The Apartment

Any room in the student dorms could tell more interesting stories than this one about a cagey bastard who sucks up to his bosses by lending them a love nest for long winter evenings... But seriously, almost every other review mentioned Lemmon's civility. Which is interesting because I was annoyed by his utter incivility and overacting in an otherwise excellent film (especially the scene with the fever was deserving of chastisement). And it's even more obvious when confronted with the perfectly civil (ehem, ehem) and a charming performance from Shirley MacLaine. She just sits there all the time, while he runs around confusedly waving his arms like in a slapstick movie. (08/08/2010)

This film is evidence of the outstanding level of comedic production by American studios in the early 60s. It was a great opportunity for Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine. A conversation film that will bring you joy even after several viewings. Overall impression: 90%. (21/01/2009)

It’s well made, discreet, charming, and soaked in the nostalgia of black and white times. In addition, the film has the excellent central pairing of Lemmon-MacLaine, between whom things spark even without the red-book outbursts and overly cheap gestures. I don't know why, but I had the feeling that Wilder was making a visionary mockery of contemporary love comedies... (28/02/2007)

I think this is one of those films that is perfect in every way. The perfect blend of romance, humor and drama, the perfect interplay of the central couple (even though they are both so different), the perfect Christmas atmosphere, plenty of memorable moments and especially the pleasant unpredictability of whether it will turn out well or not. After the closing credits, I had to see for myself that The Apartment really lasted two hours. I went by so fast. (01/02/2014)

I’m not surprised by all the Oscar nominations. Because of its age, this film seems a bit old-school, like something from a bygone era, but it has a kind spirit that entertains effortlessly and doesn’t offend anyone in any way, which we are used to from today‘s comedies. It treats a classic, totally overused topic, but it’s conveyed in a cute, fun way. You can feel a bit of the drug-induced cheer of that era’s Hollywood, but it’s all very good-natured and inoffensive. (10/02/2020)