Jack Nickolson is, of course, one of our finest actors. One sign of his greatness and versatility is his new film, About Schmidt, wherein he plays a counterpoint to his more outgoing roles, such as those in The Shining, A Few Good Men, and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Here, we almost wince in pain at the shell erected around this worn out, lonely, isolated man, who, newly retired, finds himself alone and, at times, both betrayed and rejected by those he holds most dear to him. Here, the acting is so strong that I felt alone and in pain myself as he is too often incapable of scaling the walls that have risen between him and the outside world – especially between he and his daughter. All is intensified by the claustrophobic atmospheres created by both the mobile home he travels in and the home of his future in laws.
To me, this is another instance of Nicholson’s greatness, in that he is able to transcend the script to make the role his own. His appearance reminded me more of a 60ish Frank Sinatra that the Jack we’ve all come to know.
I’m sure this picture isn’t for everyone. There are funny scenes and great acting all around, but I mostly felt depressed at poor Schmidt’s situation. Once again, though, Nicholson, at least in my eyes, has proven his worth as an actor.
I want to add that there's one scene where Kathy Bates proves she has balls for an actress.
Keith
To me, this is another instance of Nicholson’s greatness, in that he is able to transcend the script to make the role his own. His appearance reminded me more of a 60ish Frank Sinatra that the Jack we’ve all come to know.
I’m sure this picture isn’t for everyone. There are funny scenes and great acting all around, but I mostly felt depressed at poor Schmidt’s situation. Once again, though, Nicholson, at least in my eyes, has proven his worth as an actor.
I want to add that there's one scene where Kathy Bates proves she has balls for an actress.
Keith
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