A hack screenwriter writes a screenplay for a former silent film star who has faded into Hollywood obscurity.
Acting
Swanson's operatic breakdown — she IS the movie.
Writing
Wilder's narration from beyond the grave, bitter and perfect.
Cinematography
That decaying mansion, shot like a gothic horror.
Director
Billy Wilder
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
Franklyn Farnum
Undertaker
Larry J. Blake
1st Finance Man
Cecil B. DeMille
Cecil B. DeMille
Hedda Hopper
Hedda Hopper
Buster Keaton
Buster Keaton
Anna Q. Nilsson
Anna Q. Nilsson
H.B. Warner
H.B. Warner
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Gloria Swanson was a real silent film star — she drove her own vintage Isotta Fraschini in the film.
Norma's 'I'm ready for my close-up' became the ultimate symbol of delusional fame hunger, quoted by everyone from Madonna to RuPaul.
US
