Sunset Blvd. represents the center stone in Billy Wilder's glittering cinematic tiara.
90
Variety
Variety
Performances by the entire cast, and particularly William Holden and Gloria Swanson, are exceptionally fine.
89
Austin ChronicleMarjorie Baumgarten
Austin ChronicleMarjorie Baumgarten
Billy Wilder’s cynical edge is finely honed in this darkly amusing satire, which won three Academy Awards. It’s a film that is perennially ready for its close-up.
80
Village VoiceMichael Atkinson
Village VoiceMichael Atkinson
What's not recognized enough is the indelible, self-sickened performance of William Holden as Desmond's boy-toy/hired hack.
80
Chicago Reader
Chicago Reader
A tour de force for Swanson and one of Wilder’s better efforts.