"The Prisoner of Second Avenue", directed by Melvin Frank

Movie, 1974

Comedy about power and work relations in a married couple suddenly exposed to economic hardship. Some excellent acting and a few decent scenes, although this film rather skates over some hefty issues in a way which suggests there's no problem with, say, metal illness. Things feel a little rushed and insubstantial as a result, although the film's perfectly entertaining if you can look past these niggles. A movie which feels as if its been lifted from a play (it was) and a little claustrophobic with it.

"The Apartment", directed Billy Wilder

Movie, 1960

Unquestionably funny comedy - the best sort - which pulls laughs from a great script and leading players, and yet does so by lightly hopping over heavy duty 20th century loneliness, alienation, infidelity, prostitution, ethics, depression, chauvinism and bullying, to name just a few. Because the film's so watchable, the corrupt world becomes acceptable and romanticised, really nailing home a few points which may or may not have been intended. Unrelenting and well-paced - a light comedy packing a huge sledgehammer under its surface.

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