a blast from the past - The Apartment

Synopsis:

The Apartment is the bachelor pad of an overworked insurance accountant, who in an attempt to make some extra dough, rents out his apartment to his philandering co-workers and their mistresses. As a result, this puts the accountant on the fast-track for promotions. But the film takes a twist when the accountant finds out the identity of one of the mistresses who has been entertained at his pad.

Written, directed and produced by Billy Wilder. Released 1960, in black & white. Stars Jack Lemmon as the accountant, Bud, and Shirley MacLaine as elevator girl Fran.

REVIEW by Cinemagirl:

I love these old movies that feel like a play. They take place in just a couple locations and the dialogue is always so real and the actions so accurate. Jack Lemmon is excellent in this film. He is funny and quirky, yet kind of sad and lonely. Very young Shirley MacLaine is sassy and a refreshing reflection of a "girl next door" instead of some bombshell. The plot may be fairly predictable, but the plot devices used in these old films are always more clever than the typically T&A -laden romantic "comedies" of today.

I would recommend this film for a quiet weekend and a variety of ages. Plus, you can't beat Jack Lemmon straining pasta through a tennis racket.

STORY: 8
LOOK: 7
ACTING: 9

OVERALL: 8


REVIEW by LEWIS

It's really great, now and then, to enjoy a "classic" Hollywood type move. The early 60's aren't exactly known to be one of the great times in American Cinema. It was very much a transitional period. The studios seemed to have a hard time trying to decide whether to make main stream movies grittier or keep them wholesome. Well, "The Apartment" seems to do a little of both.

I mean, come on! Think about! If you knew some young guy renting out his space by the hour in the evenings so married men could get there jollies, would you turn him in? This isn't exactly the "ideal" neighbor.

Of course, somehow Billy Wilder makes it all cute and funny. The story is classic, really to the point of predictability, but that really won't bother any viewer. The writing back then can be so much more clever, with it's nice little plot points. "Set em up and Knock em down"

If you like older movies this one really rates. Jack Lemmon is wonderful and his and CINEMAGIRL hit the nail on the head about Shirley MacLaine. A great sit at home "date" flick.

STORY: 8 of 10
LOOK: 7 of 10
ACTING: 9 of 10

OVERALL: 8 of 10