Jack Nicholson plays the title character in Alexander Payne's ABOUT SCHMIDT (2002). After his retirement and the sudden death of his wife, Warren Schmidt has to reorganize his everyday life. His life needs a new meaning. He takes on the sponsorship of an African child and writes him letters regularly in order to do something good and create a connection. At the same time, he struggles to repair his relationship with his estranged daughter and make a positive impact on her life. The film shows that it's never too late to start something new, admit mistakes and take small but meaningful steps towards personal fulfillment.
Director
Alexander Payne
Creator
Louis Begley
Screenplay
Alexander Payne, Jim Taylor
Producers
Michael Besman, Harry Gittes
Cinematography
James Glennon
Music
Rolfe Kent
Cast
Jack Nicholson (Warren R. Schmidt), Kathy Bates (Roberta Hertzel), Hope Davis (Jeannie Schmidt), Dermot Mulroney (Randall Hertzel)
