Review of The Apartment (1960) by Lester Y — 16 Nov 2008

A personal favorite, and probably the greatest Best Picture winner of all time. But how should this Billy Wilder masterpiece be classified as, anyway? Romantic Comedy? Comedy-Drama? Satire? Farce? A biting commentary on the capitalist ladder? Amazingly, it works on all counts, and it's The Apartment's universal appeal that makes it so grand.

Billy Wilder has never been more sharp, writing quick, witty dialogue, painting sympathetic characters of great depth while also making room for brilliant melodrama (but he was no prude) and sneaking in some unforgettable catchphrases. The chemistry between Shirley McClaine and Jack Lemmon is palpable, feeding off each other's chops that makes for one of the greatest romantic couples in cinema, and we never even see them consummate their relationship anywhere in the movie. McClaine's performance should be especially heralded, though. I think it's one of the best single performances I've seen by anyone in any movie ever. Not even appearing until around the 20 minute mark, she effectively sets the template for quirky RomCom leading ladies decades later. This is her gift for the ages.