A perfect mix of comedy, drama, and romance, The Apartment showcases writer/director BillyWilder’s at the peak of his creative talent.

Billy Wilder’s movies have always been smart and witty, especially those co-written with I.A.L. Diamond (Some Like it Hot a key example). But this film contains a depth and humanity not found in any of Wilder’s other films, save for perhaps Sunset Blvd.

Jack Lemmon stars as insurance accountant C.C. Baxter. It is the type of role that Lemmon does oh so well, the fumbling every man and all around nice guy who is bossed around by every one. In the hopes of landing a promotion, Baxter loans out his apartment to philandering executives who need a place to screw around with their varied mistresses.

This is to the chagrin of Baxter’s nosy neighbours played by Jack Kruschen and Naomi Stevens, the former putting on a great performance while dispensing pearls to a clueless Baxter (“Be a mensch!” is a favourite).

C.C. wants out of his arrangement, but cannot say no to his boss Mr. Sheldrake (a slime ball Fred MacMurray), who wants the apartment for him and his mistress. The problem is that she happens to be the love of Baxter’s life, the elevator girl Fran Kubelick, played by Shirley MacLaine with infectious sass and naturality.   

Although the plot may suggest it to be so, The Apartment is not your standard screwball romantic comedy. This is a film which respects the moment is in. It goes from hilarity to sadness without forcing its hand. A scene involving a suicide attempt –a taboo subject even more so back then – is exceptionally well acted and directed. The fact that it does not stick out like a sore thumb -even though surrounded by comical characters and zany zingers- is a testament to Wilder’s abilities as a filmmaker.   

As a result, The Apartment not only lives up to Wilder’s creed: be entertaining, but it is also his most personal work. A political statement (of sorts) aimed at the abuses of the Castro government pops up during a drunken courtship between Lemmon and Hope Holiday, and a dig at his favourite non-favourite actress -  Marilyn Monroe- is achieved with Joyce Jameson cast as a blonde and busty dimwit (albeit in a minor role) to hilarious results.