After a chance encounter with once-famous silent film star Norma Desmond (Swanson), down-on-his-luck writer Joe Gillis (Holden) is offered the chance to write a screenplay that will purportedly revive her career. He becomes her lover, but Joe also falls for a young script editor, triggering jealousy and madness, which eventually leads to tragedy.

Billy Wilder’s coruscating tale set in a world he knew too well is a darkly humorous portrait of Tinseltown at its most tarnished.

Sam Mendes’ Empire of Light and Steven Spielberg’s The Fabelmans represent two self-reflective love letters to film from industry giants, told through film itself. In anticipation of both releases, QFT brings you three films that celebrate the love for the movies and those who make them. Also screening: Cinema Paradiso and Pain and Glory.