Billy Wilder’s The Apartment (1960) is a classic American romantic comedy-drama that still resonates with audiences today. This Academy Award-winning film expertly weaves a story of ambition, loneliness, and moral dilemmas, set against the backdrop of 1960s corporate America. Starring Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine, and Fred MacMurray, The Apartment has earned its place as one of the greatest films of all time. In this detailed review, we’ll dive into its plot, characters, themes, and lasting impact on cinema.
Plot Recap: The Apartment – An Exploration of Corporate Morality
The story of The Apartment follows C.C. “Bud” Baxter (Jack Lemmon), an insurance clerk in a large New York City company. Eager to climb the corporate ladder, Bud allows his higher-ups to use his small apartment for their extramarital affairs in exchange for career advancement. His plan seems to work—his bosses appreciate his discretion, and he starts receiving the promotions he desires.
However, things take a complicated turn when Bud realizes that Fran Kubelik (Shirley MacLaine), the elevator operator with whom he is secretly in love, is involved with his boss, Jeff D. Sheldrake (Fred MacMurray). Unbeknownst to Bud, Fran is Sheldrake’s mistress and has been led to believe that Sheldrake will leave his wife for her.
After a particularly harsh encounter with Sheldrake, Fran attempts suicide in Bud’s apartment, leading to a dramatic and emotional turning point in the film. Bud finds her just in time and nurses her back to health, all while realizing the depth of his feelings for her. In the end, Bud decides to reclaim his moral compass, quitting his job rather than being complicit in Sheldrake’s manipulative behavior. The film concludes with Fran leaving Sheldrake and finding solace in Bud, ending with the famous line, “Shut up and deal,” as the two bond over a game of cards.
Character Analysis: Unveiling the Complexity of Human Emotion
C.C. “Bud” Baxter (Jack Lemmon)
Bud is the quintessential everyman—kind-hearted, ambitious, and somewhat naive. His willingness to let his superiors use his apartment in exchange for promotions highlights his deep insecurity and desire for success. However, Bud’s character arc is one of growth. Over the course of the film, he transforms from a pushover seeking validation to a man who learns the importance of self-respect and moral integrity. Lemmon’s performance is both comedic and deeply touching, offering a portrayal that tugs at the heartstrings without falling into melodrama.
Fran Kubelik (Shirley MacLaine)
Fran represents the complexity of modern womanhood during the 1960s. She is smart, independent, and full of wit, yet emotionally vulnerable due to her entanglement with Sheldrake. MacLaine’s portrayal of Fran is filled with depth; she brings a balance of strength and fragility to the character, making her someone audiences can both admire and empathize with. Fran’s journey throughout the film is one of self-discovery as she learns to value her own worth and move away from toxic relationships.
Jeff D. Sheldrake (Fred MacMurray)
Sheldrake is the epitome of corporate greed and manipulation. As Bud’s boss and Fran’s lover, he is both charismatic and cruel. His treatment of Fran is cold and opportunistic, embodying the toxic masculinity and power imbalances that were prevalent in corporate America. MacMurray’s performance is chilling and effective, making Sheldrake one of cinema’s most memorable antagonists.
Themes: A Reflection on Society and Human Relationships
Corporate Greed and Morality
One of the film’s most powerful themes is its critique of corporate America. Bud’s willingness to lend out his apartment for career advancement serves as a metaphor for how individuals are often willing to sacrifice their personal values for professional gain. The film critiques a system where power dynamics are abused, and moral compromises are made in the name of success. Sheldrake’s character serves as the embodiment of corporate ruthlessness, exploiting both Fran and Bud for his own benefit.
Loneliness in a Crowded City
The Apartment also explores the theme of loneliness, especially in a bustling metropolis like New York City. Despite being surrounded by people, both Bud and Fran feel isolated in their personal lives. Bud’s empty apartment becomes a symbol of his isolation, as it’s filled with the echoes of other people’s lives, but never his own. Similarly, Fran’s romantic entanglement with Sheldrake leaves her emotionally stranded. The film poignantly captures the paradox of feeling alone in a city filled with millions.
Love and Redemption
At its core, The Apartment is a love story. However, it’s not a traditional romance. The relationship between Bud and Fran develops slowly, founded on empathy, mutual understanding, and shared experiences. Both characters are damaged by their relationships with Sheldrake, but in finding each other, they also find a path to redemption. Their connection is built on genuine care rather than idealized romance, making the ending feel authentic and earned.
Cinematography: Visual Storytelling at Its Finest
Billy Wilder, with the help of cinematographer Joseph LaShelle, creates a visual masterpiece in The Apartment. The use of stark, cold corporate settings contrasts with the warmth of Bud’s apartment, visually representing the divide between the impersonal corporate world and personal human emotions. The film is shot in black-and-white, which only enhances its emotional depth and timeless feel. Wilder’s direction ensures that every frame serves the story, from the claustrophobic office cubicles to the intimate close-ups of Bud and Fran’s tender moments.
Dialogue: Witty, Sharp, and Memorable
The screenplay, written by Billy Wilder and I.A.L. Diamond, is filled with witty, sharp dialogue that elevates the film’s comedic and dramatic moments. The exchanges between characters are fast-paced and filled with subtext, making The Apartment a film that rewards attentive viewing. Whether it’s Bud’s self-deprecating humor or Fran’s heartbreaking admissions, the dialogue consistently resonates, driving the film’s emotional weight.
Cultural Impact: A Film Ahead of Its Time
The Apartment was a groundbreaking film in many ways. It addressed themes of infidelity, corporate exploitation, and mental health in a manner that was ahead of its time. In 1960, the film’s frank portrayal of extramarital affairs and suicide was considered bold and controversial. Yet, Wilder handled these subjects with such nuance and care that the film remains relevant today.
The film also subverted traditional gender roles. Fran is not merely a damsel in distress; she is a fully fleshed-out character with her own agency. Similarly, Bud is not the traditional “macho” hero—he is sensitive, vulnerable, and ultimately driven by his moral compass. This subversion of gender expectations makes the film feel modern, even six decades after its release.
Awards and Accolades: A Well-Deserved Legacy
The Apartment was a critical and commercial success, winning five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director (Billy Wilder), and Best Original Screenplay (Wilder and Diamond). Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine received nominations for their performances, solidifying their place as Hollywood icons. The film has since been preserved by the United States National Film Registry for its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance.
Final Verdict: A Timeless Classic
The Apartment is more than just a romantic comedy—it’s a masterclass in filmmaking. From its sharp dialogue and deep character development to its poignant social commentary and impeccable direction, Billy Wilder’s film stands as one of the finest achievements in cinema. It transcends its genre, offering a timeless story about love, morality, and the human condition.
For modern audiences, The Apartment serves as both a nostalgic journey into classic filmmaking and a relevant exploration of themes that continue to resonate today. Whether you’re watching it for the first time or the fiftieth, The Apartment remains an essential film that leaves a lasting impression.
FAQs about The Apartment:
1. What is The Apartment about?
The Apartment follows the story of Bud Baxter, an insurance clerk who lends his apartment to his bosses for their affairs in exchange for career promotions, and his romantic feelings for Fran, his boss’s mistress.
2. Who directed The Apartment?
The film was directed by Billy Wilder, one of the most renowned directors in cinematic history.
3. What awards did The Apartment win?
It won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay.
4. Is The Apartment a comedy or drama?
It is a blend of both, offering moments of humor and deep emotional drama.
5. What is the significance of the title The Apartment?
The title refers to Bud’s apartment, which serves as the setting for much of the film’s plot and as a metaphor for Bud’s moral compromise.
6. Is The Apartment based on a true story?
No, the film is a work of fiction, although it reflects social and corporate dynamics of the time.
7. Why is The Apartment shot in black-and-white?
The black-and-white cinematography adds to the film’s timeless feel and emphasizes its themes of isolation and morality.
8. What is the famous line at the end of The Apartment?
The film ends with Fran telling Bud, “Shut up and deal,” as they play cards together.
9. What are the main themes of The Apartment?
Key themes include corporate greed, loneliness, moral integrity, and the complexities of love.
10. Why is The Apartment considered a classic?
Its sharp writing, deep characters, innovative direction, and timeless themes make The Apartment a masterpiece that resonates with audiences even today.
Be the first to comment