About Schmidt is a movie that creeps up on you. You don't sit there weeping as you might in a dare I say "women's picture" instead this insidious sadness begins to grow within you and doesn't let go. Days later I began to think the film might be one of the saddest things I've ever seen. But Schindler's List and Sophie's Choice always help get things back into perspective.

About Schmidt is the story of one man, from Omaha Nebraska, who retires from his job as an actuary and finally has time to ponder what his life is about. It's a given that much of our identity comes from our employment, so without his job, Schmidt begins to think he isn't much. On his first day off the job he watches television and decides to foster a child in Tanzania, named Ndugu. Along with the check, he is asked to send a letter to the child, and it is these letters that provide a nice narrative vehicle for the movie. We get to hear Schmidt's thoughts and feelings, which, considering his stern mid-western nature, we might not have otherwise heard.

Retired now, and with nothing else to do, Schmidt decides its time to get involved with his daughter's life. She's less keen on the idea. Particularly since her father is intent upon breaking up her marriage to a waterbed salesman.

Schmidt drives from Nebraska to Denver in his retirement mobile, a huge Winnebago, to meet the impending in-laws and do his best to end the marriage. Along the way he retraces his life steps--his childhood home and his college Alma Mater, the University of Kansas.

When he finally makes it to the wedding, his experiences are so painfully real you can taste it. From the arguments, to the speeches, to the music, it's about as real as it gets. And for us aging baby boomers, this movie is far too close for comfort.

Jack Nicholson plays Schmidt, and he is truly brilliant. His body language is spot on, as is his manner and language. There is no sign of the mischievous actor who dates actresses 33 years his junior, this is a man incapable of nothing other than the careful programming of conservative parents and schooling in the 50s. This is a man who does what he's told, when he's told. So what does he do when there is no one to tell him what to do?

I read somewhere that this movie is a comedy.


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