So, whose side do I come down on? I think I lean more towards Edelstein. While fully appreciating Nicholson's masterful portrayal of Schmidt, I found myself disconnecting with the film on a number of occasions. There was no unifying theme outside of Schmidt's stoic insistence to keep going. The movie failed to connect the discussion of meaning in life to anything. The character's were not very developed and so the audience is left guessing as to exactly why things are the way they are in the film. The only thing that really keeps you in the movie is Nicholson's preformance because the plot lacked the tension that pulls you toward a climax. I found myself laughing at individual scenes and fascinated at Nicholson's ability to portray Schmidt but never really understanding where the film was going.

If there is a meaning to About Schmidt it is quite depressing. I frankly didn't see the deeper meaning that Holden outlines; perhaps my attachement to the Midwest changes the way I view the film. Even without all the snide digs at the Midwest that Edelstein - correctly in my opinion - notes, the movie seems to be saying that just living a normal life is meaningless. Schmidt's best friend, Ray, delivers a speech in the film's opening moments about how what is important is working hard, raising a family, being respected in the community, and having close friends. It turns out, however, that Ray had an affiar with Schmidt's wife. It is hard to tell from the scene, where Ray is seemingly drunk, whether Payne is mocking this sentiment or not but there is nothing in the rest of the film that leads to a different conclusion. Where Holden sees both mocking and respect, I see confusion. Also in this vein, Schmidt's writing to Ndugu (a Tanzanian child he has sponsored after wathcing a TV ad) is a great way to pull off what would ordinarily be straight narration but again the movie seems to mock Schmidt for this one act of giving rather than tie it to a larger sense of meaning. The ending, which I won't spoil for those of you who haven't seen it, again leaves the meaning less than clear. Is giving to others the key to meaning in life or is this just another ironic dig at Schmidt's naivete?

So what does all of this rambling mean? Heck if I know. I was depressed about the potential Schmidt like qualities of my life. I mean how many of us really want to think about the impact our lives make. I am much too selfish and self-centered to comfortably think about any lasting impressions I might leave on this world. On the other hand I was entertained a great deal by Jack Nicholson's portrayal of this tragic figure. If you are an artsy film buff type go see the movie and argue with the other critics. If you are a fan of Jack Nicholson, go see the movie. If you are looking for a strong plot and well paced action go see something else.