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The Apartment (1960) poster

The Apartment

dir. Billy Wilder · 1960

In the pursuit of success, individuals often sacrifice their own happiness and integrity, leading to a hollow existence.

Feature
Class Warfare
Mood
Comedic / Melancholic
Look
sleek black-and-white cinematography with urban realism
Structure
linear with episodic vignettes
Plot

Bud Baxter is a minor clerk in a huge New York insurance company, until he discovers a quick way to climb the corporate ladder. He lends out his apartment to the executives as a place to take their mistresses. Although he often has to deal with the aftermath of their visits, one night he's left with a major problem to solve.

Why watch

"The Apartment" intricately weaves romance and moral ambiguity within the confines of a bustling New York City, showcasing the bittersweet realities of love and ambition. Wilder's sharp wit and poignant storytelling create a timeless portrait of the human condition that will resonate with anyone grappling with ethical compromises in their pursuit of happiness.

Cultural context
post-war American consumerismgender roles in the workplacethe rise of corporate culture1960s New York City aesthetics
Influenced by

Where this shelves

every shelf · back to the store