Review of The Apartment (1960) by Jonathan B — 15 May 2012
The Apartment is the definition of a classic. It won Best Picture in 1960, along with a few other awards, and has not lost a step in the 50+ years since. The premise is golden, following a likeable but weak-natured man who continually is coerced into loaning out his apartment for, uh, extracurricular activities, so that he can move up the corporate ladder.
The tone occupies the grey area between comedy and drama, and excels in both areas. Much of the humor stems from Jack Lemmon, who coming off one of the great comedy performances of all time in Some Like It Hot turns in an even more well-rounded job.
When the story does venture into darker thematic territory, both he and Shirley MacLaine, who is quite heartbreaking herself, expertly handle the transition. A lot of the credit goes to the writing as well, which isn't afraid to tackle somewhat taboo subjects for its day or skewer corporate politics, and of course the man behind it all, one of the greatest directors to ever live, Billy Wilder.
Because in the end a good story is all about the characters, which The Apartment understands and deliverers an unforgettable experience.
This review of The Apartment (1960) was written by Jonathan B on 15 May 2012.
The Apartment has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
