Movies

This film must be watched very carefully. If you're not paying enough attention to it, you would miss it (some did). It's in the frames, the atmosphere, the tiny details, the situations, the acting, everything. But it's not that obvious, unless you enter that world. Simple story? Sure. Life is simple. So is great art. All in all, "About Schmidt" is a really great film. Bitter humor, all-pervading lie, the infinite sadness of loneliness and failure, sincere egoism, everyday dullness, desperate and quiet hope - this is life, and in a non-blatant, nor melodramatic manner. But you're going to weep (and smile) at the ending (I did!). And one more question: is The Mulholland Man the greatest actor ever or not?

An OK movie, entertaining in its black-humoresque way--but what made it worth watching, for me, was the astonishing performance by Kathy Bates. I've known people exactly like this character, and I'll bet so has she, and her portrayal was so right-on-the-money it couldn't be better. Wow. The movie only gets a vote of "six" but her contribution deserves "ten."I never know whether to be annoyed or not that Jack Nicholson always seems basically to play...himself. My feeling is that he never actually inhabits a role. Unquestionably he's a fine actor, but I never expect any surprises from a movie starring Mr. Nicholson, and I haven't been surprised yet. I dunno...Apart from Ms. Bates's extraordinary performance, what I enjoyed most in this film was the text, and especially the conclusion, of the first letter to Schmidt's foster child. Tasteless and priceless!

Firstly, both Jack Nicholson and Kathy Bates portrait their characters superbly in this touching and sentimental comedy. Warren Schmidt is retired and has reached a point in his life where he is left wondering - What do I do now? What do I want? And what have I achieved? We follow his journey through heartache, indecision, and discovery. While at the same time laughing at the irony, madness, and subtle humour of many real life situations.Although I prefer my comedy, a little more manic and in your face than this, I can still appreciate the sheer brilliance in the writing and performances, and I still found it to be a very entertaining movie.7/10