The main problem with “About Schmidt” is it’s being marketed under false pretenses. To watch the previews, you would think it’s an “Election”-style wry comedy. Instead, what you get is one of the most profoundly sad movies I’ve ever seen.
Maybe this was on purpose, for lots of reasons. People may not want to go to a sad movie these days, and perhaps the emotional punch of the film comes somewhat from being unprepared. I know I wasn’t ready for what I saw in Jack Nicholson’s eyes in this story.
It’s a brilliant, touching film about how life moves past us when we’re not looking. Nicholson, who I normally can’t stomach, is a marvel. This one stays with you. There are laughs, but even those come from sadness. Highly recommended – but know what you’re getting into.