Sunset Boulevard Manipulation Quotes

How we cite our quotes: All quotations are from Sunset Boulevard.

Quote #1

JOE: Hey, you, Max—whatever-your-name-is—what are my things doing here?

(No answer.)

JOE: I'm talking to you. My clothes and things are up in the room.

MAX: Naturally. I brought them myself.

JOE: Is that so?!

MAX: Why are you so upset? Is there anything missing?

Max plays innocent, when it's clear what he's trying to do—he's trying to corner Joe into staying at the mansion and devoting his time to Norma. But why does Max, personally, want him to do this? It's almost like he's preparing a new lover to take the place once occupied by himself—looking on with a mixture of pity and terror. Yet, at the same time, he's the one making it happen. Maybe he's afraid of the alternative.

Quote #2

NORMA: You can't work in an apartment where you owe three months' rent.

JOE: I'll take care of that.

NORMA: It's all taken care of. It's all paid for.

JOE: I'm used to paying my own bills.

NORMA: You proud boy, why didn't you tell me you were having difficulties?

Norma is extending generosity—but it's not true generosity, because she wants something in return. She's setting Joe up to feel dependent on her, and then pressure him into becoming her lover.

Quote #3

NORMA: Why don't you just say thank you and go, go, go—

JOE: Not until you promise to act like a sensible human being.

NORMA: I'll do it again, I'll do it again, I'll do it again!

Norma tells Joe to go, but by repeating her suicide threat she makes it clear that he can't. He'll stay there out of guilt and the sense that he owes her for helping him. Yeah, this is one unhealthy relationship.