New Books in Film cover image

New Books in Film

Sunset Blvd

Jun 19, 2023
22:47

How would you handle years of adoration and fame? Do you think you’d still be, essentially, yourself but with a better car—or would you become a different person? Join Mike and Dan for a conversation about Sunset Blvd, Billy Wilder’s 1950 look at the movie industry, the drug of fame, and what happens when the public no longer buys what a star is selling. Norma Desmond may be a figure of fun—but she’s not wrong. Network, Some Like it Hot, and the biggest trial of 1995 all enter the discussion. So tell Mr. DeMille you’re ready for your close-up and give it a listen!

You can find Joseph McBride’s recent biography of Billy Wilder here. Sam Staggs’ book-length study of Sunset Blvd can be found here.

Follow us on Twitter or Letterboxd. Incredible bumper music by John Deley.

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