''Sunset Boulevard'', 1950, movie poster painting by Benny Stilling

Base painting of the vintage movie poster for ''Sunset Boulevard'', a 1950 American film noir directed by Billy Wilder and starring Gloria Swanson... more

by Movie World Posters

Title

''Sunset Boulevard'', 1950, movie poster painting by Benny Stilling

Artist

Movie World Posters

Medium

Painting - Movie Posters

Description

Base painting of the vintage movie poster for ''Sunset Boulevard'', a 1950 American film noir directed by Billy Wilder and starring Gloria Swanson and William Holden. The film is a classic of American cinema and is known for its iconic portrayal of the dark and decaying underbelly of Hollywood.

The story of "Sunset Boulevard" follows Joe Gillis, played by William Holden, a struggling screenwriter who finds himself in the decaying mansion of former silent film star Norma Desmond, portrayed by Gloria Swanson. Norma, who believes she is on the verge of a comeback, hires Joe to help her write a screenplay. As Joe becomes entangled in Norma's world, he discovers the dark and delusional nature of her existence.

Gloria Swanson delivers a mesmerizing and unforgettable performance as Norma Desmond, capturing the character's faded glamour, delusions of grandeur, and vulnerability. William Holden brings depth to Joe Gillis, a character caught in a web of obsession and manipulation.

"Sunset Boulevard" is celebrated for its biting satire of Hollywood and its exploration of themes such as fame, obsession, and the cost of living in the past. The film's shadowy cinematography and atmospheric storytelling contribute to its noir aesthetic.

Upon its release, "Sunset Boulevard" received critical acclaim and garnered multiple Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. Gloria Swanson received a Best Actress nomination for her iconic role.

"Sunset Boulevard" remains a classic and enduring work in American cinema, appreciated for its dark and haunting portrayal of the entertainment industry and its unforgettable performances. It is often regarded as one of the greatest films ever made and continues to be studied and admired by film enthusiasts and scholars.

Base art is the poster artwork after the text has been digitally removed.

About the artist:

Benny Stilling was a Danish poster designer whose career spans from the 1940s through the 1960s. He had an extremely recognizable style, strongly linked to advertising and reminiscent of vintage advertising of the period. Over the three decades of his production, his style became more personal and modern.

Stilling's posters are characterized by highly marked black outlines and solid graphic elements. Figures of the actors are clearly detached from the backgrounds of their posters. While his choice of pastel background colors, such as powder blues, light greens, and pinks, is also a particular feature in much of his work. The modernity of Stilling's style became most apparent in the 1960s.

Search "Stilling" to see more of his art.

Uploaded

November 3rd, 2022