How we cite our quotes: All quotations are from Sunset Boulevard.
Quote #1
JOE: There was something else going on below: the last rites for that hairy old chimp, performed with the utmost seriousness—as if she were laying to rest an only child. Was her life really as empty as that?
Norma hasn't managed to form any lasting human interactions—largely because of her egotism and vanity—which makes her appreciate her pet monkey so much. The monkey probably couldn't displease her that much—at least, not as much as Joe does when she tries to transform him into a pet monkey of sorts.
Quote #2
NORMA: Cameras? ...What is it, Max?
MAX: The cameras have arrived, Madame.
NORMA: They have? Thank you, Max. Tell Mr. DeMille I will be on the set at once.
Rather than shattering Norma's illusions, the cameras that arrive to film the crime scene make her think that she's actually making her movie, Salomé. It's pretty clear irony: The cameras aren't there to capture movie star glamour, but a totally sordid event. (Although we have to ask: Is there much of a difference?)
Quote #3
NORMA: What is the scene? Where am I?
MAX: This is the staircase of the palace.
NORMA: Oh, yes, yes. They're below, waiting for the Princess... I'm ready.
Max assumes the director's role, playing along with Norma's illusions faithfully until the end. Why? He doesn't want to destroy her, but he's also exposing her madness to the world. He looks at her with an expression of intense, disturbed, pity.
Quote #4
JOE: Life, which can be strangely merciful, had taken pity on Norma Desmond. The dream she had clung to so desperately had enfolded her.
Life is being merciful—but just by humoring her madness. At this point, it seems clear that Norma would never be able to perceive the truth about herself, anyway.
Quote #5
NORMA: I can't go on with the scene. I'm too happy. Do you mind, Mr. DeMille, if I say a few words? Thank you. I just want to tell you how happy I am to be back in the studio making a picture again. You don't know how much I've missed all of you. And I promise you I'll never desert you again because after Salome we'll make another picture and another picture. You see, this is my life! It always will be! Nothing else! Just us, the cameras, and those wonderful people out there in the dark!... All right, Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my close-up.
Norma has totally lost it—she even mistakes Max for Cecil B. DeMille. Her words expose how all-encompassing her fantasy has become, and when she actually moves in for her close-up, we see the madness shining in her eyes. Is anyone else shivering? No? Just Shmoop? Okay.