When I saw Sunset Blvd, Norma Desmond instantly reminded my of Helen Sinclair (although Helen isn't as creepy). Do you think Woody Allen was influenced by Sunset Blvd? There are many simalarities in each of them.
shareDefinitely, I just watched Bullets and straight away I thought of Norma Desmond.
That's a Dead Dog.
Yes, it is.
C'mon, Norma Desmond was not the first, nor the only self-absorbed diva actress. I think that Norma and Helen are really designed as a caricature of that archetype. You could take all the larger-than-life actresses that are all part of the collective consciousness and find lots of Helen and Norma in them.
I'd like to think that Woody Allen wouldn't be so shallow as to "ape" another character from a movie and a stage musical. Aside from the most superficial qualities, they don't have many similarities.
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Woody was definitely inspired by Sunset Boulevard when he wrote the script and created the Helen Sinclair character. Even the starting point for the movie is similar: a struggling screenplay writer/playwright sells out in exchange for money and/or success. The character Joe in SB "literally" sells out by moving in with the rich, has-been actress; whereas in BoB, the character David "literature-ly" (OK, I made up that word) sells out by agreeing to the mob's requests to have his play produced.
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I disagree, if anything, Helen Sinclair is ringer for Tallulah Bankhead, a famed Broadway actress who lost credibility, and work, because of Her Alchohol and Drug abuse who always maintained an aura of Stardom due to a genuine Talent and a great backlog of successes.
shareHelen Sinclair also is very much like Helen Traubel, the prima donna type of star portrayed by Susan Hayward in "Valley of the Dolls." Does anyone remember the trouble Ms. Traubel gave to the ingénue Neely, portrayed by Patty Duke? I believe both having the first name of "Helen" was intentional.
shareI've always thought the same thing. Helen even gives David a cigarette case, as Norma gives one to Joe.
Oh, Mr. Harris! Mr. Bob Harris! Don't touch me! Just rip my stocking!
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Yes it was and well done really. The writing was superb.
shareThe moment I saw Helen Sinclair coming down the stairs I was thinking the exact same thing.
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