Review of The Apartment (1960) by Grant S — 17 Jan 2015
A masterpiece from master-director Billy Wilder.
Brilliant comedy-drama. Starts off as a comedy with a decent plot then develops into something so much more. Soon takes on darker tones and themes such as greed, ambition, depression, suicide, infidelity, misogyny, sexual harassment and the monotony of modern jobs plus issues such as the media, advertising and consumerism.
Some of the themes are so confronting and controversial for a 1959-60 movie you're surprised they're in there.
Yet, in among all the negative themes are many positives: compassion, caring, gentlemanliness, neighbourliness.
Great performances by Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine in the lead roles. Both of them received Oscar nominations. Good support from Jack Kruschen (who received a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination) and Fred MacMurray.
Throw these all together and you have a wonderful, thought-provoking, emotional, realistic, funny movie. A true, timeless classic of the highest order.
This review of The Apartment (1960) was written by Grant S on 17 Jan 2015.
The Apartment has generally received very positive reviews.
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