Ever thought about the meaning of a street name? Or noticed a movie title with "Boulevard"? You are in the right place. We will explore various 'boulevards'. This includes real streets and films, and their stories. This journey covers film, language origin, and psychology. Get ready for a fascinating ride.
Boulevard: More Than Just a Street
What is a boulevard? It is a special type of street. Boulevards have lanes separated by a green median. They are more elegant than regular streets. A boulevard feels more sophisticated. Although some call it a divided street, ‘boulevard’ has a nice ring to it.
Where does this word come from? "Boulevard" has Dutch origins. It comes from the Middle Dutch 'bolwerc'. 'Bolle' means "tree trunk" while 'werk' means "work or structure." This implies wooden planks used in fortifications. It shifted from wooden strongholds to tree-lined streets, quite the upgrade.
When you write an address, use "Blvd." It’s a common abbreviation. You will find "Blvd." on maps and postal addresses. It helps ensure letters reach the correct place.
Boulevard (2014): Robin Williams's Quiet Storm
Now to the 2014 film, "Boulevard." This film is part of Robin Williams's legacy. In it, he plays a married man hiding his sexual identity. The change begins when he hires a male escort, portrayed by Roberto Aguire. It subtly examines identity and discovery in later life.
Filming took place mainly in Nashville, Tennessee. This choice gives a genuine American feel to the film. Observant viewers may spot the Gibson Guitar and Drake Motel in scenes, adding local character.
Despite its release timing, "Boulevard" is not Williams's last film. However, it carries weight due to his passing shortly after filming. This adds melancholy to this thoughtful piece. His struggles during his final days are also significant to remember.
Robin Williams: Beyond the Laughter
The world truly mourned Robin Williams's death in 2014. Initially, there was suspicion of Parkinson’s disease. Eventually, it was revealed he suffered from Lewy body dementia (LBD). This confusion often clouds diagnoses, complicating lives for families and patients alike. The documentary, "Robin's Wish," reveals Williams's battle with LBD.
Williams's last words were to his wife, Susan Schneider: "Goodnight my love, goodnight goodnight." They are simple yet final. The cause of death was ruled asphyxiation and hanging, likely a suicide—tragic for someone who spread joy.
Outside his acting career, he was a father to three: Zak, Zelda, and Cody. They inherited most of his estate after his $50 million death. Williams had mixed European ancestry. His roots included English, Welsh, Irish, and French backgrounds. Raised as Episcopalian, his faith added depth to his identity.
Boulevard Nights (1979): Echoes of East Los Angeles
Now, let's travel to East Los Angeles with the 1979 film, "Boulevard Nights." Directed by Michael Pressman, it presents street gang culture. The film focuses on brothers Raymond and Chuco as they navigate gang life.
"Boulevard Nights" illustrates Varrio Grande Vista, where gang affiliations matter deeply. In a tense scene, Toby from the 11th Street gang paints over rival initials with “11.” This act symbolizes constant territorial disputes present in the story. It contrasts with the quiet tone of "Boulevard" (2014), showing varied interpretations of a 'boulevard' in film.
Sunset Boulevard (1950): Hollywood's Dark Side
Now we can discuss "Sunset Boulevard" (1950). Directed by Billy Wilder, it reveals Hollywood's dark side. This noir melodrama scrutinizes celebrity obsession and harsh industry realities.
Gloria Swanson shines as Norma Desmond, a faded star clinging to past fame. Her intense performance and portrayal of delusion became iconic. William Holden plays Joe Gillis, caught in Norma's world of fantasy. Erich von Stroheim plays Max, her loyal servant, adding depth to this masterpiece.
Norma Desmond's mansion with two addresses—641 South Irving Blvd and 10008 Sunset Blvd—acts like a character too. Its Spanish-style facade hides a crumbling gothic interior representing Norma's decline. It's a compelling metaphor for her facade.
This film sparked controversy for its stark portrayal of Hollywood's evolution. It highlighted the shifts that left silent film stars behind. This criticism ignited debates within Hollywood. Powerful art often challenges norms and stirs conflict.
Norma Desmond: A Psychological Portrait
Norma Desmond stands as more than a character; she is a psychological study. Some interpretations suggest Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) traits define her behavior. Her need for attention and fear of abandonment align with BPD.
Others point to delusional disorder signs in her obsession with past fame. Her detachment from reality reflects a disconnect from current Hollywood. Norma lives in a fabricated world despite reality moving on.
Norma's life mirrors that of many former silent stars experiencing fame's decline. Reclusive figures like Mary Pickford evoke her story. The struggles of other silent film actors also resonate with Norma's trajectory, emphasizing fame’s toll.
A narcissistic perspective fits Norma well. Scholars analyze her through narcissism's three dimensions: agentic extraversion, antagonism, and neuroticism. Her bravado masks deep-seated insecurities and fragility underneath her demanding demeanor.
Norma Desmond's line, "No one ever leaves a star," highlights her delusions and refusal to face reality. This quote reflects the film's core: Hollywood’s star system can create obsession, blurring lines of truth and illusion. "Sunset Boulevard" warns of fame's fragile nature and profound consequences.
Fame has an intoxicating and destructive power. You can explore it further by reading this essay about the movie.
Sunset Boulevard: The Musical
"Sunset Boulevard" appeals beyond cinema. In October 1996, the musical based on the film premiered in Melbourne, Australia. The original cast played notable roles. Debra Byrne starred as Norma, Hugh Jackman as Joe, and Catherine Porter as Betty. Pre-Wolverine fame, Jackman added intrigue.
For details on the musical adaptation, visit Wikipedia's page about Sunset Boulevard (musical). "Sunset Boulevard" received critical acclaim. It won three Academy Awards in 1950. This solidified its status as a cinematic masterpiece. The film is still analyzed and discussed today.
Robin Gibb: Another Side of Fame
Robin Gibb, known from the Bee Gees, faced fame's complexities. He passed away in 2012 at 62. Unlike Robin Williams, Gibb’s death had another cause. Both left legacies in their fields.
Interestingly, Robin Gibb had an open marriage with his wife, Dwina Gibb. They discussed their relationship openly, embracing freedom within their marriage. Their candidness offers insight into how some navigate relationships under fame’s spotlight.
Dementia and the Mind
We return to dementia, which Robin Williams battled. He had Lewy body dementia (LBD). This condition shows distressing symptoms. Hallucinations, sudden behavior changes, delusional thinking, paranoia, cognitive impairment, and fluctuating alertness define LBD. Diagnosis is challenging, as seen with Williams's initial misdiagnosis of Parkinson's.
A phenomenon called the "dementia stare" occurs. This describes how those with dementia may appear lost in thought or avoid eye contact. It's a sign of cognitive changes in the brain that affect awareness and interactions.
In a different context exists the "two-finger test," or interlocking finger test (ILFT). This cognitive screening tool evaluates dexterity and motor skills for dementia. It's non-invasive and checks for cognitive impairment but is just one method in a broader diagnostic approach.
More Movie Mentions and Street Smarts
Our boulevard journey continues. Let's touch upon other movies listed in our notes. "The Prodigy" (2019) features a creepy kid named Miles, tapping into unsettling childhood aspects. "Interstate 60" is a quirky film about a non-existent highway—a metaphorical trip through the surreal. "Miles to Go Before I Sleep" is a 1975 TV movie. Also, "Before I Go to Sleep" (2014) stars Nicole Kidman, addressing anterograde amnesia, triggered by violence.
Shifting focus to streets, beyond boulevards, other intriguing suffixes exist. "Terrace" (Ter.) defines streets along slopes. Many streets in York, England, end in "gate." This suffix comes from the Norse word "gata," seen as meaning "street." Street names hold linguistic and historical significance.
Eye Color: A Final Glimpse
Lastly, eye color is worth mentioning. Inheritance involves a fascinating genetic interplay between parents. Each parent contributes half of their eye color genes. Interestingly, some individuals have heterochromia, showing color differences between their eyes. Miles from "The Prodigy" has this trait—one hazel eye and another blue, increasing his unique appearance.
This concludes our journey through boulevards, movies, psychology, etymology, and eye color. We discussed "Boulevard" (2014) and the dramatic "Sunset Boulevard" (1950). We explored complexities of dementia and the streets of East L.A. There are many stories to find if you look closely enough.
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