| aimia_m_essaywrite_request | Write an essay |
| What topic | All of the characters in Sunset Boulevard are trying to manipulate others for their own ends. Do you agree? |
| Which subject | English |
| What age group | Year or Grade 11 |
| How many pages | 1 |
| Add references | |
| Any other preferences |
Sunset Boulevard is a film that portrays the ambition of Hollywood and how it can lead to destructive consequences. The film is a work of art because it illustrates how individuals can manipulate each other to achieve their selfish objectives. The different characters in Sunset Boulevard, whether intentionally or subconsciously, use their manipulative abilities to achieve their goals. This essay will analyze the different events in Sunset Boulevard to determine if all of the characters are trying to manipulate others for their selfish goals.
Norman Desmond is a former silent movie star who lives in solitude in her mansion. Her fame and fortune have dwindled away with time, and she craves attention and admiration. Her manipulative nature is evident when she hires Joe, a struggling screenwriter, to help her write a script for her comeback to Hollywood. She aims at using Joe to achieve her objective of regaining her lost fame and fortune. She manipulates Joe in many ways, including offering to lure him into her web by providing him with a lavish lifestyle. Despite everything, she viewed Joe as her possession and tries to force him to work exclusively for her.
Joe Gillis is a morally ambiguous character that represents the dark side of Hollywood. He is a struggling screenwriter, who, out of desperation, gets manipulated by Norman Desmond. Joe lied about his screenwriting skills and reputation to manipulate Norma into believing she could make her comeback with his help. Later on, Joe develops a romantic relationship with Norma to maintain his lifestyle, despite having no genuine feelings for him.
Max Von Mayerling was Norman Desmond’s former husband and director. He manipulates Joe Gillis into staying by the mansion by claiming that Norman Desmond is giving him a break in the entertainment industry. He even goes as far as covering up a murder to protect Norman and her fading dignity. His undying loyalty to Norman is due to his love for her, and as such, he manipulates those who get in her way to protect his former love.
Betty Schaefer is a passionate screenwriter who aims to create art for the industry. However, her relationship with Joe turns into a manipulative one, where he cheated on her with his relationship with Norma. Nevertheless, Betty realizes that Joe was only using her to escape from Norma’s clutches and protect his lifestyle.
In conclusion, the different elements in Sunset Boulevard are carried along by each character’s manipulative abilities. Each character manipulates the others for their own ends, and as such, the film is an excellent exploration of Hollywood's toxic nature. This essay has shown that manipulative tendencies exist in every character in Sunset Boulevard, making it a film that demonstrates how people can use their abilities to gain power over others for personal gain. The film reminds us to be vigilant and to ensure we can distinguish when individuals are manipulating us and to learn and avoid making the same mistakes.