Jack Nicholson's Best Role? About Schmidt.

Is Alexander Payne's movie from 2003, About Schmidt, jack Nicholson's best performance? Well I certainly think it's one of his best - the role is well written and deep, and jack Nicholson, as ever, brings everything he's got.

About Schmidt might be accused of sentimentality, and may be too low octane for some; it depends highly on subtle performances from all its cast, and measures direction from Payne.

[Strideo]

I encourage everyone to buy the cheapest casket. A decent tombstone might be nice since people can actually see it when they visit your grave but the casket will be underground so it hardly matters.

[lonebison]

This may be the best review of About Schmidt that I've seen. One of my favorite performances by Jack Nicholson, he plays the everyday man as good as anyone could. The end scene makes me tear up no matter how many times I've watched this gem of a movie.

[tobinhays]

I am a big movie nerd, so I know this one by heart. And I am always stunned at how many people have never heard of this movie.

The only other Jack Nicholson role I can think that rivals this is Five Easy Pieces. The wedding toast will have me in tears when he takes that little moment to realize that it's simply not his place.

This is a brilliant movie

[pretorious]

About Schmidt is a subtle masterpiece. All of the characters are beautifully drawn, and they all are horribly flawed and REAL.

[BunScholar]

I really enjoyed about Schmidt. It's one of those severely under-rated films. They do a great job of making the fiance a total dork, but not a villain, which a lazier film would have done.

[matonmongo]

Glad to hear that other folks also loved this often-overlooked movie. And it's a tribute to Nicholson that someone with his over-the-top, real-life persona can still make such an 'under-achieving' character so believable and engaging.
And that singing bit, OMG, "When a man shall leave his mother, and a woman leave her home..." (oooh, shudder)!! ;-p

[Sunabodzu]

One of the most touching film i've saw. Jack Nicholson really did a terrific job playing Schmidt. Thank you for introducing us to this movie.

[green]

I love About Schmidt. It is one of my favorite movies. It is real life, and the acting, especially by Jack Nicholson and Kathy Bates, is excellent.

[sign]

OMG, the end. When you said, “...and then there’s the end.” I got goosebumps. I cried for 20 minutes straight at the ending scene. Every time I watch it...I cry at the end. This IS the perfect film.

[SilverSurfer]

I can't believe that someone else remembered this great film, and even took the time to talk about it on YT. Thanks Georg

[kiztorres]

This is a great movie. Nicholson's performance is outstanding and the way the movie is shot truly reflects his inner thoughts.

[pretorious]

Nicholson's expressions change seamlessly from humorous to grim realization. He realizes his life was meaningless, and also that there's nothing he can do about it.

[Brakvash]

I also loved Nicholson's micro-acting in About Schmidt, it's a rare sight to see this kind of acting for someone so completely opposite to Schmidt.

[hamsandwich]

This movie is genius!! The opening scene where he's staring at the clock hooked me instantly

[The_Burning_Sensation]

I'm so glad to see someone site such an understated performance as someone's best-- particularly a guy like Nicholson, who has no shortage of memorable, explosive performances.

I've noticed a lot of people seem to equate emoting at high volume with good acting. Whenever you hear a radio advertisement for an Oscar-winning film, and they want to highlight the award, it goes something like, 'And So-and-So, in her Oscar winning performance as So-and-So. "You MONSTER!! YOU

[carineleisure]

Couldn't agree more if I were twins. This movie is a Jack Nicholson acting masterclass in facial micro expressions. He is my favorite actor.

[mrpurple]

Truly one of his best. The movie is a great character work and the ending is so emotive wonderful with a incredible beautiful closure for the main character

[FarelForever]

Dear Georg, in 2016 you published this video. Ever since then I tried to track it down on DVD and give it to my mom for either her birthday or Christmas. Finally in the summer of 2019 I tracked it down in Hungary, ordered it, and I gave it to her for Christmas and ever tonight, we finally watched the movie together, and loved it. Thank you very much for your recommendation!

[Jeremytorgersonofficial]

I totally agree that this is his best role. It's the one that stretches him the furthest from "Jack". And it's a hell of a powerful character study.

[optimalintelligence]

My favorite movie. Jack is at his absolute best in this film. A masterpiece.