Holly Schmidt Batman, the Joker Got Old!

I found this film a pleasant surprise. I hadn’t really read much about it, and had only seen one or two previews, so I didn’t really have many expectations going in. After watching it I estimate that I will watch it again, and possibly even buy a copy on DVD.

If you couldn’t guess by the title, this film is about Schmidt. Warren Schmidt, played by Jack Nicholson, to be more specific. After a successful career in the insurance industry Warren retires, and soon after becomes a widower. The film follows Warren as he wanders across the country attempting to find meaning in a life he has come to view as pointless an empty.

The character of Warren Schmidt is so well written and well acted that even a cold-hearted wretch such as myself found him very empathetic. Warren is the embodiment of that which many of us fear to become, a sad old man (or women as the case may be) who spent his whole life trying to follow the straight and narrow only to end up completely alone in a world he is no longer a part of. If you have ever been overwhelmed by the enormity of the world and the madness of it all, you should be able to empathize with Warren Schmidt.

I must say that without the excellent performance of Jack Nicholson this film would have most likely turned out very dull and impossible to sit through. Nicholson is able to convey his disgust for the situation around him without the character ever voicing such an opinion. Kathy Bates also does a fine job, although I could have done with out her getting naked in the hot tub. Overall all of the acting was good, but Nicholson’s performance was what really held the film together.

The film is also very well directed, although many people may not catch all of the subtleties and symbolism. It is not an exciting film by any means, but the tension between the characters is almost tangible, so much so that I could nearly feel the awkwardness of certain scenes.

I will not insult anyone’s intelligence by insinuating that one must be on some higher level to understand this film, but I will say that it is not for everyone. Some people like their movies to be more entertaining than thought provoking. That does not necessarily mean they are stupid or shallow. However, if you prefer action, suspense, or big blockbuster type films, you probably won’t enjoy this movie. If you’re in the mood for introspection, and reflections on life, than this is a good film to pick up.