The Apartment

So good. Jack Lemmon stars as C.C. "Bud" Baxter, an insurance agent who has been able to continuously get promotions, better titles, offices, etc. due to his relationship with several executives at his firm. In a purely transactional relationship, Lemmon offers them his apartment so they can carry out their infidelities in exchange for these favors. This relationship is threatened when Bud falls for Fran Kubelik, an elevator operator at the firm, played by Shirley MacLaine, who, unbeknownst to him is in a situationship with Mr. Sheldrake, Bud's boss who routinely uses Bud's apartment. The film looks at loneliness at two sides of the coin. Bud is more optimistic about his situation- he still walks into work with a smile and genuinely enjoys socializing with others, being very polite, although there clearly is something deeper going on. Fran has developed a more pessimistic view on love, as she feels strongly like a side girl to Mr. Sheldrake and feels like no one cares for her, attempting suicide by overdosing on pills. The two are able to recognize each other's circumstances and become closer together, although Bud is more in love with Fran than Fran with him (perhaps as a protective measure). Jack Lemmon brings such energy and personality to the role, Bud is very quirky and memorable but also complex. Shirley MacLaine really nails the emotional aspect of Fran and it feels very authentic, probably my favorite performance of the film. The writing is also clever and very tight, with funny moments and I thought the pacing was pretty much perfect. The concept is not the most novel but it is executed pretty much to perfection. Very good watch.