#56: About Schmidt, Nebraska
The 2002 film About Schmidt features Jack Nicholson as Warren Schmidt, a retired actuary from Omaha, Nebraska. The narrative revolves around Schmidt’s struggle to find purpose after retirement, echoing the themes of the original novel by Louis Begley. This cinematic piece intertwines self-discovery with the stark realities of aging and loss.
Filmed across various locations in Nebraska, the film was brought to life by director and screenwriter Alexander Payne, who selected Omaha for its personal significance to him. Additional scenes were captured in Nebraska City, Kearney, Minden, and Lincoln. The movie’s authentic settings contributed to its global box office success, grossing over $100 million.