Sunset Boulevard as a template for things Lynchian? Yes indeed, say hosts (and UVM Film & Television students) Kiera Skuntz and Daniella Sanson Copatti. They’ll introduce the film and set us up for an opportunity to see Billy Wilder’s stone-cold classic through a new lens.
In case you’re unfamiliar with the plot: screenwriter Joe Gillis (William Holden) tells us about the very busy events of his recent life from a unique position (face-down in the pool). It involves stumbling across the decaying mansion of a faded silent-film star, Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson), and getting seduced into her macabre universe. You can see the film as a drama with plenty of acidic humor, or as a jet-black comedy . . . it works either way.
The screenplay is sharp as an ice-pick, the performances are pitch-perfect, the art/set direction utterly remarkable. The film earned Wilder his third Oscar (of six) for Best Original Screenplay.
Yes, this is a chance to watch a classic film with a different perspective, but if you haven’t seen it for the first time yet . . . it’s time.
About the programmers
Kiera Skuntz and Daniella Sanson Copatti are juniors attending the University of Vermont for Film and Media Studies. Both students share a passion for film and inspirational storytelling. Kiera plans to work with animation and consumer advertising for a career path, while Daniella aspires to become a cinematographer. The duo met through film studies classes offered at UVM, including an introspective course titled Twin Peaks & Lynch’s World, which has inspired this two-film series for VTIFF.
Kiera Skuntz is originally from Pennsylvania and previously went to school for communication art and design. Daniella is originally from Massachusetts and is technically inclined in camera operations and sound design. Daniella and Kiera have worked on creative projects in the past centered on the horror genre and surrealism. Their first project together followed a young girl seeking love from a peer student, which was not reciprocated, ending in a suspenseful death. Daniella and Kiera hope to continue their careers together and explore all forms of film.