About Schmidt

2002, Comedy/Drama, 2h 4m

204 Reviews 50,000+ Ratings

What to know

critics consensus

In this funny, touching character study, Nicholson gives one of the best performances of his career. Read critic reviews

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About Schmidt Photos

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Movie Info

Warren Schmidt (Jack Nicholson) has arrived at several of life's crossroads all at the same time. To begin with, he is retiring from a lifetime of service as an actuary for Woodmen of the World Insurance Company, and he feels utterly adrift. Furthermore, his only daughter Jeannie (Hope Davis) is about to marry a boob. And his wife Helen (June Squibb) dies suddenly after 42 years of marriage.
  • Rating:
    R (Some Language|Brief Nudity)
  • Genre:
    Comedy, Drama
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    Alexander Payne
  • Producer:
    Harry Gittes, Michael Besman
  • Writer:
    Alexander Payne, Jim Taylor
  • Release Date (Theaters):
     wide
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Box Office (Gross USA):
    $65.0M
  • Runtime:
  • Distributor:
    New Line Cinema
  • Sound Mix:
    Dolby SR, DTS, Dolby Stereo, Surround, SDDS, Dolby A, Dolby Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    Flat (1.85:1)

Cast & Crew

Jack Nicholson
Warren Schmidt
Hope Davis
Jeannie Schmidt
Dermot Mulroney
Randall Hertzel
Kathy Bates
Roberta Hertzel
Len Cariou
Ray Nichols
Howard Hesseman
Larry
June Squibb
Helen Schmidt
Harry Groener
John Rusk
Alexander Payne
Director
Alexander Payne
Writer
Jim Taylor
Writer
Harry Gittes
Producer
Michael Besman
Producer
Bill Badalato
Executive Producer
James Glennon
Cinematographer
Jane Ann Stewart
Production Design
Kevin Tent
Film Editing
Rolfe Kent
Original Music
Wendy Chuck
Costume Design
Show all Cast & Crew

Critic Reviews for About Schmidt

All Critics (204) | Top Critics (50) | Fresh (175) | Rotten (29)
Full Review… Nell Minow Common Sense Media Full Review… Peter Rainer New York Magazine/Vulture Full Review… Robert Denerstein Denver Rocky Mountain News Full Review… Stanley Kauffmann The New Republic Full Review… Xan Brooks Sight & Sound Full Review… Nev Pierce BBC.com Full Review… Joanne Laurier World Socialist Web Site Full Review… John Powers L.A. Weekly Full Review… Kevin Carr Fat Guys at the Movies Full Review… Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com Full Review… Matthew Pejkovic Matt's Movie Reviews Full Review… Cole Smithey ColeSmithey.com
View All Critic Reviews (204)

Audience Reviews for About Schmidt

  • Apr 14, 2019
    Jack Nicholson gives a nuanced performance as a square, one of those guys who defines himself by his job, at the end of the line and suddenly w/o that job. Now what? Agonizing reappraisal. A tender look into the heart of American darkness, ably assisted by a decent supporting cast.
    Kevin M. W Super Reviewer
  • Apr 03, 2013
    Another fantastic comedy from Sideways director Alexander Payne, About Schmidt tells the story of an old man searching for meaning in his life as he ventures to his daughter's wedding in Colorado. Along the way he meets various eccentrics, including his son-in-law's mother, a hilariously vulgar woman played by Kathy Bates. Jack Nicholson is great in the lead role, giving one of the best performances of his career, and Kathy Bates has some incredibly funny scenes. Like all Alexander Payne movies, About Schmidt also has an undercurrent of emotion, and Jack Nicholson does a great job of making you understand and feel for Warren Schmidt as he struggles to find satisfaction and happiness. About Schmidt is yet another well-acted, well-written, and thoughtful movie from Alexander Payne, and should come as a breath of fresh air for those sick of shallow low-brow comedies.
    Joey S Super Reviewer
  • May 27, 2012
    odd film that warrants viewing for nicholson in the lead. sadly this is not something you'll view again and again due to its slow pacing. alexander payne makes interesting films but sadly they aren't exactly crowd favourites.
    Brendan N Super Reviewer
  • Feb 29, 2012
    One of Jack Nicholson's last great performances, About Schmidt is just the right mix of dark humor and drama.
    Christopher H Super Reviewer
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