About About Schmidt.
Tonight, Luke and I headed down to Piper's Alley to see a movie. We left it up to fate since we didn't know what the movie times were, but we knew that we would either be seeing The Pianist, The Hours, About Schmidt or The Quiet American. About Schmidt was starting in 10 minutes when we showed up...
During the winter season of critically acclaimed and Oscar buzzed films, I've been criticizing this year's crop because they all seemed too depressing. About Schmidt is depressing in a lot of ways, but for me to explain further would ruin the film for anyone else. The film's message, however, is quite inspiring: what has inspired you in your life and have you really made a difference?
Jack plays Warren Schmidt, a newly retired insurance executive in Omaha, Nebraska. His wife annoys the hell out of him and his only (child) daughter is about to marry a waterbed salesman, who is "about to" get rich off of the latest pyramid marketing scheme. And along the way, each character deals with grief and triumph much in the way we do. In fact, this is where the genius in the film really shines.
I kept feeling this film was about real people that I could easily relate to. Jack did an exceptional job in tricking me that I wasn't watching Jack on screen, but Warren. He could have been as much my father or grandfather as yours. And you know people like the characters in this film. If it did the film any justice, I might mention that I would actually buy this film over any reality television show I've seen thus far. Any bitter old man or woman would benefit from watching this movie. I really enjoyed it.
Luke and I had an incredible discussion after the movie, trying to think about our parents' intimacy and what really drives them in life: their children or their spouse? I know having children maybe one of the best ways you can make a difference in the world. But I think I may try a couple of different ways before I get to children...
Oh and I may need to make an update/amendment to my Oscar picks...Kathy Bates absolutely must get Best Supporting Actress. This is her role that you will NEVER forget! I'm afraid I am at a loss on the Best Actor since Jack and Bill The Butcher are competing...damn, they were both good.
I was just listening to Alpha Blondy - Jerusalem
