20 Best Movies About The Movies Of All Time

One of the greatest films of all time doesn't celebrate Hollywood but instead stands as a scathing criticism of it. The bravery of making a film that critiques Hollywood at the height of its power in 1950 is no easy thing to do.

After a struggling screenwriter falls into the hands of a faded film star, the two form an increasingly unhealthy and dangerous relationship as she believes he will reignite her career.

Gloria Swanson is deliciously deranged as Norma Desmond, a warped and twisted version of herself. Like her character, Swanson's career took a slight dive after the talkies were introduced and Swanson's silent pictures were phased out. To tap into the darkness of this character that represents a morbid reflection of herself is impressive and the performance stands as one of the best in history.

Sunset Boulevard has aged wonderfully and inspired several other entries on this list. Like The Player, Sunset Boulevard takes advantage of some cameos from figures of the time. Like Mank, it explores the psyche of faded film stars. Like Mulholland Drive, the obsession and detachment of fame is rich on the frame of Sunset Boulevard.

The film is as iconic as it is for good reason and it is completely accurate in every criticism and comment it lays at the film industry's feet.