Reviews provided by RottenTomatoes
Don Druker, Chicago Reader: A tour de force for Swanson and one of Wilder's better efforts. Read more
Thomas M. Pryor, New York Times: While all the acting is memorable, one always thinks first and mostly of Miss Swanson, of her manifestation of consuming pride, her forlorn despair and a truly magnificent impersonation of Charlie Chaplin. Read more
Andrew Sarris, New York Observer: Still the best Hollywood movie ever made about Hollywood. Read more
James Berardinelli, ReelViews: This is the greatest film about Hollywood ever put on celluloid by Hollywood. Read more
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times: Remains the best drama ever made about the movies because it sees through the illusions, even if Norma doesn't. Read more
Geoff Andrew, Time Out: One of Wilder's finest, and certainly the blackest of all Hollywood's scab-scratching accounts of itself. Read more
William Brogdon, Variety: ...They rate a nod for daring, as well as credit for an all-around filmmaking job that, disregarding the unpleasant subject matter, is a standout. Read more
Michael Atkinson, Village Voice: What's not recognized enough is the indelible, self-sickened performance of William Holden as Desmond's boy-toy/hired hack. Read more