The Apartment

(Billy Wilder, US 1960, 125 min., DCP)

Young corporate flunky C.C. Baxter (Jack Lemmon, in perhaps his greatest role) quickly climbs the ladder of success when he begins lending his apartment key to his superiors, who are looking for a clandestine place for their afternoon and evening trysts. The situation is complicated when Lemmon falls for Fran Kubelik (Shirley MacLaine), the girlfriend of the top executive. Included on many best film lists, this classic holiday movie — its story takes place over Christmas/New Year’s — co-writer and director Billy Wilder skewers corporate America with this great satire and love story that won Oscars for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Screenplay.