Welcome to Screen Gems, our weekend dive into queer and queer-adjacent titles of the past that deserve a watch or a re-watch.
The Diva Duel Part I: Sunset Blvd.
This weekend here at Screen Gems, we thought we’d offer something a little different. Back in 1950, two actresses gave two of the Greatest Performances in History and ended up competing against each other for the Academy Award. We suggest it’s time to revisit their two respective films, and again face the question: who did it better?
Sunset Blvd. lands on every list of the Greatest of All Movies, and for good reason–it doesn’t get much better. The story follows a starving writer, Joe (William Holden). Pursued by bill collectors, he ends up in the driveway of former silent film star Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson), a 50-something recluse who hasn’t worked since the coming of sound. Holed up with her creepy butler Max (Erich von Stroheim), Norma has begun working on a script for her triumphant return. Sensing a payday, Joe offers to help her with the screenplay. Over time, Norma begins to obsess over Joe, whose profession begins to look less like a writer than a gigolo.
William Holden gives a fantastic performance as the cynical, self-deprecating Joe, though history will forever record Sunset Blvd. as belonging to Norma Desmond and Gloria Swanson. As a former silent star herself, Swanson brings a unique style to her performance, walking the line between pathos and camp, madness and sanity. Norma also behaves like a monstrosity much of the film, but thanks to Swanson, we can’t help but feel sorry for her, even root for her at times. Sunset Blvd. also has one of the wickedest senses of humor on record, often embodied by the sexual kink of Max. We’ll not give away too much here, other than to say that his servant-master relationship with Norma has many levels to it. The movie also leaves open the debate as to just who is the master of whom?
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
Shot in rich black and white, loaded with magnificent performances and some of the most quotable dialogue of all time, movies don’t get better than Sunset Blvd. Watch it, fall under its spell, and let the debate begin: if Gloria Swanson gives one of the greatest performances of all time, could anyone be better in the same year?
Streams on Paramount+, Amazon, YouTube & VUDU.
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greekboy
I, and I alone, am the true Norma Desmond.
TomG
I presume you are ready for your close-up?
dhmonarch89
every body- including Bette Davis, says Bette Davis was robbed this year of the Oscar- well, I think Swanson was robbed… she and Davis split the vote most likely and Judy Holliday was able to slide between and past them- that happens sometimes. Bette always blamed Anne Baxter for not putting herself in the supporting category, but it wasn’t Anne’s fault- she deserved that lead nomination.
Cam
I’ve never been big. My organ has always been small.
Cam
Awwww, the right wing troll account is so enraged that I kept pointing out it’s trolling that it keeps trying to steal my screename.
Sweetie, remember when I posted a while ago that you’re obsessed with me? I see you’re incredibly obsessed with me.
And by the way, your troll game is still sad and weak.
Cam
Aww, another troll account trying to fake being me. Sad and weak, “Cam.” Sad and weak.
Man About Town
Coupla fun facts: Nancy Olson, 22 at the time, received an Oscar nomination for this film. Later, when she was one of Alan Jay Lerner’s 100 wives, he claimed in his memoir she was the inspiration for “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face.” In 1982 she had a prominent role in the gay-themed “Making Love”, and last week she celebrated her 93rd birthday!
JPB
Thanks for that – I love those little-known tidbits
GayEGO
I live in Holden Massachusetts due to Bill Holden!
JromeGervais09
I’ve been ready for my closeup for so many years. Get close to me Joe!
Preppy1000
I still am big. It’s the movies that got small.
mailliw110
Never seen the film, but if it’s as funny as the Carol Burnett version…..
cckruse
This is and will always be my favorite movie! Gloria Swanson as Norma Desmond is the one and only real DIVA!!! Finally had the opportunity to see this fantastic movie in a movie theatre last year! It was such a thrill to see that Norma is still big after all these years!!!