Sunset Boulevard 1950 final scene

Summary

In this intense and emotional script, the faded star Norma Desmond, once a famous actress, faces the aftermath of a dramatic event. After being found unconscious and pulled from a pool, she’s surrounded by reporters, cops, and neighbors, all eager for a scoop. As Norma grapples with her mental shock, the cameras arrive, and she attempts to reclaim her former glory. She passionately declares her devotion to the film industry, reliving her glory days and hinting at a resurgence, while her desperation for relevance becomes more evident. It’s a poignant reflection on fame, mental collapse, and the quest for immortality through cinema.

Takeaways

• 😀 The script begins with a sense of nostalgia, as the character reflects on the past, specifically in a pool where they were photographed repeatedly.
• 😀 The protagonist is treated with surprising gentleness once they are dead, as people show more care after death than in life.
• 😀 The scene humorously contrasts the brutality of death with the gentle, almost surreal way people handle the deceased.
• 😀 The protagonist is described as being 'beached like a harpoon baby whale'—a stark metaphor that emphasizes the vulnerability and helplessness of death.
• 😀 A crowd gathers at the scene, consisting of police, reporters, and onlookers, turning the event into a spectacle.
• 😀 There’s a strong sense of public scrutiny, with media and onlookers eagerly capturing every moment for sensationalism.
• 😀 The protagonist's death becomes an item for entertainment, with the media quick to speculate and sensationalize her story.
• 😀 The narrative touches on the theme of fame and its fleeting nature, contrasting the protagonist's former status as a glamorous star with her current tragedy.
• 😀 The coroner’s office and press are depicted as cold and indifferent to the human tragedy, focusing only on the sensational aspects of the story.
• 😀 The protagonist, Norma Desmond, seems to be in a state of shock and disbelief, illustrating her emotional state as the press converges on her.
• 😀 The story's climax reveals that Norma is still clinging to the fantasy of being a star, determined to return to the spotlight, even as reality crumbles around her.
• 😀 The final lines of the script illustrate Norma's delusion, as she believes that returning to the studio and making movies again is still a possibility despite the circumstances.

Q & A

Who is the central character in the script and what is her current state?

The central character is Norma Desmond, a once-famous actress. She is in a state of mental shock and confusion, struggling with her fading fame and identity.

What role do the cameras and news reporters play in the story?

The cameras and news reporters symbolize the public's fascination with Norma's downfall. They add to the chaos surrounding her, treating her tragic situation as a spectacle.

What is the significance of the scene where Norma is described as being 'beached like a harpoon baby whale'?

This metaphor highlights Norma's vulnerability and how the people around her treat her as a curiosity, much like a stranded animal. It emphasizes her loss of control and the exploitation of her situation.

How do the newsreel men contribute to the unfolding events?

The newsreel men contribute to the sensationalism of Norma's situation, capturing her downfall for public entertainment. They represent the media's role in turning personal tragedies into public spectacles.

What is the mood surrounding the scene where the reporters and officers are questioning Norma?

The mood is one of urgency and chaos. The officers and reporters are bombarding Norma with questions, making her feel like a criminal, while the situation is treated with more curiosity than concern for her well-being.

What does the phrase 'heartsless SS' refer to in the script?

The phrase 'heartless SS' likely refers to the cold, unfeeling nature of the press and authorities who are scrutinizing Norma’s life with no empathy. It highlights the harshness of the public and the media.

How does Norma react to the arrival of the cameras?

Norma reacts with a mix of anxiety and determination, expressing her readiness to return to the spotlight and perform once again, as if everything is normal despite the chaos around her.

What does Norma mean when she says 'I just want to tell you all how happy I am to be back in the studio'?

Norma’s statement reflects her desperation to reclaim her lost fame and relevance. She sees returning to the studio as a way to restore her identity and her place in the world of cinema.

What is the significance of the line 'I'm ready for my closeup'?

This line is a famous and iconic quote from the film, symbolizing Norma's obsessive desire to be in the limelight again. It reflects her mental state, where she is unable to accept that her career and life have passed her by.

How does the script portray the contrast between Norma's past fame and her current state?

The script contrasts Norma’s former glory with her current state of decline. While she once commanded the admiration of many, she is now isolated, mentally unstable, and seen as a spectacle by others.