Schmidt Happens.|Dec. 12, 2002|USA|125 Min.|R
Genre: Comedy;Drama
Description: Warren Schmidt, an actuary from Omaha, Nebraska, retires from his position at Woodmen of the World, a life insurance company. Struggling to adapt to his new life and feeling purposeless, he comes across a TV advertisement for Plan USA, a foster program for African children. Inspired, he decides to sponsor a Tanzanian boy named Ndugu Umbo. He begins writing candid letters to the boy, sharing details of his life and experiences.
After retiring, Warren visits his old workplace to offer assistance to his successor but is politely turned down. As he leaves, he notices his office belongings and files, representing his entire career, being discarded. Warren feels increasingly alienated from his wife, Helen, but their relationship takes a tragic turn when she suddenly passes away from a blood clot shortly after they purchase a Winnebago Adventurer motor home.
Their daughter, Jeannie, and her fiancé, Randall Hertzel, arrive from Denver for the funeral. Jeannie criticizes Warren for taking Helen for granted, criticizing his choice of a cheaper casket and his reluctance to fully pay for the Winnebago. Warren asks Jeannie to move back and care for him, but she refuses. Meanwhile, Randall tries to involve Warren in a pyramid scheme.
Warren disapproves of Jeannie’s relationship with Randall, believing she deserves better. Overwhelmed by loneliness, Warren’s life spirals into neglect—he stops showering, sleeps in front of the TV, and shops in his pajamas. While going through Helen’s belongings, he discovers love letters revealing her long-ago affair with their mutual friend, Ray. Devastated, Warren dumps Helen’s possessions at a donation bin and confronts Ray about his betrayal.
Cast director: Alexander Payne
Cast actor: Jack Nicholson, Kathy Bates, Hope Davis, Dermot Mulroney, June Squibb, Howard Hesseman, Connie Ray, Harry Groener, Cheryl Hamada, Matt Winston
Original name: About Schmidt