Sunset Boulevard: Top Scoring Sample Essay on 2023 VCAA (Perils of Pursuing Fame)

'Sunset Boulevard shows that the pursuit of fame is a perilous journey.' Discuss. (VCAA 2023)

A full length (~1,200 word) essay on Billy Wilder's film, covering:

•      Exploitation and mortal danger, through Joe's predatory agent, the title written in the gutter, and Joe's body in the pool in the opening minutes

•      Cynicism, discontent and madness, tracing Joe's abandoned integrity alongside Norma's makeup and cosmetic procedures as markers of psychological decline

•      The alternative Wilder endorses, in Betty, Artie's extras, and DeMille's crew, who outlast Norma because they work for the love of it

Written by a 50-scoring student in English (who also obtained a 99.95 TAR). Detailed essay in response to authentic past VCAA 2023 prompt. Film specific analysis of camera angles, symbolic staging, costume and voiceover, rather than novel analysis applied to a film. Highly effective example of linking back to the topic, rather than just responding with a memorised essay.