Writer-director Alexander Payne and cowriter Jim Taylor completely rework Louis Begley's acclaimed novel into an odd, picaresque odyssey in which a retired 66-year-old insurance actuary takes to the road in a 35-foot Winnebago. It's not exactly a journey of self-discovery; Warren Schmidt (beautifully played by Jack Nicholson) is far too deluded to know he's even lost. After years of faithful service to Omaha's Woodmen of the World Insurance Company, Schmidt is calling it a day. At his retirement dinner, old friend Ray (Len Cariou) raises his glass and reminds everyone that the only thing that matters is the knowledge that you devoted your life to something meaningful...
Released:
2002
Rated:
R
Length:
124 mins