The Apartment (1960)

I just watched Billy Wilder's The Apartment (1960) for the first time, and it's an absolute masterpiece. It's fascinating to see as a time capsule of 1960s office life—a world of massive switchboards, personal and work Rolodexes, and attendants in every elevator.

Of course, it's impossible to watch today without bemoaning the story's rampant sexism. It's disheartening that the only professional paths for the female lead are as a secretary or elevator operator, while powerful men cheating on their spouses is presented as a sadly accepted part of corporate culture.

The film is a masterclass in screenwriting, full of brilliant setups and payoffs. Details you might not notice at first—a neighbor being a doctor, a bottle of sleeping pills, a tennis racket in the background—all come back in significant, clever ways. The dialogue is equally sharp, with wonderful callbacks that add humor and depth.

Jack Lemmon gives a phenomenal performance as C.C. Baxter. His physical comedy is perfect, and his portrayal of suffering through a head cold is hilariously and painfully realistic.

While not a traditional holiday film, it's a fantastic Christmas movie. It perfectly captures the feelings of loneliness and the hope for human connection that can be so potent during that time of year. It’s a funny, cynical, and ultimately heartwarming film that holds up incredibly well. Highly recommended.