About Schmidt

The most intelligently written social satire to come out of Hollywood in a long time, About Schmidt takes a look at a social demographic that is either ignored by Hollywood or surrounded by a Driving Miss Daisy-style halo of schmaltz. What do you do if you're a 66-year-old man who's had his life turned upside down, when retirement comes knocking and your wife suddenly passes away? Well, if your name is Warren Schmidt, after a week of wallowing in self pity, you load up the 35-foot motor home on a journey of self-discovery. Alienated by his old work colleagues and what appears to be his one remaining relative, his daughter Jeannie, Schmidt quickly turns into the epitome of loneliness, his one saving grace, a six-year-old Tanzanian orphan he sponsors from afar via cheque.

It certainly is both refreshing and a relief to see Jack Nicholson (or indeed any Hollywood star) actually playing his age. Here he is essentially Victor Meldrew with compassion. Nicholson shuns his trademark "Here's Jack" grin and his lavish acting style to produce a subdued and poignant performance that's based in a reality he may never know. In a similar vein Kathy Bates also deserves special mention for placing a truthful light on the 50-somethings female form--with no shame.

About Schmidt is not recommended if you're already going though mood swings, as the emotional wrenching of the film, from laughter to tears, may just be enough to tip you over the edge. But if your emotions feel stable, and your laughter glands in check, this is a must-see. --Nikki Disney