About Schmidt (2002)
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Cast
as Warren R. Schmidt
as Roberta Hertzel
as Jeannie Schmidt
as Randall Hertzel
as Helen Schmidt
as Larry Hertzel
as John Rusk
as Vicki Rusk
as Ray Nichols
as Duncan Hertzel
as Saundra
as Minister in Denver
as Gary Nordin
as Randall's Best Man
as Bridesmaid Reading St. Paul
as Man Mourning Helen
as Woman Mourning Helen
as Neighbor Lady
as Priest in Omaha
as Dairy Queen Employee
as Frat Kid
as Other Frat Kid
as Bartender
as Tire Store Employee
as Native American Cashier
as Funeral Director
as Six-year-old Jeannie
as Twelve-year-old Jeannie
as Wedding Singer No. 1
as Wedding Singer No. 2
Critic Reviews for About Schmidt
All Critics (200) | Top Critics (42) | Fresh (170) | Rotten (30) | DVD (16)
These filmmakers have a feeling for the isolation of blasted lives, but they also can't resist putting them down.
A poignant marker in the career of a major artist.
A thought-provoking and often-funny drama about isolation.
A cuttingly funny, moving portrayal of a man searching for meaning in his unremarkable, unmemorable life.
Each deft stroke of Payne's pen is matched by a Nicholson flourish, transforming the film into a moving, bittersweet ballet.
Nicholson ... produces the most understated -- and one of the most powerful -- performances of his career.
Audience Reviews for About Schmidt
Alexander Payne and Jack Nicholson together? Awesome! But seriously though, this is a great movie. It's a moving story, if a bit depressing, but it's told so well, and the performances are absolutely brilliant. Much was made about Kathy Bates' nude scene, but it's handled well, kinda fun (in a good way), and not a big deal. I'm not saying I liked seeing her naked, but c'mon, it actually could have been worse. Thankfully it's not cruel or exploitative. I don't want to watch Payne's films too often, even if they are absolutely fantastic. His mastery of dark humor and uncomfortableness is both good and bad. He does it so well, and makes it all work and watchable, but the problem is, it can be a bit too real, thus difficult to watch very often. That's definitely the case here. It's a little easier to handle Sideways, though. I like this movie a lot. It's funny, finely observed, and just really honest.
Super Reviewer
Another genuine, intelligent gem in Alexander Payne's short but ingenious filmography. Jack Nicholson turns in one of the best performances of his career in this profoundly realistic film from the master of the tragicomedy.
Super Reviewer
Schmidt is such a peculiar fellow, brilliantly played by Nicholson. His simplistic reserve and insulation have made him content in his routine of the past 42 years. This movie follows him as that routine is just absolutely shattered, nearly all at once, and we watch him struggle. Absurd characters, or caricatures really, abound to provide comic relief against the reality of Schmidt's situation -- maybe they are presented as Schmidt's impressions. I feel like this is only half the story. I really want to know what becomes of our "sad, sad, lonely man." But it ends in a touching way, so like Ndugu, I'll hope for the best.
Super Reviewer
About Schmidt Quotes
| Warren Schmidt: | Remember that, young man ,, You've got to appreciate what you have ... while you still have it. |
| Warren Schmidt: | Remember that, young man, you've got to appreciate what you have... while you still have it. |
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