The Apartment
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Movie Reviews of The Apartment
Movie Review: No Rain
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm not going to rain on anybody's parade. This is a terrific movie, and lots of other reviewers have already ticked off all of the things that make it terrific. It's smart and sophisticated, with plenty of witty dialogue. Although some of the details are dated, such as the interminable rows of pencil pushers at desks with adding machines, the underlying office politics are just as real and just as nasty today as ever. The acting is great. Not only are Lemmon and MacLaine wonderful together, the rest of the cast is also excellent.The only thing I have to add is that, despite clever lines, funny scenes and an acceptably happy ending, THE APARTMENT is as much a drama as it is a comedy. The seamy undercurrent of office politics and the way people ruthlessly use each in their personal relationships gives this little tale a grim, almost vicious, feel at times. Much of what you see in THE APARTMENT is not the least bit funny.
Not to be repetitive, but this is an outstanding movie. If you haven't seen it, you should. It's not really a family movie, though. True to the period in which it was made, there's no overt sexual content, but there are definitely adult themes and kids probably wouldn't fully "get" what's going on, anyway. Be that as it may, THE APARTMENT would be a great addition to almost any classic movie collection.
Movie Review: Apartment, Makes You Feel at Home
Summary: 5 Stars
Whenever you hear the name of the late, great Jack Lemon, it is invariably followed by "Some Like it Hot", being named his best film. I must disagree, because I feel the film, "The Apartment", is his masterpiece. In fact all three principles in the making of this film (Billy Wilder, Shirley Maclaine, and Lemon himself) are at the top of their game.This is the story of a mild mannered, white collar, office worker, who is trying to get ahead at a large IBM like corporation, by loaning out the key to his apartment to various married, corporate executives, for an array of infidilties.Along the way he falls in love and must decide,what is more important,love or getting ahead at the office? This is a very touching film that mixes it's humor with pathos. It is also a bit of a time capsule, which shows us what the 1950s, button down, corporate life must have been like, before the days of feminism and casual Fridays. Also, special mention should be made of the wonderful supporting characters played by Fred MacMurray and Ray Walston. MacMurray is a wonderful villan as the big boss and Walston is a hoot with his "buddy boy" lingo.This film is a wonderful way to spend an evening.Movie Review: Definitely worth the rent!!
Summary: 5 Stars
They just don't make movies like this any more. It's perfect in every way from the acting of the late great Jack Lemmon, to the writing/direction of Billy Wilder. Everything adds up to an immensely enjoyable movie, worthy of multiple viewings. Lemmon stars as C.C. Baxter, a worker drone employed by the nation's largest insurance corporation. In hopes of climbing the corporate ladder, C.C. lends his cozy little apartment to his bosses for entertaining their mistresses. Baxter's life as a bachelor seems empty, until doors begin to open up for him at work, and he begins pursuing lovely elevator operator Fran (Shirley MacLaine), who just happens to be the ex-mistress of his boss (Fred MacMurray) who would like to rekindle the romance with her himself. Baxter must decide what is more important: success or the woman he has fallen in love with.
The movie features some hilarious situations, including Baxter's nosy neighbors, who think he's a real playboy judging by all the racket coming from his apartment every night. Again, the acting is splendid all around, from Lemmon to the beautiful MacLaine. You'll be hard pressed to find a movie as charming as this one. In beautiful black and white.
Movie Review: When is Wilder better than this?
Summary: 5 Stars
Billy once said that when he's sad and meloncholic he writes the comedies, and when he's joyous and exuberant he writes the dramas. So what state was he in when he and Diamond wrote this masterpiece; not necessarily a comedy and not necessarily a drama - just like life, which is truly Wilder's greatest gift as a filmmaker. Perhaps at the top of his game when he made this, Wilder handles every scene with the deft perfection that only a handful of directors could do. I saw this film back in '98 when Curtis Hanson (of L.A. Confidental and Wonder Boys) screened a glorious print at UCLA, and Wilder's command of the widescreen image for a "contained" film is beyond brilliant. It's almost a shame to see this film on a TV (widescreen or not). The snappy writing and honest performances from Lemmon and McClaine easily belong as part of the hi-lites of their careers. Seeing Fred McMurray play the role of the scandalous cad is another masterstroke (remember Wilder first worked with McMurray in Double Indemnity), and the supporting work by Ray Walston rounds out a perfect-pitch picture the likes we'll never again.
Astoundingly based on true life events of Hollywood during the 50s.
Movie Review: "I love you, Miss Kubelik."
Summary: 5 Stars
Buddy Baxter (Jack Lemmon) is a meek and mild nobody in a big company who has an "arrangement" with his superiors: They can use his apartment to entertain their ladyfriends in exchange for recommendations for his promotion. The deal works out fine, until he discovers that his big boss (Fred MacMurray)'s girlfriend is the object of his own affection, elevator operator Fran Kubelik (Shirley MacLaine).
"The Apartment" is a quiet, character-driven comedy about shady dealings in the world of big business, with just enough drama to tug at your heart. It won the 1960 Best Picture Oscar, thanks to the excellent cast and honest script. Nobody played the Everyman character as well as Lemmon. He's involved in an unsavory situation, but is so sweet, likeable, and noble that you really care about him. MacLaine gives an uncharacteristically subdued and thoughtful performance, and MacMurray is perfect as her heartless paramour. The beautiful title tune is one of the loveliest movie love themes ever. The subject matter was considered somewhat racy back then, but now it would probably be rated PG. A sweet, smart, and entertaining movie.