Sunday, November 29, 2009

The Apartment - Revisited

THE APARTMENT
REVISITED FOR: 1001 MOVIES YOU MUST SEE CLUB


When I first saw The Apartment I found myself in love with the characters so much, but felt as if the story dragged a bit towards the center. Yet even still my overbearing love of the amazing chemistry between Lemmon and MacLaine talked me into seeing it once more when I got the DVD. Since that fateful day I've seen this movie somewhere in the 5 to 10 time range, and I have to say it just gets better with each viewing.

I find myself loving the subtleties, the moments in between the drama that really hammer these characters home. C.C. Baxter's lonely life in which his only real friends are actors on TV. Fran's emotionally torn nature between what she knows is good for her, and what she knows. It really brings these two emotionally down people together, highlighting their problems, and emphasizing just how good for one another they really are. Though of course none of it would work without MacMurray on the other end of the cards as the self absorbed Mr. Sheldrake, and Fran's secret lover.

Combined the three make a dynamic pairing, the type of which comes along on rare occasions. It's that chemistry, sense of character, and emotion, that makes The Apartment the classic it is. Such an enjoyable little flair filled with characters of heartbreak and struggle. I had no qualms about throwing this into my top 100, didn't even have to think twice. The only real question for me is whether or not I put it high enough on the list!


Original Review: Top 100 Films Review

3 better thoughts:

Andrew K. said...

That's my question to myself too. Is it high enough? I approve of your choice.

Snipes said...

Well I didn't fall in love with it, but it's a pretty good film. Will agree it drags in the middle and a few other places as well, had it not I'd probably have a little love for it as well.

blake said...

Excellent choice! I tend to shy away from older comedies since they mostly seem dated, but I loved The Apartment.

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