Staff Writer- Emily Sustaita

Since I last wrote my Mr. Smith Goes To Washington article, it’s been a long time since I’ve sat down and discussed one of my favorite topics in the world—old Hollywood films! So, since spring is almost here, I thought I’d leave my burrow a little early—despite all the evil snow—and go on a tangent about a great film I watched recently: The Apartment. It was one of the last black and white films to receive the Best Picture award at the Academy Awards, and still stands the test of time after all these years!

Starring Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine, the film was released back in 1960. It follows the story of a young man named C.C Baxter, an insurance worker in New York City. He lends out his apartment to his managers from work so that they can pursue their extramarital affairs and so that he can climb the corporate ladder. However, when the superior personnel director, Mr. Sheldrake, begins using his apartment to accommodate his affair with Ms. Kubelik, a lovely elevator girl, Baxter is stuck between his love for Ms. Kubelik and his career. 

It is a powerful film that provides social commentary on specific aspects of life that, during that time, were usually brushed over or not discussed enough. And that’s what I want to discuss—what the film masterfully addresses. 

Something which the film masterfully addresses is greed. Growing up, we acquire the idea that if we work hard and pour all our effort into our work, we will naturally rise up in the ranks. But what happens when people begin climbing up the corporate ladder by completing requests at the expense of their personal dignity? In Baxter’s case, he rises not because of his hard work and dedication, but because he provides his managers with a place to engage in their extramarital affairs. In other words, the managers don’t see Baxter as someone who is a hard worker, but rather as someone who provides them with what they need. This exposure of work culture shows the reality of what it means to climb the corporate ladder, and makes us, the viewers, consider what kind of work culture we want to be a part of. 

Another thing which the film powerfully addresses is the affair culture found within a work setting. In the film, it is clear that the men who engage in extramarital affairs are never held fully accountable for their actions. Their actions are brushed over, even when it hurts the people around them. For example, when Ms. Kubelik finds out she isn’t the only woman who Mr. Sheldrake has gotten involved with, we come to realize that men in power tend to get away with malicious acts for multiple “cycles” without facing any proper consequences. On the other hand, Baxter begins to receive an unfavorable reputation from his neighbors, all because of the ruckus that his managers cause at his apartment. It’s clear that Baxter is a good-hearted guy, yet the viewer watches him take on the damage that his managers cause. It’s this examination of affair culture that makes the viewer consider the pain it causes for the parties involved, and makes us recognize the common storyline found within it. 

An aspect of the film that really spoke to me is the depiction of loneliness found within Baxter’s and Kubelik’s lives. New York City is viewed as the place of opportunities, excitement, and new beginnings. Yet, for Baxter, we can see that his life is anything but that. He is constantly taken advantage of by those around him; he tolerates late nights outside of his apartment (at the expense of his own health); he struggles to find good-hearted company in the bitter and cold style of the city. On the other hand, Kubelik struggles to find a good and faithful man; she desires to be loved, yet experiences more sorrow than love; she tolerates failed relationships after failed relationships. Neither Baxter’s nor Kubelik’s lives are perfect, and that’s what makes it so impactful. The film is realistic and taps into the heart of life, making the film relatable to viewers today. 

However, there are also warm aspects of the film that bring you in. Personally, I loved watching the way Mr. Baxter and Ms. Kubelik unite and grow as characters; I actively rooted for the two of them as they navigated the harsh world around them. The actors, Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine, are a breath of fresh air. Lemmon has a goofy and fun approach to his role, which lightens up the mood of the film; MacLaine has a kind and honest approach to her role, which adds life to the film. Not to mention, I loved the encouraging ending—although I won’t go into too much detail about that. 

So, if you do decide to sit down and watch this movie, I can assure you that you won’t be disappointed, because movie-wise, production-wise, heartwarming-wise, and truthgiving-wise, this is one powerful film!

*Writer’s note: This film can be accessed for free on YouTube!