Max von Mayerling in Sunset Boulevard (1950)

Max von Mayerling in Sunset Boulevard (1950)

Max von Maylering appears frequently in the 1950’s film Sunset Boulevard. Playing a minor role, he shows to be a man of few words yet has a strong presence within the film. His character serves as the butler of Norma Desmond (who carries a lead role). His posture is exquisite, and his facial expressions remain a neutral scowl. Keathley mentions the importance of facial expressions in extras and small bit players in reaction to events occurring in films. Interestingly, just as range in facial expression is important, in Max’s case the lack of range of expression guides the audience’s perception and allows a more serious tone throughout the film. Body language is another key area pointed out by Keathley that impacts our interpretation, and in this case, Max remains neutral while exhibiting his character’s commitment to his working role in this film. Max is very dedicated to his working role as a butler, similarly to other characters mentioned in Straw’s article that participate in business. Given that Max only plays a small role, his outfit changes are extremely noticeable (going from a black tux to a white suit and so on). These changes allow the setting to clearly indicate a transition, despite the film remaining primarily in the Desmond Mansion we can clearly see that different events are occurring. In this way he acts as a part of the setting, relatable to the dehumanizing role that and extra or smaller role can have that Keathley discusses. Max is responsible for the emersion of Joe Gillis (another lead role) into Norma’s life. Max assists with Joe’s living arrangements at the Desmond Mansion and calls for belongings to be sent from his current residence (this all occurring mysteriously before Joe agrees). Max’s character keeps Joe’s secrets from Norma including financial troubles and sneaking out at night. As the film progresses small bits of knowledge are revealed about Max’s character. We learn that Max worked in the film business at the beginning of Norma’s career and worked along side her and that he was Norma’s first husband. Throughout the film Max controls Norma’s affairs and directs her day-to-day life. The reasoning for his role as her butler, despite a long history with Norma, remains undiscovered. There are many elements to his character that are mysterious and can only be speculated by the audience.

Works Cited

Christian Keathley, Pass the salt … and other bits of business, Screen, Volume 52, Issue 1, Spring 2011, Pages 105–113, https://doi.org/10.1093/screen/hjq065

Wilder, Billy, director. Sunset Boulevard. Paramount Pictures, 1950.

Will Straw, Scales of presence: Bess Flowers and the Hollywood extra, Screen, Volume 52, Issue 1, Spring 2011, Pages 121–127, https://doi.org/10.1093/screen/hjq061