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Why Jack got his Globe
By Jocelyn Newmarch
Posted Fri, 21 Feb 2003
Over the years — decades, rather — Jack Nicholson has done some superb work in cinema playing a variety of memorable characters. Nicholson’s performance has the ability to elevate a pedestrian film into a small masterpiece. With age and experience, he’s getting better and better. I guess practice really does make perfect.
‘About Schmidt’ is a small film about big questions. Am I the man I thought I was? Have I done anything memorable in my life? Is it too late to mend relationships?
Warren Schmidt has spent his life avoiding these questions and finally has to face up to things when his wife (June Squibb) dies unexpectedly and his estranged daughter (Hope Davis) is intent on marrying a loser.
This is the story of what happens to an ordinary man when everything he has is taken away from him.
‘About Schmidt’ has been one of the most talked about films internationally, earning Jack Nicholson his sixth Golden Globe award for Best Actor, and putting him in line for his record 12th Oscar nomination. And it’s easy to see why — Nicholson delivers what is quite possibly the performance of a long and distinguished career. The film is Nicholson’s all the way, and I simply couldn’t imagine the picture without him.
I always think that the best acting is that which doesn’t have to use words to convey thoughts and emotions, but which can rely on a simple gesture of shift in facial expression. Nicholson’s Schmidt may not have much to say, but we always know exactly what he’s thinking.
There’s some good work from veteran actors in small roles: Kathy Bates is a delight as Schmidt’s blunt, free-spirited Bohemian nemesis. It’s certainly a treat to see a pony-tailed Dermot Mulroney as (of all things!) a waterbed salesman.
Ultimately though the film’s grace comes from director Alexander Payne's light touch as he deftly steers us through Schmidt’s emotional and physical journey. And it's worth noting that the movie picked up a Golden Globe for best screenplay.
For more information, take a look at the film's official website: http://www.aboutschmidtmovie.com/
What the international critics are saying:
"By turns hilarious and poignant, Schmidt is about nothing special and everything important."
— Susan Stark, DETROIT NEWS
"Sensitive, insightful and beautifully rendered film. One of the best of the year."
— Boo Allen, DENTON RECORD CHRONICLE (TX)
"About Schmidt can be rough going; the laughter always hurts just a little bit."
— Jeffrey M. Anderson, SAN FRANCISCO EXAMINER
"It’s a brilliant, honest performance by Nicholson, but the film is an agonizing bore except when the fantastic Kathy Bates turns up. Bravado Kathy!"
— Victoria Alexander, FILMSINREVIEW.COM
"About Schmidt is a curious slice of Americana...the characters are so clearly drawn and the
dialogue so rich, you are immediately hooked."
— Kit Bowen, HOLLYWOOD.COM
