Nicholson gives a masterful performance in About Schmidt

About Schmidt

Director: Alexander Payne

Cast: Jack Nicholson, Kathy Bates, Dermot Mulroney, Hope Davis, Howard Hessman

Cert: 15.

A Golden Globe for Nicholson and much talk of yet another Oscar; as the Schmidt of the title, he does look a shoo-in.

It's a sort-of 'road movie' - in that the character, just retired and wondering what his life has amounted to, undertakes a cross-country trip to attend the wedding of his daughter - but it's much, much more since Nicholson's towering performance layers the plot with all manner of strengths. He really is, when he's given the roles he deserves, a truly wonderful actor.

Director Payne has captured all the elements of this complex character and brings them to the screen with wit and deep understanding of the human condition. It is often very funny but not so the pathos of Schmidt's life is overshadowed. As with all 'road movies' we can all find ourselves through the growing awareness of Schmidt; and we can all sit back and watch a masterful performance from one of Hollywood's greatest actors.

Star Rating: 5/5.