Top 25 Countdown — No. 21


Today's countdown continues with a film I've looked at twice during Faith in Film studies. I think it's Jack Nicholson's best performance.

No. 21 — About Schmidt (2002)
Starring: Jack Nicholson, Kathy Bates, Hope Davis, Dermott Mulroney, and June Squibb
Director: Alexander Payne
Quote: "I know we're all pretty small in the big scheme of things, and I suppose the most you can hope for is to make some kind of difference, but what kind of difference have I made? What in the world is better because of me?" — Warren Schmidt
About: This was a movie that kind of came and went quietly the year it came out. When Alexander Payne's films are discussed, this isn't at the top of the list. But it is for me. It's my favorite of his movies and, obviously, one of my favorite movies of all time. I always know when awards season comes and I am slavishly devoted to a film and pumping it up with everyone I know that it will get hosed when the awards are handed out. There are several films like that on this list. I think my loyalty is the kiss of death for these beautiful stories. Such was the case with "About Schmidt." The Best Picture winner that year was "Chicago." This film is better. The Best Actor winner that year was Adrien Brody in "The Pianist." Nicholson should have won. I think this film should have won a lot of Academy Awards, but it got none. Yet, 13 years later, I think the narrative and story still hold up beautifully. And it's such a different performance from Nicholson — seemingly a character a 1,000 miles away from who he actually is as a performer. This movie has some delightfully comedic scenes — Bates and Nicholson are pure gold on screen — but also a lot of heart. What I am really drawn to in this film is the idea of purpose. We all want to know that our lives matter; that we touched people in a real way. That is the struggle for Warren R. Schmidt (Nicholson), and a question that drives him throughout the film. And just when you think he's not going to find an answer, Payne delivers one in a beautifully unexpected twist that leaves me in tears each time I watch it. In fact, when I was teaching about this movie this fall, I had to watch the ending clip five times the day of just to make sure I could hold it together during class. There is just such beauty in an unexpected way, and Nicholson's performance draws you in and creates that rich, emotional pay off. I probably am not the target demographic for this film — and certainly wasn't in 2002 — but I love it just the same. Payne is a gifted storyteller and, to me, this is his best.
Rating: R for some language and brief nudity. Enter with caution.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Burial a courtroom drama with heart

Image
Willie Gary (Jamie Foxx) is a brash trial lawyer who is good at rallying a jury to his cause. Jeremiah O’Keefe (Tommy Lee Jones) is a quiet grandfather who is trying to ensure the business his family built remains viable after he’s gone. These two don’t appear to have much in common on the surface. But when they’re brought together by young lawyer Hal Dockins (Mamoudou Athie) brings them together, a connection is formed over their shared background of working hard to become self-made men. And it turned out that Willie was just who Jerry needed in his corner to win the fight of his life. The new Prime Video film The Burial, which opened in theaters October 6 and started streaming October 13, captures that trial against the Loewen Group that changed the course of their lives. The film is based on the true story and covers the trial, but more importantly captures the relationship between the men. The film plays out like a traditional courtroom drama. Foxx is solid as Willie Gary, while Ju
Read more

Broncos Draft Targets

Image
  The NFL Draft is just a few days away. On April 25, the Denver Broncos will head into the draft in the midst of something of a rebuild. In the draft, the Broncos have the No. 12 pick in Round 1, then have a Third Round Pick, Fourth Round Pick, three Fifth Round Picks, a Sixth Round Pick, and a Seventh Round Pick. So, what might they be targeting? Let's dive in and look at possible positions. Quarterback : The team clearly needs a long-term quarterback. Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci are there but the team could certainly use someone else. Could they move up for Drake Maye or J.J. McCarthy? Yes, they could. Will the take Bo Nix at 12? It's possible. Or will the Broncos wait until next off-season to make a move? Anything is in play for the Broncos in 2024, but quarterback is surely a need. Tight End: The team brought back Adam Trautman and still has Greg Dulcich, but it's still a need. Dulcich hasn't been able to get on the field and Trautman hasn't been great. Co
Read more

Favorite Westerns, No. 43

Image
  Do you like a good Western? It's a classic genre in film and this year I've decided to look at some of my favorite Westerns. So, join me each Friday as I count down my favorite Westerns from No. 50 to No. 1. Rooster Cogburn : [ watching Mattie ford the river hanging on the back of her horse] By God. She reminds me of me. True Grit (1969) Starring : John Wayne, Kim Darby, Glen Campbell, Robert Duvall, and Dennis Hopper Director : Henry Hathaway About: This is the third straight week with a film from Wayne. As you might guess, we're not done. As I've mentioned, he sets a standard for the genre. Here, we seen him bring to life an iconic character. This one is based on a novel, and it has endured. He's great as Rooster Cogburn, so good that he got a sequel in the same character. But this is a later film in his career. This is a different, more grizzled Wayne. He's still quite good and this is a film that really has stood the test of time. It's not the only ve
Read more