Watched About Schmidt again the other night. Jack Nicholson. Nicholson shows his acting chops in this one by playing an everyday schmuck. A retired insurance dude who's wife has just died. He buys an RV and travels cross country to his estranged daughter's wedding.
There is a scene in the desert that haunts. It is night and he is sitting on top of his RV, a blanket wrapped around him, looking at the stars.
As he looks up, he asks his wife's spirit "Am I the man you truly wanted to spend your life with? Or were you disappointed and too nice to tell me?"
That is a naked question. As naked and down to the bone as it gets.
That question festers in our minds but we never ask it. Because we might not like the answer. Truthfully, because we already know the answer.
I know what Carol's answer would be.
At the end of the movie, he returns home after failing to prevent his daughter from marrying the loser.
He is thinking about his life. Wondering if his life has had any impact. Wondering if his life has affected even one other human being.
He has been sponsoring a poor child in a foreign country. Writing letters, sending money. There is a letter from the child in the pile of mail that greets him upon his return from the trip.
The letter, written by the person taking care of the child in that country, says how happy Schmidt's letters and support have made the kid.
There is a crayon drawing included, drawn by the kid. It shows the kid reaching his hand out to touch the hand of Schmidt.
Schmidt breaks down crying and that is how the movie ends.
A good movie.
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