About Schmidt

Despite having some comedic moments, the film's premise of a retired old man who's wife dies is a bit depressing. However that is turned into a brilliant study on the human condition. It will make you think about your own future. The film begins with establishing shots that set the scene completely, from the very beginning I knew I was in for a good ride, and I was. By the film's climax I was left with the words "that was one of the best film's I've ever seen" and its study on humanity had stayed with me for the following day after. I recommend this film and Jack Nicholson is forever perfect in it, another display of how good of an actor he is/was. Watch this film if you liked As Good As It Gets, its like a parallel to that film including Jack's performance as an old curmudgeon.

One of Jack Nicholson's great performances.About Schmidt is just the right mix of dark humour and drama.

I really enjoyed this film. In short it is the story of a man who is in the process of retiring. His sense of loss is compounded by the sudden death of his wife and the upcoming marriage of his daughter, to a man, it can be safely said Mr Schmidt does not approve. These events lead Schmidt to search for meaning in a life that has lost its meaning. The search for meaning takes him on a road journey to the places from his youth. There is a sadness that runs through the film, but the beauty of About Schmidt is that it finds humour in the mundanity of life. Jack Nicholson is fantastic in this film. I have not always been a fan of his, but I found his performance to be sensitive and understated. Director Alexander Payne has a talent for writing bitersweet tales and if you enjoyed Alexander Payne's other exploration of loss: Sideways, then this is well worth giving a try.

This is what I would call a 'passive' film. One you dont need to see but can do if you like Jack Nicholson and want to relax doing so. Say, on a sunday, when you cba to do anything.Good movie for after, say a horror, or when you want to feel like your life has more content and purpose than Schmidt.Nothing really happens, and that's ok, I liked it, its classic Nicholson, pottering about. That's its charm.

Fist let me say I have always enjoyed Jack Nicholson's performances in films even the early ones.His performance in this film is a startingly revelation.He is now considered a senior actor. Most actors of his generation are still playing younger roles with even younger actresses as their romantic interest.Not so the mighty Jack. He is honesty in the extreme in that he is brave enough to act alongside a woman of his own age. Just how many other male performers in US films today do we see doing this? I can't think of any others.The film itself is magnificent and I have watched it through several times. Each new viewing I find yet another facet of Jack's performance to marvel anew at.He surely should have received the Oscar- losing out to that mediocre actor from 'The Pianist'. A travesty in itself.I reiterate I love Jack and love the movie.

Boring

Enjoyed this film immensely

I'm a great fan of Jack Nicholson, so I basically like all his movies, mostly because of his unique acting style. Maybe this film is somewhat similar than The Bucket List, a slightly philosophical story about an aging, lonely man. Worth watching, but not even close to the great classics of JN. Without him in the main role, I wouldn't even bother buying this film.