The Apartment (1960)

I've had the French version of the poster hanging in my room (a delightful gift from my guy) for about two years now, yet for some reason I haven't taken in a viewing of The Apartment for ages. It's one of my favorite films, but I find parts of it so sad that I have to be in the right mood to watch it. Affable insurance adjuster and bachelor CC Baxter (Jack Lemmon) finds himself suddenly on the rise within his firm after he starts lending out his apartment to high-placed coworkers with mistresses. When word gets out to his boss Mr Sheldrake (Fred MacMurray), Baxter finds himself playing host to depressed elevator service operator Fran Kubelik (Shirley MacLaine), whom Sheldrak's been dating on the sly. While Baxter tries to cheer her up and prevent her from killing herself, she begins to wonder if loving a married asshole is really the best way to use her affections.

This movie is the ultimate blending of drama and comedy, perfectly meshing the two styles to make for an utterly realistic, subtle, and sweet movie. The script is punchy and paced well, incorporating adorable narration from Baxter and introspective dialogue for Miss Kubelik as our heartstrings are tugged back and forth. The characters are smartly written and well-developed, giving a fairly straightforward story interest, depth, and relatability. I love the pop culture references (especially the Marilyn Monroe impersonator), cleverly simple sight gags (Baxter eating dinner in front of the tv, reacting to the announcer), and little digs at American business (anything at Baxter's office).

Along with the pitch-perfect script, it's the performances that make this movie, really. Jack Lemmon is the lovable everyman: a genuinely nice, unassuming guy who's sadly a pushover (you know, the one none of the girls go for, apparently). He's naturally very funny in his goofy facial expressions and enthusiastic delivery, while getting in some appreciated dramatic bits as he concerns himself with Miss Kubelik's suicidal state. Shirley MacLaine gets to me every time with her big doe eyes, pouty mouth, and cute haircut- my heart just melts whenever she's on screen. Fran is a light-hearted working girl with tragedy brimming below the surface because she can't seem to help but fall in love with awful men (hmm reminds me of another Wilder lady protagonist), and MacLaine just nails every subtlety and affectation of her character. Oh and Fred MacMurray plays a great smooth-talking asshole.

This movie is so good, you guys. So, so, so good. I laughed, I cried. Literally. If you've never seen it than what the hell are you doing with your miserable life?

5/5

Pair This Movie With: I often mentally link this with Irma La Douce, the other Wilder/MacLaine/Lemmon team-up from the 60's. It's not as good, but it's cute and features a rather fetching pair of green stockings.