Exposition Flashcards
what are the scenes that should be included in the exposition
Sunset boulevard gutter, Joes death, paramount pictures scene and mansion introduction
what characters should be included in the exposition
Joe, Norma, (max) and Sheldrake
Reality vs delusion - exposition quotes/techniques
Hollywood columnists magnetised to Joe’s death: They flock to the scene, twisting the ‘truth’ into a ‘rehash[ed]’ version for profit. Wilder criticizes the media’s willingness to distort reality for sensationalism. ’Blown out of proportion’ ’Distorted’
‘Miss Havisham,’ ‘torn veil’: These allusions draw a parallel between Norma and the character from Great Expectations, both living in delusion and unable to accept the passage of time. Lives in a recluse, now has a vendetta against all men.
’I am big. It’s the pictures that got small’: Norma’s delusions about her past stardom, illustrating her inability to accept that her fame has faded.
Drawn curtains: Symbolic of Norma shutting herself out from reality. enigmatic figure.
Rustic pillars, crumbling mansion: These visual elements reflect both Norma’s decayed mental state and Hollywood’s treatment of aging stars.
Many pictures of herself, Norma is obsessed with who she was, and
who she believes she still is. The many heads are symbolic of Medusa and how they sculpt
her solid to be stagnant in a tainted reality. Mise en scene → museum and
crowded, staged and elaborat
fame vs ordinary - exposition quotes/techniques
Large, jail-like gates: The enormous, overarching gates to Paramount Pictures symbolise the exclusivity and inaccessibility of Hollywood’s inner circle. Those ‘stars’ trapped inside live in a gilded cage, separated from reality, while those on the outside are kept at a distance. Mise en scene → museum and
crowded, staged and elaborate
exploitation of hollywood - exposition quotes/techniques
Credits dragged across the road: This visually implies that the workers behind Hollywood’s success are not appreciated. They’re figuratively dragged through the mud, signifying a lack of respect for the people who keep the machine running.
Close-up of Sunset Boulevard sign: The sign is lying in the gutter, surrounded by debris and mud, symbolising how Hollywood disposes of its stars similar to garbage, dehumanising and deeming them redundant
Hollywood columnists magnetised to Joe’s death: They flock to the scene, twisting the ‘truth’ into a ‘rehash[ed]’ version for profit. ’Blown out of proportion’ ’Distorted’ ‘Before those Hollywood columnists get their hands on it
Low-angle shot: Taken under Joe’s lifeless body, showing his limp limb and gaping mouth. The columnists loom over him, cameras flashing, symbolizing Hollywood’s exploitation of death and scandal for profit.
Maybe they weren’t original enough. Maybe they were too original. All I know is, they didn’t sell.’: This line shows the impossible standards Hollywood sets for its creatives. Joe reflects on the films he has written, implying that originality isn’t valued unless it also guarantees financial success.
Large, jail-like gates: Those ‘stars’ trapped inside live in a gilded cage, separated from reality.
Long shot of Joe walking into the Paramount building → quite small and insignificant.
Betty describes Joe as possessing ‘talent,’ but he responds, ‘That was last year’: This exchange highlights how Hollywood destroys dreams, stripping away the magic of filmmaking and reducing artists to survivalists.
‘Organ grinder’ - likely to be Max or Hollywood Zoom in on Max’s hands playing the organ as Joe is presented to be small in the background - symbolic of Max controlling him like a puppet, a game piece to his curated world of falsehood.
women vs men/gender roles - exposition quotes/techniques
‘Miss Havisham,’ ‘torn veil’: These allusions draw a parallel between Norma and the character from Great Expectations, both living in delusion and unable to accept the passage of time. Lives in a recluse, now has a vendetta against all men. Max’s use of “madame” being ordered around by norma
rich vs poor - exposition quotes and techniques
Maybe they weren’t original enough. Maybe they were too original. All I know is, they didn’t sell.’: This line shows the impossible standards Hollywood sets for its creatives. Joe reflects on the films he has written, implying that originality isn’t valued unless it also guarantees financial success.
’Where’s the cash? Where’s the story?’: This line reflects the cynical side of Hollywood, where the pursuit of money often outweighs creative integrity.
“I need 290 dollars” – Joe Gillis. This conveys the financial urgency motivating his behaviour.
“its from hunger.” Betty Schaefer
control - exposition quotes and techniques
Open windows with flowing curtains: The movement of the curtains reflects Joe’s fleeting freedom and carefree attitude
Joe’s White Car: Wilder uses Joe’s car to symbolize his freedom and mobility, offering him control over his own finances and life. “If I lose my car it’s like having my legs cut off.”
Leopard print seats in Norma’s car: A visual cue symbolising Norma’s predatory nature as she ensnares Joe in her web, ultimately foreshadowing his fate as her gigolo.
Max standing in darkness, arms extended to Joe: This image conveys the idea that Joe is being invited into a world of illusion and entrapment. Joe turns towards the staircase leading outside the mansion as if his final glimpse of reality before his fate is sealed.
’If you need any help with the coffin, call me’: A line foreshadowing death, hinting at how closely tied Joe is becoming to Norma’s demise.
The intricately welded cell-like gates to the mansion: Convey a lavishly decorated ‘prison,’
‘Organ grinder’ - likely to be Max or Hollywood ○ Zoom in on Max’s hands playing the organ as Joe is presented to be small in the background - symbolic of Max controlling him like a puppet, a game piece to his curated world of falsehood.
