Review of About Schmidt (2002) by George E — 06 Jun 2010

If you ever had any doubt about Jack Nicholson's ability as an actor (I don't know how you would be stay with me here) then About Schmidt is the movie you have you watch. Jack Nicholson delivers an incredible performance as Warren Schmidt, a recent retiree and widower who leaves on both a literal and figurative trip to find himself and make the most of his remaining years.

His wife gone in more ways than one (he finds out that she had cheated on him years ago with his best friend), his career done and his old company wanting nothing to do with him, and his daughter marrying a less-than-perfect fellow, it seems like Schmidt has nothing left, and has failed in everything he tried to accomplish in his life - his marriage, his career, his daughter's life.

And truth be told, this movie doesn't even bother to redeem the character. Schmidt is tired and bitter old man who has accepts his failures by the end of his film, swallowing his pride and allowing his daughter to salvage any potential happiness she could still have, even though both Schmidt and the audience know that his daughter Genie's husband-to-be is no spring chicken.

If this film has a weak point it's the second act, where, after an extremely emotional end to the 1st act where Schmidt's wife dies and even I nearly shed a tear, Schmidt very well loses his mind after finding out his wife cheated on him and leaves his home on a trip to discover his past, his present, his future and himself before dealing with his daughter's wedding. While entertaining and equally gripping as the rest of the film, this part seems to be lacking something.

The film, just like Nicholson's character, takes a tailspin towards ridiculousness towards the end with the introduction of fiancee Randall's family, including Kathy Bates, great in her supporting role.

Despite a last-ditch effort to end a union that Schmidt knows has no business happening, the wedding goes off ''without a hitch'' as Schmidt has himself and he returns to an empty, dirty home, only to discover a letter from ''Ndugu'' a child Schmidt has been sponsoring and writing to (essentially the narration of the film) throughout his experience, through a nun in the area.

Ndugu has received all of Schmidt's letters and while he cannot read or write, he responds with a picture portraying Schmidt and him holding hands in a sunny background.

Schmidt finally breaks down and cries as the film goes to credits.

This film is just as absurd as it is moving. The idea of a retired man from Omaha writing to an impoverished african child about his woes and problems that someone in Ndugu's situation could not even fathom is an incredible way to tell a story.

And while you shouldn't feel bad for Schmidt, a man with a daughter with a stable job and a husband who loves her, a man who lived a good life, had a good husband and a wife who despite infidelities actually did love him and he loved back, you do feel bad for him. You feel bad for him because despite his harsh exterior, he's still a kind man on the inside, a man who wants to be loved, who wants a friend, who wants companionship.

He receives his companionship through Ndugu when it's all said and done. But that doesn't make up for 65+ years of unimportance, and that's where this movie hits where it hurts.

An incredible movie, and incredible coming of age tale and one of Nicholson's best roles.

10 out of 10.