The Apartment (1960) | Classics Authority

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The Apartment (1960)

In 1960, director Billy Wilder released the film The Apartment, a romantic comedy-drama that received critical acclaim and won multiple awards. The movie stars Jack Lemmon as C.C. Baxter, a lonely office worker who lends out his apartment to his superiors for their extramarital affairs. When Baxter falls for the elevator operator Fran Kubelik, played by Shirley MacLaine, he must confront the moral dilemmas of his actions.

Plot Summary

The plot of The Apartment centers around Baxter’s gradual realization of the unethical nature of letting his bosses use his apartment for their illicit rendezvous. As he becomes increasingly infatuated with Fran Kubelik, who is also involved in an affair with one of Baxter’s superiors, he must navigate the complexities of their relationship and his own feelings of guilt.

Despite the film’s comedic moments, The Apartment delves into dark themes such as infidelity, loneliness, and the moral compromises people make for success in the corporate world. The story unfolds as Baxter and Fran confront their feelings for each other and grapple with the consequences of their actions.

Characters

C.C. Baxter (Jack Lemmon)

C.C. Baxter is the protagonist of The Apartment, a meek and mild-mannered office worker who aspires to climb the corporate ladder. Baxter’s willingness to sacrifice his personal life for the sake of his career sets the stage for the moral dilemmas he faces throughout the film.

Fran Kubelik (Shirley MacLaine)

Fran Kubelik is a vulnerable and conflicted character who finds herself caught in a web of extramarital affairs. As she becomes romantically involved with Baxter, Fran must confront her own feelings of guilt and shame while navigating the complexities of her relationships with other men.

Jeff Sheldrake (Fred MacMurray)

Jeff Sheldrake is one of Baxter’s superiors who takes advantage of Baxter’s apartment for his own affairs. Sheldrake’s manipulation and disregard for others’ feelings serve as a stark contrast to Baxter’s more compassionate nature, highlighting the moral ambiguity of success in the corporate world.

Themes

Morality and Ethics

The Apartment raises questions about the moral compromises people are willing to make in pursuit of success and happiness. Baxter’s willingness to overlook the unethical behavior of his superiors and his own complicity in their affairs forces him to confront his own values and sense of right and wrong.

Loneliness and Connection

Both Baxter and Fran experience profound feelings of loneliness and isolation throughout the film. Their burgeoning relationship offers them a sense of connection and intimacy that they have been missing in their lives, but also exposes them to vulnerability and heartache.

Power Dynamics

The relationship between Baxter and his superiors, particularly Sheldrake, highlights the power dynamics at play in the corporate world. Sheldrake’s manipulation of Baxter and Fran underscores the ways in which those in positions of authority can exploit and mistreat others for their own gain.

Conclusion

The Apartment remains a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences more than six decades after its release. The film’s exploration of moral ambiguity, loneliness, and the complexities of human relationships provide a rich and thought-provoking viewing experience. Billy Wilder’s masterful direction, coupled with standout performances from Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine, make The Apartment a must-see film for fans of classic cinema.