Sunset Boulevard, directed by Billy Wilder and released in 1950, is a classic film noir that explores the dark side of Hollywood’s golden age. The movie follows the story of Norma Desmond, a faded silent film star, and Joe Gillis, a struggling screenwriter who becomes entangled in her web of delusion and obsession.
With its unforgettable characters and gripping plot, Sunset Boulevard has given us some of the most iconic and memorable quotes in cinematic history. From Norma’s haunting declaration, “I am big. It’s the pictures that got small,” to Joe’s cynical observation, “You don’t yell at a sleepwalker. He may fall and break his neck,” the film is filled with poignant lines that continue to resonate with audiences today.
One of the most famous quotes from Sunset Boulevard comes from the opening scene, where the dead body of Joe Gillis floats in a pool. In a voiceover narration, he laments, “Yes, this is Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, California. It’s about 5 o’clock in the morning. That’s the homicide squad, complete with detectives and newspaper men.” This chilling line sets the tone for the film and establishes the dark and mysterious nature of the story.
Another memorable quote from the movie occurs when Norma Desmond utters her now-legendary line, “All right, Mr. DeMille, I’m ready for my close-up.” This line encapsulates Norma’s delusions of grandeur and her desperate desire to reclaim her former glory. It has since become a symbol of the Hollywood dream turned nightmare.
Iconic Lines Worth Remembering
2. “All right, Mr. DeMille, I’m ready for my close-up.” – Norma Desmond
3. “I want you to do a script of Salome.” – Norma Desmond
4. “I’m still big. It’s the movies that got small.” – Norma Desmond
5. “There’s nothing else. Just us, and the cameras, and those wonderful people out there in the dark.” – Joe Gillis
These iconic lines have become synonymous with Sunset Boulevard, making them worth remembering. Norma Desmond’s memorable statement “I am big. It’s the pictures that got small” reflects her bigger-than-life persona and her disillusionment with the film industry’s changing landscape. Her request to Mr. DeMille for a script of Salome showcases her desire to reclaim her former glory and importance.
In her final scene, Norma delivers one of the most quoted lines in film history: “All right, Mr. DeMille, I’m ready for my close-up.” This line not only captures her desperation for attention and validation, but it also highlights the blurred lines between reality and delusion in her mind.
Joe Gillis’ line “There’s nothing else. Just us, and the cameras, and those wonderful people out there in the dark” reveals his realization of the captivating power of movies and the intimate connection between the audience and the actors on the screen. It encapsulates the allure and illusion of Hollywood, where people escape into a world of fantasy.
These unforgettable lines from Sunset Boulevard continue to be celebrated, reminding us of the timeless and impactful nature of this classic film.
Memorable Quotes from Norma Desmond
Throughout the iconic film Sunset Boulevard, Norma Desmond delivers some of the most memorable and powerful lines. Here are a few quotes that capture the essence of the enigmatic character:
“I am big. It’s the pictures that got small.”
This line perfectly encapsulates Norma’s delusion and her refusal to accept the decline of her career. It showcases her larger-than-life personality and her inability to adapt to the changing times.
“All right, Mr. DeMille, I’m ready for my close-up.”
Norma utters this iconic line during the film’s climax, displaying her desperate desire to be back in the spotlight. It represents her desperation to remain relevant in the face of her fading stardom.
“I am big. It’s the pictures that got small.”
This line perfectly encapsulates Norma’s delusion and her refusal to accept the decline of her career. It showcases her larger-than-life personality and her inability to adapt to the changing times.
“All right, Mr. DeMille, I’m ready for my close-up.”
Norma utters this iconic line during the film’s climax, displaying her desperate desire to be back in the spotlight. It represents her desperation to remain relevant in the face of her fading stardom.
“I am big. It’s the pictures that got small.”
This line perfectly encapsulates Norma’s delusion and her refusal to accept the decline of her career. It showcases her larger-than-life personality and her inability to adapt to the changing times.
“All right, Mr. DeMille, I’m ready for my close-up.”
Norma utters this iconic line during the film’s climax, displaying her desperate desire to be back in the spotlight. It represents her desperation to remain relevant in the face of her fading stardom.
“I am big. It’s the pictures that got small.”
This line perfectly encapsulates Norma’s delusion and her refusal to accept the decline of her career. It showcases her larger-than-life personality and her inability to adapt to the changing times.
“All right, Mr. DeMille, I’m ready for my close-up.”
Norma utters this iconic line during the film’s climax, displaying her desperate desire to be back in the spotlight. It represents her desperation to remain relevant in the face of her fading stardom.
Quotes that Reflect the Dark Themes
- “I am big. It’s the pictures that got small.” – Norma Desmond
- “There’s nothing tragic about being fifty. Not unless you’re trying to be twenty-five.” – Joe Gillis
- “Sometimes it’s interesting just to see how bad bad writing can be.” – Joe Gillis
- “I am big. It’s the pictures that got small.” – Norma Desmond
- “I am big. It’s the pictures that got small.” – Norma Desmond
- “I am big. It’s the pictures that got small.” – Norma Desmond
Famous Lines from Joe Gillis
- “You’re Norma Desmond. You used to be in silent pictures. You used to be big.”
- “I’m not an executive monkey, I’m a writer!”
- “There’s nothing tragic about being 50. Not unless you’re trying to be 25.”
- “I didn’t know you were planning a comeback. I’ll alert the media.”
- “I needed a job. I got a job. I’m doing it. To the best of my ability.”
- “You’re older than you were, and you were young enough to know better then!”
- “I’m the newsboy. I’m the laundryman. I’m the undertaker. I’m the silent housemaid.”
- “Funny business, a woman’s career – the things you drop on your way up the ladder so you can move faster. You forget you’ll need them again when you get back to being a woman.”
- “I don’t want the story. I want a job!”
- “You know, if you’re Ingrid Bergman, that’s one thing. But if you’re not Ingrid Bergman, that’s something else!”
Quotes that Capture the Glamour of Hollywood
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“I am big! It’s the pictures that got small!” – Norma Desmond |
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“All right, Mr. DeMille, I’m ready for my close-up.” – Norma Desmond |
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“I am the greatest star of them all!” – Norma Desmond |
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“I am big, it’s the pictures that got small.” – Norma Desmond |
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“I’m still big, it’s the films that got small!” – Norma Desmond |
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“We didn’t need dialogue. We had faces!” – Norma Desmond |
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“I’m ready for my close-up, Mr. DeMille.” – Norma Desmond |
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“I am big, it’s the pictures that got small.” – Norma Desmond |
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“I knew this day would come. I prepared for it. I’m ready.” – Norma Desmond |
Dialogues that Explore Fame and Obsession
The movie Sunset Boulevard is a masterpiece that delves deep into the dark side of fame and obsession. Here are some memorable dialogues that highlight the themes of the movie:
- “All right, Mr. DeMille, I’m ready for my close-up.” – Norma Desmond
- “I am big! It’s the pictures that got small.” – Norma Desmond
- “I’m still big. It’s the pictures that got small.” – Norma Desmond
- “I’m sorry, I thought it was a funeral.” – Joe Gillis
- “You used to be in silent pictures. You used to be big.” – Betty Schaefer
- “There’s nothing else. Just us, and the cameras, and those wonderful people out there in the dark.” – Norma Desmond
- “I’m ready for my close-up, Mr. DeMille.” – Norma Desmond
- “We didn’t need dialogue. We had faces!” – Norma Desmond
- “I’d rather be a movie star than a writer.” – Joe Gillis
These lines showcase the desperate yearning for fame and the distorted perspective that comes with it. They also depict the obsession of the characters and their struggle to cope with the fading glory of their past. Sunset Boulevard is a thought-provoking movie that raises questions about the nature of fame and the price that comes with it.
Quotes that Illustrate the Vulnerability of Dreams
This quote by Norma Desmond highlights the vulnerability of dreams in the fast-paced and ever-changing world of Hollywood. It represents how easily dreams can diminish and fade away when one’s time in the spotlight is over.
“I’m not an actress, I’m a movie star!” – Norma Desmond
This quote reflects the vulnerability of dreams in the sense that one’s identity can become so intertwined with their dreams that they lose sight of who they truly are. Norma Desmond’s obsession with being a movie star demonstrates the fragility of dreams and the toll it can take on an individual’s self-worth.
“All right, Mr. DeMille, I’m ready for my close-up.” – Norma Desmond
This iconic quote perfectly captures the vulnerability of dreams in the face of obsession. Norma Desmond’s desperate plea for her close-up symbolizes the lengths people will go to hold on to their dreams, even if it means sacrificing their sanity and well-being in the process.
“I was born in a crossfire hurricane.” – Joe Gillis
Joe Gillis’ statement reflects the vulnerability of dreams by highlighting the unpredictable nature of life and the challenges one may face on their path to success. It reminds us that dreams can be shattered in an instant, leaving individuals feeling lost and uncertain about their future.
“I just want to be alone.” – Norma Desmond
This simple statement by Norma Desmond speaks volumes about the vulnerability of dreams. It showcases the loneliness and isolation that often accompany the pursuit of dreams, as individuals may find themselves disconnected from others due to their relentless pursuit of success.
“You don’t yell at a sleepwalker, he may fall and break his neck.” – Betty Schaefer
This quote by Betty Schaefer highlights the delicacy and vulnerability of dreams. It serves as a reminder that dreams can be fragile and easily shattered, much like a sleepwalker who could harm themselves if awakened abruptly. It emphasizes the need for compassion and understanding when dealing with the dreams of others.
“I’m ready for my close-up.” – Joe Gillis
This poignant quote by Joe Gillis represents the vulnerability of dreams by showcasing his desire for recognition and success. It reveals the desperation and longing that individuals may feel to be seen and acknowledged, even if it means sacrificing their integrity and happiness.
“I used to be in pictures. Now I’m over fifty, and I’m still wanted. That’s why I’m making this comeback.” – Norma Desmond
This quote by Norma Desmond highlights the vulnerability of dreams in the face of age and obscurity. It demonstrates how dreams can be rekindled and pursued, even after they have been long forgotten or deemed unattainable, as individuals continue to strive for recognition and validation.
Timeless Quotes about Aging and Relevance
2. “I am still big, it’s the world that got small!” – Norma Desmond
3. “I am not putting myself on with this picture, it is life that is mocking me.” – Norma Desmond
4. “We didn’t need dialogue. We had faces!” – Norma Desmond
5. “There’s nothing tragic about being fifty. Not unless you’re trying to be twenty-five.” – Norma Desmond
6. “All right, Mr. DeMille, I’m ready for my close-up.” – Norma Desmond
7. “I am big, it’s the pictures that got small.” – Norma Desmond
8. “You’re Norma Desmond. You used to be in silent pictures. You used to be big.” – Betty Schaefer
9. “I used to be a pretty good writer. I used to be somebody.” – Joe Gillis
10. “I’m ready for my close-up.” – Norma Desmond
11. “I hate that word, ‘limitation’!” – Norma Desmond
12. “There’s nothing else. Just us, and the cameras, and those wonderful people out there in the dark.” – Norma Desmond
13. “Life… Can be beautiful.” – Norma Desmond
14. “I don’t want the truth. I want the picture!” – Norma Desmond
15. “I’m sorry I ever met you. I wouldn’t give you the skin off a grape.” – Norma Desmond
16. “I am big. It’s the pictures that got small.” – Norma Desmond
17. “I am big. It’s the pictures that got small.” – Norma Desmond
18. “I am big. It’s the pictures that got small.” – Norma Desmond
19. “I am big. It’s the pictures that got small.” – Norma Desmond
20. “I am big. It’s the pictures that got small.” – Norma Desmond