And the Best Picture goes to....
1960
Billy Wilder, Producer
2 hours 5 minutes
Estimated Budget $3,000,000
Approved
The Other Nominated Films
The Alamo
Elmer Gantry
Sons and Lovers
The Sundowners
Directed by Billy Wilder Winner, Best Director
CAST
Jack Lemmon Nominated, Best Actor
Shirley MacLaine Nominated, Best Actress
Fred MacMurray
Ray Walston
David Lewis
Jack Kruschen Nominated, Best Supporting Actor
Also Nominated for
Billy Wilder Winner, Best Original Screenplay
I.A.L Diamond
Daniel Mandell Winner, Best Film Editing
Alexandre Trauner Winner, Best Art Direction-Interior Decoration, Black-and-White
Edward G. Boyle
Gordon E Sawyer Nominated, Best Sound Mixing
Joseph LaShelle Nominated, Best Cinematography, Black-and-White
LOGLINE:
Hoping to climb the corporate ladder, an insurance clerk lends his apartment out for his bosses’ trysts, but ends up falling in love in the process.
REVIEW:
Billy Wilder’s “The Apartment” is a well-constructed satire that is set in corporate America and explores themes such as love, sacrifice, and integrity.
At the heart of the plot is C.C. Baxter, played impeccably by Jack Lemmon. Baxter is a low-level office worker at a large insurance company, whose ambition drives him to seek promotions at any cost, even if it means compromising his principles. The character is very relatable – ambitious yet gullible as he tries to climb the corporate ladder. Lemmon manages to pull off his performance with comedic flair and emotional depth which allows the audience to connect with his circumstances.
Opposite him is Shirley MacLaine as Fran Kubelik, the elevator operator who captures Baxter’s heart. Their chemistry is quite believable and their interactions make them a likable pair. MacLaine brings a sense of vulnerability and strength to her role, making Fran a compelling character, and her subtle flirtations with Baxter make for a relatable love story.
The love triangle is completed by Fred MacMurray as J.D. Sheldrake, Baxter’s smooth-talking boss who exploits both Baxter and Fran for his own selfish gains. MacMurray’s portrayal of Sheldrake is captivating as the unscrupulous cad that you want to hate—sharply contrasting against the wholesome roles he was typically associated with in Disney films.
“The Apartment” also excels in its witty dialogue with Wilder’s script chock full of clever one-liners that highlight the farce that is corporate culture. Visually, the black-and-white cinematography enhances the overall atmosphere of the film, which notably, was the last film to win the Best Picture Award until “Schindler’s List” in 1994.
Ultimately, “The Apartment” is not just a romantic comedy; it is a rich satire that examines love, ambition and ethics. Yet I believe its true success lies in the likability of the two main characters, brought to life by Lemmon and MacLaine. Despite the obstacles, the audience wants them to end up together and the bittersweet ending will continue to resonate with viewers after the final credits roll.