As an avid fan of classic movies, I was thrilled to watch “The Apartment” from 1960, directed by Billy Wilder. I have to say, I was absolutely blown away by this masterpiece.
The plot was intriguing and engaging right from the start. I was immediately hooked by the character of C.C. Baxter (played by Jack Lemmon), a mild-mannered office worker who lets his superiors use his apartment for their extra-marital affairs in exchange for career advancement.
The story takes a turn for the unexpected when Baxter falls in love with Fran Kubelik (played by Shirley MacLaine), a woman who is romantically involved with one of his bosses. The moral dilemma that Baxter faces is heart-wrenching, and it makes for a truly captivating plot that kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end.
But what really stood out to me was the incredible acting by the entire cast. Jack Lemmon was simply phenomenal in his role, delivering both comedic and dramatic performances with ease. Shirley MacLaine was equally impressive, portraying the complex emotions of a woman caught in a love triangle.
Overall, “The Apartment” is a timeless classic that still resonates with audiences today. It’s a perfect balance of drama and comedy, with a compelling story and unforgettable performances. I highly recommend this movie to anyone who appreciates great filmmaking and storytelling. It’s definitely one of my all-time favorites.
Lesson about The Apartment
Lessons about the consequences of compromising one’s integrity in exchange for career advancement can be drawn from the movie The Apartment 1960.
The Best of The Apartment
- 1. Critically acclaimed: The Apartment 1960 has received critical acclaim and has been regarded as one of the best films of all time. It won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay. It has also been included in the American Film Institute’s list of 100 Greatest American Films.
- 2. Unique storyline: The Apartment 1960 has a unique storyline that explores the unethical practices in the corporate world. The protagonist, played by Jack Lemmon, lends his apartment to his bosses for their extramarital affairs. The film explores the themes of loneliness, betrayal, and moral ambiguity, making it a thought-provoking watch.
- 3. Memorable performances: The Apartment 1960 features exceptional performances by its cast, particularly Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine. Lemmon’s portrayal of the lonely and vulnerable character won him critical acclaim and several awards. MacLaine’s performance as the elevator operator who becomes involved with Lemmon’s character is also memorable and has been touted as one of the greatest performances in cinema history.
Week points of The Apartment
- 1. Lack of Diversity: The movie lacks diversity in its casting and cultural representation, which may make some viewers feel excluded or disengaged from the story.
- 2. Slow Pacing: While the film’s slow pacing may be appreciated by some, others may find it slow-moving and a challenge to stay engaged with the story.
- 3. Dated Gender Roles: The Apartment is a product of its time, and its representation of gender roles and relationships may seem outdated and even offensive to some modern viewers.
Technical details of The Apartment
| Title | The Apartment |
|---|---|
| Year | 1960 |
| Rated | Approved |
| Released | 29 Jun 1960 |
| Runtime | 125 min |
| Genre | Comedy, Drama, Romance |
| Director | Billy Wilder |
| Writer | Billy Wilder, I.A.L. Diamond |
| Actors | Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine, Fred MacMurray |
| Plot | As of November 1, 1959, mild mannered C.C. Baxter has been working at Consolidated Life, an insurance company, for close to four years, and is one of close to thirty-two thousand employees located in their Manhattan head office. To distinguish himself from all the other lowly cogs in the company in the hopes of moving up the corporate ladder, he often works late, but only because he can't get into his apartment, located off of Central Park West, since he has provided it to a handful of company executives – Mssrs. Dobisch, Kirkeby, Vanderhoff and Eichelberger – on a rotating basis for their extramarital liaisons in return for a good word to the personnel director, Jeff D. Sheldrake. When Baxter is called into Sheldrake's office for the first time, he learns that it isn't just to be promoted as he expects, but also to add married Sheldrake to the list to who he will lend his apartment. Dobisch, Kirkeby, Vanderhoff and Eichelberger are now feeling neglected as Baxter no longer needs their assistance in moving up. |
| Country | United States |
| Awards | Won 5 Oscars. 24 wins & 8 nominations total |
