The Apartment

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Apartment, written and directed by the brilliant Billy Wilder, is a film that truly deserves its place in cinematic history. Released in 1960, it became the 8th highest-grossing movie of the year and swept the 33rd Academy Awards, earning ten nominations and winning five, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Screenplay. While Shirley MacLaine and Jack Lemmon were both nominated for Best Actress and Best Actor, respectively, they lost to Elizabeth Taylor and Burt Lancaster. Nevertheless, their performances remain unforgettable. This is a movie that has everything—humor, heart, and a story that still feels relevant today.

The story centers on C.C. Baxter, played by Jack Lemmon. Baxter is a kind, unassuming insurance clerk in New York City who’s trying to climb the corporate ladder. His method? He lends out his apartment to his bosses for their secret affairs. While this earns him some perks at work, it leaves him lonely and often locked out of his own home. Things get complicated when he falls for Fran Kubelik, the sweet and spirited elevator operator played by Shirley MacLaine. What Baxter doesn’t know is that Fran is having an affair with his boss, Jeff Sheldrake. As their lives become more entangled, the film explores themes of love, self-respect, and doing the right thing, even when it’s hard.

Jack Lemmon is perfect as C.C. Baxter. He brings so much heart and humor to the role, making you laugh one moment and break your heart the next. He’s the everyman we can all relate to—someone just trying to find his way in a world that doesn’t always play fair. Lemmon’s performance is a masterclass in balancing comedy and drama, and it’s no wonder he’s considered one of the greatest actors of all time.

And then there’s Shirley MacLaine. What can I say? She’s simply outstanding. Her portrayal of Fran Kubelik is so real, so full of life and vulnerability, that you can’t help but fall in love with her. Fran is a character who’s been hurt but still holds onto hope, and MacLaine brings her to life in a way that’s both timeless and unforgettable. I’ve admired Shirley MacLaine my whole life, and this performance is one of the many reasons why she’s one of the most treasured actresses of our time.

This isn’t just a movie—it’s an experience. Billy Wilder’s writing is sharp, funny, and full of heart, and the chemistry between Lemmon and MacLaine is pure magic. The Apartment is a story about love, integrity, and finding the courage to stand up for yourself. It’s a film that makes you laugh, cry, and think, and it stays with you long after it’s over.

If you haven’t seen The Apartment, you’re missing out on one of the greatest films ever made. And if you have, watch it again—it only gets better with time. This is a classic in every sense of the word, and it’s a movie everyone should see at least once in their life.

Frank Gaimari is an author, film reviewer, and actor based in Seattle, Washington. He lives with his husband and their two golden retrievers. Learn more about his work at http://FrankGaimari.com.