Down on his luck, screenwriter Joe (played by William Holden) runs away from bill collectors who want to take possession of his beautiful convertible. When his tire blow out, he finds himself in front of what appears to be an abandoned Hollywood hills mansion. Stashing his car in one of the old garages, he is discovered by the butler of the home.

After realizing that a crazy old silent Hollywood star, Norma, still lives in the home, he sees the opportunity to take advantage of her and make some money by pretending to be interested in editing the screenplay she is working on for her big return to the silver screen.

After a while of bunking in the old lady’s home, it becomes obvious that he is now the one being taken advantage of. He attempts to lead a double life, following his own writing passions, but keeping them a secret from his crazy benefactress.

Things escalate as the former actress tries to kill herself, emotionally manipulates Joe, and goes so far in her delusions as to visit Cecil B. DeMille to discuss her big return to Hollywood. Joe discovers that the butler has his own crazy delusions and is weaving a web of lies that perpetuate Norma’s senility.

This film is one of Billy Wilder‘s great masterpieces that was particularly difficult to get approved for production, as it is quite candid about the deceit, typical jaded attitudes, and pitfalls of opportunism in Hollywood. If you watch this movie, keep in mind that the actress who played Norma, Gloria Swanson, was actually a former silent movie star herself, whose career took a dive after making a film with a Hollywood director, the very man who plays her butler in Sunset Boulevard. And even more interesting is the fact that the poorly received film which put Swanson’s career on halt for a while is the very movie which is played in Norma’s home by the butler (the director of Swanson’s real life ill-fated film) for Joe and Norma to watch (see still #4). It all ties together very nicely!

I wasn’t sure what I would think of this 1970s/1980s period piece starring Jesse Eisenberg, who is often known as (at least in my circle of friends) a Michael Cera alternate. Fortunately I was really pleased with the screenplay, tremendous acting, and cinematography of the entire film.

The story begins as Charlie Banks, a high school student, witnesses a brutal fight instigated by neighborhood bully Mick, played by Jason Ritter, son of the late John Ritter. Charlie, under much pressure from his good conscience and wise father, rats out Mick to the principal of the school. After realizing his own wellbeing might be in danger, he later recants, and decides that his own personal reputation is more important than justice in this case.

Well, Charlie goes on with his life, forgetting about Mick and high school problems. He and his best friend become roommates in college, and everything is just peachy until Mick turns up on campus. Charlie’s roommate offers to let Mick stay with them, but Charlie is very concerned that Mick knows that all of those years ago it was he who turned Mick in to the authorities.

Around Mick, Charlie is always on edge, not sure where he stands, whether he can trust or befriend this guy who was such a maniac in high school. The plot develops quite delicately and draws the viewers into the development of each character, major and minor. You might be surprised by the climactic ending, but the ending isn’t what really matters. The story is meant to be more about the process, as it is more of a morality/coming of age story of the boy, Charlie Banks.

I would definitely recommend this story, but with caution. If you are sensitive to swearing and violence (also some sexuality), I would steer clear of this movie.

Three beautiful women from a small town begin their days by saying goodbye to their husbands and setting off on a day trip. Before they leave on their boat, a delivery man brings a letter meant for all three of them, written by another woman in their community. She informs them that she has left town with one of their husbands, but doesn’t let them know which one it is. The three friends spend their day worrying, reminiscing on their relationships, and hoping that the letter is just a mean hoax.

The story takes place all in one day, but you experience the characters’ past lives through flash back sequences. A Letter to Three Wives reminded me a bit of The Women, only I was delighted that we actually were able to see the male characters, which in turn enhanced each of the female characters and made their emotions more real to the audience.

You begin to know each the women, their insecurities and fears, and also how much they truly love their husbands, despite any cavalier attitudes they might put forth. It’s like a nightmare come to life for them- one of their husbands has left his wife, and which one is it? You can feel the sad terror that each of the women experience in their own hearts.

This was one of those DVDs I had sitting in my Netflix instant queues for quite a while, a bit worried the movie would be one of those divorce-downers that were so frequently made in this era. But I can assure you, I really enjoyed the movie and it leaves you with a light hearted feeling. I definitely recommend it!