Desire for Fame

Many people have daydreamed about being a famous movie star. It is not uncommon to wonder what it would be like to have the general public know one's name or covet one's identity. While this desire for fame is not unusual, it is not always healthy, as we learn in Sunset Boulevard.

Norma's one great desire is to make a comeback and be famous once again. Although she was a hugely successful actress during the silent film era, she never realizes that times have changed and left her behind. Max's deception does not help matters; it just makes Norma's goal of regaining celebrity seem even more tangible. Norma's hunger for fame destroys her.

In the same way, Joe hopes that living with and working for Norma will enable him to become famous quickly and easily. In staying with Norma and enjoying a free and easy existence...