# About Schmidt

> 2002 film directed by Alexander Payne

**Wikidata**: [Q179460](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q179460)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/About_Schmidt)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/about-schmidt

## Summary
*About Schmidt* is a 2002 comedy-drama film directed by Alexander Payne. It stars Jack Nicholson as Warren Schmidt, a retired insurance actuary who embarks on a journey of self-discovery after his wife's death and his daughter's impending marriage. The film is known for its poignant exploration of aging, regret, and the search for meaning in later life.

## Key Facts
- **Title**: *About Schmidt*
- **Release Year**: 2002
- **Director**: Alexander Payne
- **Genre**: Comedy-drama
- **Starring**: Jack Nicholson, Hope Davis, Dermot Mulroney, Kathy Bates
- **Production Company**: New Line Cinema
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **IMDb ID**: tt0257360
- **Runtime**: 125 minutes
- **Box Office**: $105.2 million worldwide
- **Awards**: Nominated for two Academy Awards (Best Actor for Jack Nicholson, Best Supporting Actress for Kathy Bates)
- **Wikidata ID**: Q770906
- **Freebase ID**: /m/01h18v
- **Rotten Tomatoes Score**: 85%
- **Metacritic Score**: 85/100
- **IMDb Rating**: 7.7/10
- **Publication Dates**: January 1, 2002 (initial release), February 27, 2003 (wider release)
- **Sitelink Count**: 46 (Wikipedia language editions)
- **Wikipedia Title**: About Schmidt
- **Official Website**: http://content.foxsearchlight.com/films/node/4365

## FAQs
**Who directed *About Schmidt*?**
*About Schmidt* was directed by Alexander Payne, known for his work on films like *Election* (1999) and *Sideways* (2004). Payne is celebrated for his ability to blend humor with deep emotional themes, and *About Schmidt* is a prime example of his signature style.

**What is the plot of *About Schmidt*?**
The film follows Warren Schmidt (Jack Nicholson), a recently retired actuary who struggles with the emptiness of his post-work life. After his wife's sudden death, he decides to embark on a road trip in a Winnebago to attend his daughter's wedding, where he confronts his regrets, failures, and the meaning of his life.

**What awards did *About Schmidt* receive?**
The film was nominated for two Academy Awards: Best Actor for Jack Nicholson and Best Supporting Actress for Kathy Bates. It also received critical acclaim, with Nicholson's performance widely praised for its depth and emotional resonance.

**Who are the main cast members of *About Schmidt*?**
The film stars Jack Nicholson as Warren Schmidt, Hope Davis as his daughter Jeannie, Dermot Mulroney as Jeannie's fiancé Randall, and Kathy Bates as Randall's mother Roberta. The ensemble cast delivers powerful performances that contribute to the film's emotional impact.

**What themes does *About Schmidt* explore?**
The film delves into themes of aging, regret, loneliness, and the search for purpose in life. It examines the complexities of family relationships and the struggle to find meaning in the face of life's inevitable changes.

**How was *About Schmidt* received by critics?**
The film received positive reviews from critics, with particular praise for Jack Nicholson's performance and Alexander Payne's direction. It holds an 85% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metacritic score of 85/100, indicating widespread critical acclaim.

## Why It Matters
*About Schmidt* matters because it offers a profound and relatable exploration of the human condition, particularly the challenges of aging and self-reflection. The film resonates with audiences by addressing universal themes such as regret, the passage of time, and the search for meaning. Jack Nicholson's performance as Warren Schmidt is a masterclass in acting, capturing the vulnerability and complexity of a man grappling with his own mortality and legacy. The film's blend of humor and pathos makes it a standout in the comedy-drama genre, and its emotional depth has earned it a lasting place in cinematic history.

## Notable For
- **Critical Acclaim**: Nominated for two Academy Awards and widely praised by critics for its emotional depth and performances.
- **Jack Nicholson's Performance**: A standout role that showcases Nicholson's range and ability to convey deep emotional nuance.
- **Exploration of Aging**: A poignant and relatable portrayal of the challenges and regrets that come with aging.
- **Alexander Payne's Direction**: Demonstrates Payne's skill in blending humor with serious themes, creating a film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
- **Cultural Impact**: The film has resonated with audiences for its honest and touching depiction of life's complexities and the search for meaning.

## Body
### Overview
*About Schmidt* is a 2002 comedy-drama film directed by Alexander Payne and starring Jack Nicholson. The film is based on the 1996 novel of the same name by Louis Begley. It tells the story of Warren Schmidt, a retired insurance actuary who embarks on a journey of self-discovery after the death of his wife and his daughter's impending marriage. The film is noted for its blend of humor and pathos, as well as its exploration of themes such as aging, regret, and the search for meaning.

### Plot and Themes
The film follows Warren Schmidt, played by Jack Nicholson, as he navigates the challenges of retirement and the emptiness he feels after his wife's death. Schmidt decides to take a road trip in a Winnebago to attend his daughter Jeannie's wedding, where he confronts his regrets and failures. Along the way, he writes letters to a young Tanzanian boy he sponsors, expressing his thoughts and feelings about his life and the changes he is experiencing.

The themes of *About Schmidt* are deeply human and relatable. The film explores the complexities of aging, the struggle to find purpose in life, and the challenges of family relationships. It also delves into the idea of regret and the desire to make amends for past mistakes. The film's blend of humor and emotional depth makes it a standout in the comedy-drama genre.

### Production and Release
*About Schmidt* was produced by New Line Cinema and directed by Alexander Payne. The film was released on January 1, 2002, and received a wider release on February 27, 2003. It was well-received by critics and audiences alike, with particular praise for Jack Nicholson's performance and Alexander Payne's direction.

The film's production involved a talented cast and crew, including Hope Davis, Dermot Mulroney, and Kathy Bates. The screenplay was written by Alexander Payne and Jim Taylor, who adapted Louis Begley's novel for the screen. The film's cinematography and score also contributed to its emotional impact and critical success.

### Reception and Awards
*About Schmidt* received positive reviews from critics, with many praising Jack Nicholson's performance as Warren Schmidt. The film holds an 85% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metacritic score of 85/100, indicating widespread critical acclaim. It was nominated for two Academy Awards: Best Actor for Jack Nicholson and Best Supporting Actress for Kathy Bates.

The film's emotional depth and relatable themes resonated with audiences, making it a standout in the comedy-drama genre. Its exploration of aging, regret, and the search for meaning has earned it a lasting place in cinematic history.

### Legacy and Impact
*About Schmidt* has had a lasting impact on audiences and critics alike. The film's honest and touching depiction of life's complexities and the search for meaning has resonated with viewers around the world. Jack Nicholson's performance as Warren Schmidt is widely regarded as one of his best, showcasing his range and ability to convey deep emotional nuance.

The film's blend of humor and pathos has made it a standout in the comedy-drama genre, and its exploration of universal themes has earned it a place in the canon of great American films. *About Schmidt* continues to be celebrated for its emotional depth, powerful performances, and thoughtful exploration of the human condition.

## References

1. The Movie Database
2. About Schmidt. Rotten Tomatoes
3. [IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0257360/releaseinfo)
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. Kinopoisk
6. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/about-schmidt/)
7. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
8. [Source](https://www.cnc.fr/professionnels/visas-et-classification/107530)
9. Cineplex
10. Online-Filmdatenbank
11. Bechdel Test Movie List
12. mymovies.it
13. [Source](https://ui.eidr.org/view/content?id=10.5240/F4C6-26B2-2E1E-0A70-C020-T)
14. Danish Film Database
15. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/works/94528)
16. Trakt.tv
17. FilmVandaag.nl