Get ready for yet another picture in which the main character is a role that Jack Nicholson was born to play. What took me by surprise is the fashion in which Nicholson plays it. This is one of the strongest performances of the veteran's career.

In this new picture from Alexander Payne (based on the novel of the same name) Nicholson plays Warren Schmidt, a man who finds his life in absolute turmoil following his retirement from an insurance company. This sad, lonely being has a rather cynical look at the world, but hopefully, a lengthy road trip and a few eye-openers will offer some light at the end of the tunnel.

Alexander Payne (Election) is a terrific writer and About Schmidt shows a maturity in the fairly young director. This movie is incredibly observant, and given that the story is told through the eyes of a senior citizen, it's all the more impressive. People will most likely identify with Schmidt. I certainly see shades of him in my own grandfather. This was, for me, the real appeal of the movie. It's realism. I'm not just talking characters, but also the situations they find themselves in. This movie takes honest and courageous risks that deal with human nature. Certainly I found myself laughing at things that I knew I shouldn't be laughing at but sometimes, that's all you can do in certain situations.

Payne also has a tremendous love and loathing for Omaha (the film's main setting). Since he grew up there, you get the sense that, although he may have hated his home at times, he ultimately has a great fondness for it and this is evident throughout the film.

Of course as strong as Payne's observant direction is, it is the mighty Jack Nicholson who really makes this film soar. This is, perhaps, the most non Jack Nicholson Jack Nicholson performance I've ever seen. Yes, our beloved Jack is in there somewhere, but this isn't the eyebrow arching devil we're accustomed to seeing. This is a very internal piece of acting. I really marveled at the incredible subtlety of this turn, right down to the way Warren Schmidt walks. I honestly forgot I was watching Jack Nicholson. Beautiful work. Kathy Bates turns in a nifty little supporting performance as well, although I must confess, we see more of her in this picture than I ever thought we'd see. This is a bold, gutsy performance to say the least.

The slightly eccentric About Schmidt went directions I wasn't expecting, and the end of this movie crushed me. It really packed an emotional wallop I wasn't prepared for. Alexander Payne, Jack Nicholson and crew have sculpted a comedy/drama that I won't soon forget.