The Apartment 1960

Stay with it, buddy boy.

The apartment is one of the most enjoyable all around movies that I have ever seen. Had it not been shot in black and white, it could sit comfortably among more modern films and be completely undetected.

The writing, while given our modern sensibilities is fairly predictable, is a masterful combination of comedy and real world drama. While the movie explores some of the more repulsive sides of human nature, it does so in a way that never allows the viewer to truly feel the distress of the characters. Rather, it maintains a light and airy disposition completely in contrast to the emotions happening on the screen. While the movie clocks in at a somewhat lengthy 125 minutes, the pacing never feels off and the time flies right by the viewer.

The film making is done in a way that fits dramadies in general quite well, that it to say in an invisible way. At times it feels more as if the viewer is watching a staged play rather than a film. The cameras remain unobtrusive and generally unsuggestive with wide scenic shots of rooms and people. This allows the viewer to see the story in a very organic way rather than be forced into only one perspective. For this story it works splendidly as the audience is allowed to focus more on the actors, the story, and the struggles of the characters, rather than the director and camera.

With all of the previous praise aside, this movie would not be half as good if it not for the artful casting. All of the actors were exactly spot on and kept the movie interesting. There was a great chemistry between Jack Lemmon and Shirley McLaine. Shirley McLaine was constantly attempting to drag the audience down into the depths of despair that she felt but Jack Lemmon would not allow it to happen, constantly finding a way to make everyone laugh, not the least of all at his own expense. This creates a pleasant dichotomy in which the audience is constantly feeling the pull from both characters.

The apartment is truly a treat for any viewer. The story is timeless and can be felt among all generations, the film making is seamless, and the acting is unblemished. This is a film that I could whole heartedly recommend to anyone who has ever liked movies.


10/10