The Apartment

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"The Apartment" is a 1960 romantic comedy-drama film directed and produced by Billy Wilder, and written by Wilder and I.A.L. Diamond. The film stars Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine, and Fred MacMurray. "The Apartment" is notable for its sharp wit, emotional depth, and social commentary, and it won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Plot Summary

The story revolves around C.C. "Bud" Baxter (Jack Lemmon), a low-level office worker at an insurance company in New York City. To climb the corporate ladder, Bud lends his apartment to his superiors for their extramarital affairs. Although this arrangement earns him favor with the higher-ups, it leaves Bud feeling lonely and unfulfilled.

Bud has a crush on Fran Kubelik (Shirley MacLaine), an elevator operator in his office building. Unbeknownst to him, Fran is involved with Jeff D. Sheldrake (Fred MacMurray), a senior executive at the company. Sheldrake uses Bud's apartment to carry on his affair with Fran, promising her that he will leave his wife for her.

As the holiday season approaches, Bud discovers the truth about Fran and Sheldrake's relationship. On Christmas Eve, Fran learns that Sheldrake has no intention of leaving his wife and attempts suicide in Bud's apartment. Bud finds her in time and nurses her back to health. During this period, they bond and develop a deeper understanding of each other.

Bud decides to take control of his life and stops allowing his apartment to be used for Sheldrake's affairs. He quits his job when Sheldrake demands the key to the apartment for his own use. In the film’s poignant conclusion, Fran realizes she is in love with Bud. She leaves Sheldrake and runs to Bud's apartment on New Year's Eve, where they confess their feelings for each other and begin a new chapter together.

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Soundtrack

The soundtrack of "The Apartment" is composed by Adolph Deutsch, known for his work on many classic films. The music plays a significant role in setting the tone of the film, blending elements of jazz and orchestral music to reflect the humor, romance, and melancholy of the story.

Key Tracks

  1. "Main Title" - The film opens with a lively and jazzy theme that captures the bustling energy of New York City and introduces the audience to Bud's world.
  2. "Lonely Room" - A more somber piece that reflects Bud's isolation and longing, underscoring scenes where he is alone in his apartment.
  3. "Christmas Eve" - This track features a blend of festive and melancholic elements, highlighting the contrast between the holiday cheer and the personal turmoil experienced by the characters.
  4. "Kiss and Makeup" - An upbeat and whimsical piece that accompanies lighter, comedic moments in the film, particularly Bud's attempts to juggle his complicated personal life.
  5. "Fran and Bud" - A tender and romantic theme that underscores the growing relationship between Bud and Fran, capturing their emotional connection and mutual support.
  6. "Finale" - The closing piece brings together the film’s main musical themes in a hopeful and uplifting conclusion, reflecting the characters' newfound happiness and the promise of a better future.

The soundtrack of "The Apartment" is integral to its storytelling, enhancing the film’s emotional impact and providing a rich auditory backdrop to the narrative. Adolph Deutsch's compositions effectively convey the film’s shifting moods, from humor to heartbreak to hopeful resolution, making the music an essential component of the film’s enduring charm.

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Movie Connections

  1. Film Noir: "Sunset Boulevard" (1950) Also directed by Billy Wilder, this film shares Wilder's signature style and wit, and it similarly critiques aspects of American society.

  2. Drama/Romance: "Lost in Translation" (2003) Explores themes of loneliness and unexpected relationships, akin to the characters in "The Apartment."

  3. Romantic Comedy: "Annie Hall" (1977) Captures the complexity of romantic relationships in a manner reminiscent of the nuanced relationships in "The Apartment."

  4. Thriller: "The Apartment" (1996) Although different in plot, this French film shares the title and some thematic elements of love and betrayal.

  5. Drama/Period Piece: "Mad Men" (2007-2015) Heavily influenced by the 1960s office culture depicted in "The Apartment" and often references its aesthetic and themes.

  6. Comedy/Drama: "About a Boy" (2002) Deals with the idea of loneliness and the formation of unlikely relationships, similar to "The Apartment."

  7. Romantic Drama: "In the Mood for Love" (2000) Explores themes of loneliness, infidelity, and complex relationships in a manner that echoes "The Apartment."

  8. Romantic Comedy/Drama: "The Graduate" (1967) Shares the exploration of unconventional romantic relationships and societal expectations.

  9. Romantic Comedy: "Love Actually" (2003) This ensemble film about love in various forms features characters whose lives intertwine in ways that recall the interconnected lives in "The Apartment."

  10. Science Fiction/Romance: "Her" (2013) Examines loneliness and romantic relationships in a modern setting, echoing the emotional core of "The Apartment."