About Schmidt (2002)

Jack Nicholson nabbed an Oscar nod for his role in About Schmidt (2002). Yet when he won the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Drama, the movie icon said, “I’m a little surprised. I thought we made a comedy.” Under the direction of Alexander Payne (who received a Golden Globe for Best Screenplay), this successful dramedy centers around retired insurance salesman Warren Schmidt (Nicholson). After his wife (June Squibb) suddenly dies, he falls into a deep depression. But eventually Warren decides to visit their daughter Jeannie (Hope Davis) in Denver, where she plans on marrying Randall Hertzel (Dermot Mulroney). Once there, Warren stays with Randall’s mom Roberta (Bates). Surprisingly, most of the nudity in this movie is handled by her. Yes, you read that correctly. In one hilarious scene, Jack is relaxing in a hot tub when Kathy comes out to join him — in her birthday suit! After he evacuates (we said, evacuates) the hot tub, he goes back to his trailer where he drops his towel and pulls his swim trunks off. As such, we can view his full moon by the moonlight. Even though it might not be the sexiest thing you’ve ever seen on screen, it’s still Jack-Freaking-Nicholson! Perhaps that’s why the legendary star was nominated for a Satellite Award. This movie marks one of Nicholson’s best performances which is saying a lot considering his career includes Chinatown (1974), The Shining (1980) and Batman (1989). In fact, Jack’s bare buns will have you grinning like The Joker!