About Schmidt is a 2002 American comedy-drama film directed by Alexander Payne, starring Jack Nicholson in the title role. It is loosely based on the 1996 novel of the same title by Louis Begley. Many of the scenes were filmed on location, especially in Omaha, Nebraska and Denver, Colorado. According to the special features on the DVD, a number of non-professional local residents appeared in the film, portraying their real-life professions. The actual Woodmen of the World headquarters building in Omaha was used in the film, and Jack Nicholson was made an honorary member of the company during... filming. The main narrative of the film follows Schmidt as he retires from his pedestrian job, followed by the death of his wife for whom he has lost affection. He goes on a road trip in order to attend the wedding of his only daughter to a man and into a family he does not particularly like. Events compel him to reflect on his life with a sense of futility that lasts until the final moments of the film. The film was both a commercial and a critical success. Warren Schmidt is retiring from his position as an actuary with an insurance company in Omaha, Nebraska.
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| Release date: | May 22, 2002 |
| Directed by: | Alexander Payne |
| Rated: |  |
| Runtime: | 125 Minutes |
| Producer: | Michael Besman, Harry Gittes, Rachael Horovitz |
| Editor: | Kevin Tent |
| Music by: | Rolfe Kent |
| Cinematography: | James Glennon |
| Screenplay by: | Alexander Payne, Jim Taylor |
| Estimated budget: | $30,000,000 |
| Adapted from: | About Schmidt |
| Genre: | Comedy |