely the film’s taste signals resemble yours.
The archetype split
Who fights over Sunset Boulevard?
For the defence
The Prestige Tourist
“You like your greatness pre-approved.”
Read their case For the prosecution
The Popcorn Loyalist
“Big screen, big feelings, no apologies.”
Read their objectionThe split comes from the same five-axis model used by the test, not audience ratings or review sentiment.
Where it lives
Watch in your region.
Cinema release signals and current streaming, rental, and purchase options for your region.
Streaming availability data supplied by JustWatch.
Names above the title
The people responsible.
Cast & crew
Directed by
Billy Wilder
Written by
Billy Wilder · D.M. Marshman Jr. · Charles Brackett
William Holden
Joe Gillis
Gloria Swanson
Norma Desmond
Erich von Stroheim
Max von Mayerling
Nancy Olson
Betty Schaefer
Fred Clark
Sheldrake
Lloyd Gough
Morino
Jack Webb
Artie Green
Court is in session
Put Sunset Boulevard on trial.
Two incompatible taste archetypes. One film. Read the arguments, then issue a completely binding cultural ruling.
The prosecution The Popcorn Loyalist
“Importance has entered the chat.”
The production keeps announcing its significance, as though awards-season posture were proof of insight.