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December 23, 2025

The Apartment: Billy Wilder’s Christmas classic is the blueprint for romcoms everywhere

The 1960 film about a downtrodden insurance worker and his burgeoning crush is full of staccato repartee and unforgettable jokes. It’s barely aged a day

The Apartment: Billy Wilder’s Christmas classic is the blueprint for romcoms everywhere

TL;DR

  • "The Apartment" is a 1960 film by Billy Wilder, blending elements of cynicism and farce.
  • The plot centers on CC "Bud" Baxter, an insurance worker who lends his apartment to superiors for their extramarital affairs.
  • The film draws inspiration from David Lean's "Brief Encounter" and features Jack Lemmon as Baxter and Shirley MacLaine as Fran Kubelik.
  • Themes explored include corporate ambition, illicit affairs, alienation, and self-worth.
  • The movie's depiction of workplace dynamics and societal issues remains relevant decades later.

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