dolphiea

The characters--Joe Gillis, Californian, tan, beautiful, wasted youth, a prolific user. He certainly never got that would be his ruin. Too bad... that was the imperfection that sealed his fate. Norma Desmond, old, fragile, used, beat up and supremely Pissed Off! Brilliant and incite-full writing. Why can't we get that in 21st century film? Norma's house was certainly a significant (other) character in this film. Cameras panning into this dark, dank space. The audience peering in, we can smell the must and mildew, feel the grime on all of the unpolished surfaces long ago left abandoned by the 'let go' servants. And then of course there was "creepy" Max, Yikes!

1962-- this film was definitely years ahead of it's time. I was around back then, but just barely (like 2 months old). I viewed it years later (1970's) but dang, even then it was still a punch in the gut... Freaking incredible performances by Frank Sinatra and Angela Landsbury. Frankenheimer's agenda, still clearly obvious. Maybe he had foresight into 21st century politics and was sending us all a warning. Everyone should view this movie at least a couple of times before deciding on anything politically. It is always interesting to watch how many cigarettes were smoked in any given 60's movie...