First of all, I am a huge Billy Wilder fan in general. His movies are always just so entertaining. Of all his movies Sunset Blvd is his masterpiece. Gloria Swanson as Norma Desmond is perfect, and creates one of the most memorable characters to ever appear on the big screen. Although the audience is aware from the beginning what is going to happen in the end of the movie, this does not matter because what is interesting to watch is Swanson’s descent into complete madness. The dialog is great, the direction is perfect, and the story is both tragic and humorous. In other words, it is the greatest American movie ever produced!
Also, just for fun, my movies that receive “honorable mentions” (the next best American movies): The Godfather Part II, Singin’ In The Rain, and Taxi Driver.