The Apartment Reviews

I wouldn't call this 1960 picture one of Billy Wilder's best comedies -- it's drab, sappy, and overlong at 125 minutes.

Full Review

The Apartment is the kind of unsuccessful picture that nevertheless demonstrates that everyone involved is capable of better work.

Full Review | Original Score: C

It's impossible to feel sympathy for any of The Apartment's characters.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/10

This cynical study of office politics and sexual mores by Billy Wilder, despite winning 5 Oscars in 1960, doesn't date well.

Full Review | Original Score: 68/100

Wilder has made some truly great movies, but this one is not the masterpiece we thought it was.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5

Even over a half-century on, The Apartment remains a biting classic due to its modern romantic sensibilities and Lemmon's commanding, thoroughly charming central performance.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5

When assessing his own work Billy Wilder described The Apartment as being the film with the fewest mistakes. And he is right: it is as near to perfect as is possible.

Full Review

There is a melancholy gulf over the holidays between those who have someplace to go, and those who do not. The Apartment is so affecting partly because of that buried reason.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/4

With tremendous performances by the two leads (Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine), this is yet another "must see" title to be found on Wilder's resume.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/4

Despite some entertaining moments and a terrific performance by its lead, it's not a perfect film and does have some problems.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4

Humanism and cleverness age like fine wine, even if served with spaghetti strained with a tennis racket.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/4

Among the funniest films ever to win a Best Picture, this was also risque for its time (and perhaps it is today to some).

Full Review | Original Score: 4/4

Sure it's a bit dated, but that's not the movie's fault. One of Wilder's best films ... and that's saying a whole lot!

| Original Score: 5/5

Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine shine as two essentially good souls trapped in a tangle of office politics.

Full Review | Original Score: 5/5

A perfect mix of comedy, drama, and romance, The Apartment showcases writer/director Billy Wilder at the peak of his creative talent.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5

In the canon of classics by famed writer/director Billy Wilder, this jewel of a comedy easily stands as one of his most beloved.

Full Review

| Original Score: 4/5

| Original Score: 5/5

{VIDEO ESSAY} Billy Wilder's classic Manhattan-based romantic comedy comes with a sly critique regarding 50's era corporate culture of rampant misogyny and unbridled ambition.

Full Review | Original Score: A

Beautifully written and directed by the great Billy Wilder, bittersweet and heartfelt, this is sheer delight.

Full Review | Original Score: 5/5