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The Apartment - Movie Quotes
Memorable Quotes
When you're in love with a married man, you shouldn't wear mascara.
— Fran Kubelik
Context:
Fran says this to Bud Baxter at a bar on Christmas Eve, shortly after being let down by Sheldrake once again. She has just discovered that he has no intention of spending the holiday with her, and her mascara is running from crying.
Meaning:
This poignant line reveals Fran's deep-seated sadness and resignation about her affair with Sheldrake. It's a witty remark that masks profound heartbreak, acknowledging the constant cycle of crying and disappointment she endures while clinging to a hopeless romance. It perfectly encapsulates the film's blend of comedy and pathos.
The mirror... it's broken." "Yes, I know. I like it that way. Makes me look the way I feel.
— C.C. Baxter & Fran Kubelik
Context:
This conversation occurs during the office Christmas party. Bud finds Fran looking into her compact, and he points out that the mirror is broken. Her response is a quiet, devastating admission of her inner turmoil.
Meaning:
This exchange is a symbolic representation of Fran's internal state. The cracked mirror reflects her fractured self-esteem and emotional pain resulting from her toxic affair. Her acceptance of the broken reflection shows a deep level of self-awareness about her own unhappiness. For Bud, it's a moment of insight into the sadness she hides behind her cheerful demeanor.
I absolutely adore you, Miss Kubelik." "Shut up and deal.
— C.C. Baxter & Fran Kubelik
Context:
After leaving Sheldrake on New Year's Eve, Fran rushes to Bud's apartment. She finds him packing to leave. Relieved, they sit down to continue their long-running game of gin rummy. Bud confesses his love, and she responds with this classic line as she shuffles the cards, smiling.
Meaning:
This is the film's iconic final exchange. Bud's earnest, heartfelt confession is met with Fran's pragmatic, seemingly dismissive reply. However, her line is not a rejection; it's an acceptance. It signifies her choice to be with him and to face the future together, accepting whatever hand they are dealt. It's a perfect, unsentimental conclusion that encapsulates their quirky relationship, emphasizing companionship and mutual respect over grand romantic gestures.
That's the way it crumbles, cookie-wise.
— C.C. Baxter
Context:
Bud uses this phrase multiple times in the film, often in situations where he is being inconvenienced or let down, such as when he has to give up his apartment yet again or when things don't go his way.
Meaning:
This is one of Bud's signature quirky phrases, a folksy aphorism he uses to express resignation to life's disappointments. It reflects his initially passive and accepting nature, a man who takes what life throws at him without complaint. The repetition of the phrase highlights his personality before his moral transformation.