About Schmidt

2002

"Life begins at the end of your comfort zone."

Also known as: 🇪🇸 ES: Las confesiones del Sr. Schmidt^? 🇫🇷 FR: Monsieur Schmidt^? 🇵🇹 PT: As Confissões de Schmidt^? 🇨🇳 ZH: 关于施密特^? 🇷🇴 RO: Despre Schmidt All international titles (8) →

Drama Comedy 125 min 7.2/10

Awards & Recognition

1 Wins

2 Nominations

3 Total

Golden Globes

1

Oscars

2 nom.

• All 3
• Wins 1
• Nominations 2

Year	Festival	Category	Winner	Result
2003	Golden Globes	Best Actor - Drama	Jack Nicholson	Winner
2003	Oscars	Best Supporting Actress	Kathy Bates	Nominated
2003	Oscars	Best Actor	Jack Nicholson	Nominated

Year	Festival	Category	Winner
2003	Golden Globes	Best Actor - Drama	Jack Nicholson

Year	Festival	Category	Winner
2003	Oscars	Best Supporting Actress	Kathy Bates
2003	Oscars	Best Actor	Jack Nicholson

Synopsis

About Schmidt is a movie released in 2002.

In this poignant blend of drama and comedy, a recently retired insurance man sets off on an unexpected journey to attend his estranged daughter's wedding. As he navigates the unfamiliar landscapes of his own emotions and relationships, he finds himself grappling with the regrets and unfulfilled dreams that have quietly shaped his life. What begins as a simple road trip soon evolves into a deeply introspective adventure, revealing profound truths about love, family, and the passage of time. With a stellar performance by Jack Nicholson, the film masterfully captures the essence of a man who, despite feeling adrift in a world that has moved on without him, embarks on a quest to reconnect not just with his daughter, but with himself. The humor is often bittersweet, and the moments of vulnerability resonate long after the credits roll. This film invites viewers to reflect on their own journeys and the relationships that define them, making it a relatable and moving experience. Whether you’re seeking laughter or a heartfelt exploration of life’s complexities, this film promises to deliver both in abundance.

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Parental Guide — Suitable for 13+

13+

Content guidance for parents

Category	Level	Indicator
Violence	1/5
Sexual Content	2/5
Language	2/5
Drugs / Alcohol	1/5
Frightening Elements	1/5

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Detailed explanations

Violence

There are some mild instances of frustration and emotional distress, but no physical violence.

Sexual Content

There are references to adult themes and some brief sexual situations, though nothing graphic.

Language

The film contains some mild profanity and suggestive language.

Drugs / Alcohol

There are scenes depicting alcohol consumption, but it is not a central theme.

Frightening Elements

Some emotional moments may be unsettling for younger viewers, but there are no intense frightening elements.

Summary for parents:

About Schmidt is a drama-comedy that explores themes of aging, loss, and self-discovery through the eyes of a retired man. While it contains some mature content and language, it is generally suitable for teens and older audiences, with a focus on emotional rather than physical conflict.

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Connections with other movies

This movie has thematic and stylistic connections with the following productions:

The Holdovers

2023

Same Director Alexander Payne

The Descendant...

2011

Same Director Alexander Payne

Titanic

1997

Same Actor Jack Nicholson

One Flew Over...

1975

Same Actor Jack Nicholson

Ready or Not

2019

Similar Theme

Parasite

2019

Similar Genre

Where to Watch About Schmidt Online

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Box Office

Budget: $30,000,000

Revenue: $105,834,556

Profit $75,834,556

ROI +252.8% (3.5x)

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About Schmidt is directed by Alexander Payne .

Cast of About Schmidt

Jack Nicholson

Warren Schmidt

Kathy Bates

Roberta Hertzel

Hope Davis

Jeannie Schmidt

June Squibb

Helen Schmidt

Cast Filmography

See the complete cast and other films with these actors.

Crew & Production

Alexander Payne

Director

More from Alexander Payne

View All

The Holdovers

2023 7.9

The Descendants

2011 7.3

Election

1999 7.2

Sideways

2004 7.5

Nebraska

2013 7.7

Keywords

#husband wife relationship 105 #wedding 45 #life changing 2 #family gathering 2 #pioneer village 1 #channel surfing 1 #mullet 1 #spiritual journey 1

Production Companies

New Line Cinema

Avery Pix

Trivia & Fun Facts about About Schmidt

5

• The film was shot primarily in Nebraska, specifically in Omaha, to capture the essence of the Midwest and its culture, which is a significant backdrop for the story.

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• Jack Nicholson's character, Warren Schmidt, often writes letters throughout the film, and the voiceover of these letters was recorded in one take to maintain the spontaneity of his thoughts.

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• The role of Warren Schmidt was initially offered to other actors before Jack Nicholson accepted it, including Bill Murray and Robert De Niro, but Nicholson's portrayal ultimately defined the character.

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• In one scene, Schmidt's daughter, played by Hope Davis, has a wedding rehearsal that is reminiscent of real-life wedding traditions, highlighting the generational gap and familial expectations.

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• Alexander Payne, the director, has a style that often focuses on the absurdities of everyday life, which is mirrored in his later works such as 'Sideways' and 'The Descendants'.

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