Wow. I just saw "The Apartment" for the first time a few weeks ago. When Black Widow said, "I adore you," I thought my coincidental timing would make me the only one to think of a movie from 60 years ago.

Maybe not.

Jason_M_Bryant | May 26, 08:30 CET

Great article! One of my favourite screenwriting devices is hiding important exposition in a joke. It's a very Whedonesque trick.
(Though one of my favourite sleights of hand might be from a non-Joss film. Mean Girls cleverly sets up something which comes out of nowhere. Count the references to a yellow school bus!)

Bluelark | May 26, 14:29 CET

What a coincidence in timing! I went to see the film again today and was just thinking about how remarkably tight and efficient the screenplay is. It's a veritable masterpiece in delivering esential information for the plot, whilst simultanously entertaining the audience through the characters humour and action.

In fact the more I watch this film, the more I appreciate just how much skill and hard work went into it. (On a variety of different levels..) Marvel were fortunate indeed to have Joss on this.

Jas | May 26, 15:27 CET

Truly, a Herculean feat of scripture.

Trentaferd | May 26, 18:24 CET

"Well, I guess that's the way it crumbles, cookiewise."

Simply wonderful, I had never seen it before today.
It's a delight. Whedonesque links to dinner, a movie,
and an educational experience. All wrapped in Jack Lemony goodness.

RobynH | May 26, 18:42 CET