The Apartment (1960)
Written by Billy Wilder & I. A. L. Diamond
Directed by Billy Wilder
Of the films on this list, there are few that I was more excited to see than The Apartment. You see, way back in 2002, the spring of my Sophomore year of high school, I was cast as Mr. Vanderhoff in the musical Promises, Promises, based on The Apartment. It was my first singing role in about 6 years, and I loved the entire experience of it. Even now, looking back, it was one of my favorite performances of my high school theater career (and thanks to Mr. Newman for casting me in it!!).
So, naturally, I’ve always wanted to see the film that inspired the musical, and this marathon was the perfect opportunity. I am thrilled to say that I really, really enjoyed this film.
Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine
The film is carried, seemingly effortlessly, by Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine. The focus is on Lemmon, a grunt in a big corporation who begins moving up the ladder when he begins loaning out his apartment to his supervisors, so they can have a place to conduct their extra-marital affairs. It sounds crazy, but Lemmon sells it big, and the film never seems to be in too much danger of realizing how ridiculous its premise is. I’ve always been a fan of Jack Lemmon, and he imbues Baxter with such a nervous likability that it’s impossible not to root for him.
As much as I’m a fan of Lemmon, I’m generally not a fan of MacLaine. This is her second appearance in a Best Picture (she also appeared in Around the World in 80 Days), and while I enjoyed her more here, she still isn’t an actress that I would rank high on a list of favorites. Having said that, her performance as Fran is certainly a high point in the list of films I’ve seen her in. Her absolute heartbreak meltdown in Baxter’s bathroom was a brilliant piece of acting, and she more than holds her own against Lemmon.
Baxter’s desk
An interesting note about this film is that it is the last black and white film to win Best Picture until 1993’s Schindler’s List. I know a lot of people struggle with watching films that are in black and white, but I’ve never had a problem with them. I think there’s just as much artistic value in a black and white film as in a color film, perhaps even more so. Some images just appear better in black and white, as there’s no distraction of color to keep the eye from important or interesting images. An example here would be Baxter’s desk, one of a hundred in the same room. The room extends infinitely into the distance, each desk is identical, the overhead ceiling a never ending series of cubes. In color, the visual interest could get lost underneath the various shades of color one would imagine, but in black and white, the stark, unceasing blandness of it all helps illustrate just WHY Baxter would want to advance. At his desk, he’s a nobody. One of an endless series of drones. It’s an interesting visual metaphor that plays extremely well in a black and white medium.
One last note: I thoroughly enjoyed that Baxter was attempting to watch Grand Hotel on TV, a Best Picture winner from 28 years before. Watching these films as “frequently” as I am, it’s sometimes easy to forget how much time is actually passing between each film. It feels like only a few weeks ago that I watched Grand Hotel (it’s actually been nine months OH MY GOD), but that 28 years have passed between the films? That’s a trip.
The Apartment is silly, sweet, and full of characters that are flawed but emotionally driven. I’m so glad I finally got to see this film, and it’s one I would gladly watch again. In fact, I think I have to give it the highest score I’ve given on this list, so far.
FINAL GRADE: A+
