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"When you're in love with a married man you shouldn't wear mascara."
Writer/director Billy Wilder expertly amalgamates comedy and drama in the critically acclaimed film The Apartment; a screen gem that is still remembered among the greatest films of all time.
For a dated romantic comedy this film is still immensely impressive in terms of innovative ideas, classic story and a vast array of fantastic laughs.
C.C. Baxter (Lemmon) is a regular guy with a steady job of an insurance clerk. He works with thousands of other employees and needs to stand out in order to get a promotion. But Baxter figures out the secret to success when he begins renting out his apartment to four powerful men in the company. These men schedule to borrow his apartment for the day, or the night, to use it for their extramarital affairs. What follows is a series of promotions as Baxter moves his way up the corporate ladder.
But trouble arises when he starts renting his apartment to his boss (MacMurray) who is dating elevator girl Fran (MacLaine). Fran is the girl of Baxter's dreams and he falls for her when she's in a state of emotional distress.
Like Billy Wilder's previous films, The Apartment is brilliant because of the great concepts and the fantastic screenplay (that Wilder penned himself). The dialogue is fascinating, and the filmmaking is engaging. With each new scene, Wilder is able to keep the audience's attention who await the next scene with baited breath.
Because each scene is so well crafted, the attention of the audience is never thrown. I found myself completely immersed in the drama and laughs that make this film so exceptional. It may be dated and many decades old, but the film still remains as one of the all-time classic romantic comedies and one of the best films ever made.
Jack Lemmon has a very appealing on screen persona. He successfully absorbs the complete attention of the audience. He plays his character so that we can empathise with him and care more about his situation. Shirley MacLaine is another fantastic addition to the cast. Like Lemmon, she is very alluring and can get the audience to care about her at the drop of a hat. There are some scenes in particular that showcase some sublime acting from MacLaine. Fred MacMurray was also very, very good as the snobby boss.
All the supporting cast were excellent as well, including some intriguing performances from people as Lemmon's neighbours and colleagues.
Some may pass up the chance to view classic romantic comedies such as these because of how old they are and they'd prefer new rubbish like an Adam Sandler film. If this be the case, you're missing out on an extremely good quality film.
The Apartment is classic in every sense of the word: classic formulaic story, classic stylish performances, classic clever screenplay. Winner of 5 Oscars including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Writing.
9/10
