Bittersweet. I just recently dicovered your great blog and I'm reading it bit by bit every day. Now I will watch THE APARTMENT for my approximate 10th time.
I agree. Also, I've always thought that Fred MacMurray should have won an Oscar - or at the very least been nominated - for his performance in this movie.
There was no trace of nice guy Fred in his work, and never a moment when he in effect stood a step or two back from the character and let the audience know that he, the movie star, certainly had nothing in common with the awful character he was playing.
I agree. He's amazing in the role, particularly when you consider that he's playing the least defined character in the film. It could have been a cliche. Incidentally, the part was written with Paul Douglas in mind, but he died just as filming began. Wilder was in a tight spot and reached out to his "Double Indemnity" star to step up and play the part.
My wife and I were trying to think of New Year's Eve-themed movies yesterday. Other than the last scene of "When Harry Met Sally," and the interesting little Joan Leslie movie, "Repeat Performance," just aired on TCM' Noir Alley," we couldn't think of any. Of course, "The Apartment" is probably top of the list! I agree about Fred MacMurray - his best work and definitely (yet another) Oscar snub.
There are pivotal NYE scenes in Wilder’s Sunset Blvd.”. That night, Norma Desmond reveals her feelings to JoeGillis, and he leaves her for another party, where he finds out she attempted suicide. He then returns to her.
IMHO, the absolute best HYE movie is Allan Arkush's marvelous GET CRAZY. Alas, music rights have kept it from home video, but it might be found online if you look.
And this brokenhearted Xmas party scene is surprisingly timeless, poignancy-wise.
ReplyDeleteI agree - with both the sarcasm of the scene and its poignancy.
ReplyDeleteYes, I've always found it rather bittersweet.
ReplyDeleteBittersweet. I just recently dicovered your great blog and I'm reading it bit by bit every day. Now I will watch THE APARTMENT for my approximate 10th time.
ReplyDeleteA great moment. Haven't thought of it in years.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Also, I've always thought that Fred MacMurray should have won an Oscar - or at the very least been nominated - for his performance in this movie.
ReplyDeleteThere was no trace of nice guy Fred in his work, and never a moment when he in effect stood a step or two back from the character and let the audience know that he, the movie star, certainly had nothing in common with the awful character he was playing.
A really fine performance.
I agree. He's amazing in the role, particularly when you consider that he's playing the least defined character in the film. It could have been a cliche. Incidentally, the part was written with Paul Douglas in mind, but he died just as filming began. Wilder was in a tight spot and reached out to his "Double Indemnity" star to step up and play the part.
ReplyDeleteMy wife and I were trying to think of New Year's Eve-themed movies yesterday. Other than the last scene of "When Harry Met Sally," and the interesting little Joan Leslie movie, "Repeat Performance," just aired on TCM' Noir Alley," we couldn't think of any. Of course, "The Apartment" is probably top of the list! I agree about Fred MacMurray - his best work and definitely (yet another) Oscar snub.
ReplyDeleteFrankly, Bill, it's the only one that came to mind in my case. Happy New Year! -J
ReplyDeleteThere are pivotal NYE scenes in Wilder’s Sunset Blvd.”. That night, Norma Desmond reveals her feelings to JoeGillis, and he leaves her for another party, where he finds out she attempted suicide. He then returns to her.
DeleteIMHO, the absolute best HYE movie is Allan Arkush's marvelous GET CRAZY. Alas, music rights have kept it from home video, but it might be found online if you look.
ReplyDeleteWhen I saw the quote at the top of your email, I thought it was your retirement announcement.
ReplyDeleteOy.
Great pick, Mike, re Arkush. That said, any attention that he attracts is appreciated. One of my favorite filmmakers. -J
ReplyDelete"Get Crazy" - I believe it can be gotten in good quality from The Video Beat.
ReplyDeleteHard To Find Movies - Rare Youth Culture Movies on DVD. -drsavaard@aol.com
Good one, Bill! -J
ReplyDelete