About Schmidt

REVIEW
The opening scene of director Payne's About Schmidt, an indelible portrait of loss and self-discovery, is able to say more about its leading character -- without saying a word -- than most films can with two hours of dialogue. And then it gets insightful. Warren Schmidt (Nicholson) lives a buttoned-down existence, partly to mask the ennui he's not even aware he feels. An insurance actuary who is retiring after 35 years, Warren is just another nondescript family man who must come to terms with spending his days around the house. But when his wife suddenly dies, Warren is thrust into the unfamiliar terrain of not only taking care of himself, but having to discover a little something about himself, as well. And it all begins with one of those Angela Lansbury commercials on behalf of starving children. Based on the novel by Louis Begley, and adapted by Payne and Jim Taylor, About Schmidt is so relaxed it may give the impression of immobility, but Payne and his great cast make sure this subtle, often very funny film zings exactly when it should. Those expecting the full-throttle farcical elements of Payne's glorious Election may be somewhat disappointed by the unobtrusive pacing and humor, but the characters are alive, the observations spot-on, and the comedy smart and scintillating. As good as the writing and direction are, however, it is Nicholson that is the heart of About Schmidt. The actor leaves no doubt that Warren Schmidt has led a life of quiet desperation, and his ability to embody this man with such integrity, dimension and ordinariness is nothing short of a revelation. It just may be the best performance of a long, illustrious career.