The Apartment
The Apartment

The Apartment

1960Movie125 minEnglish

Bud Baxter is a minor clerk in a huge New York insurance company, until he discovers a quick way to climb the corporate ladder. He lends out his apartment to the executives as a place to take their mistresses. Although he often has to deal with the aftermath of their visits, one night he's left with a major problem to solve.

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Insights

IMDb8.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes97%
Metacritic97
Google Users94%
Director: Billy WilderGenres: Comedy, Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

A lonely office worker, C.C. Baxter, tries to climb the corporate ladder by allowing his superiors to use his apartment for their extramarital affairs. His plan becomes complicated when he falls for Fran Kubelik, the elevator operator, who is involved with one of Baxter's bosses. Baxter must then navigate his growing feelings and moral dilemma while dealing with the consequences of his opportunistic scheme.

Critical Reception

The Apartment was a critical and commercial success, earning widespread acclaim for its sharp writing, brilliant performances, and darkly comedic tone that tackled mature themes with sensitivity. It is widely regarded as one of Billy Wilder's finest achievements and a classic of American cinema.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its sophisticated blend of comedy and drama, exploring themes of loneliness and corporate amorality.
  • Celebrated for Jack Lemmon's nuanced performance as the morally compromised but sympathetic C.C. Baxter.
  • Lauded for Shirley MacLaine's portrayal of Fran Kubelik and the film's insightful look at workplace dynamics and relationships.

Google audience: Audience reviews highlight the film's timeless themes, emotional depth, and excellent performances, particularly from Jack Lemmon. Many appreciate its sharp wit and poignant exploration of human connection amidst a sterile corporate environment.

Awards & Accolades

Won 5 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Screenplay. Nominated for 10 Oscars in total. Won the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.

Fun Fact

The distinctive blue shirt worn by Jack Lemmon in the film was specifically chosen because director Billy Wilder felt it would make him look more like a 'lonely little guy'.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

4 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

"Baxter" (Jack Lemmon) has hit on an unique way to work his way up the greasy pole. He sublets his apartment, by the evening, to his bosses at work so they can entertain their lady friends - all in the hope that promotion from his $90-a-wee...
Filipe Manuel Neto

Filipe Manuel Ne...

**It's a good movie, but Best Picture at the Oscars? Frankly…** I really enjoyed this film, largely thanks to the lightness of its story, and the funny way in which the film plays with the situation in which the protagonist finds himself...
tmdb47633491

tmdb47633491

Essential viewing once a year for soul maintenance
Andres Gomez

Andres Gomez

A tiypical Billy Wilder comedy. Fun and with great script and performance from Jack Lemmon. A must to see.