Schmidt's Wild Strawberries

I knew little about this film and went into the viewing with little expectation but was greatly rewarded with a deep and thoughtful look at life, love, missed ambition and loneliness.

Schmidt, the responsible family man retires from his safe and reliable position as Vice President of an acturial company. He is about to set out on retired life with his wife of 42 years when tragedy strikes, providing the opportunity for revelations and reflection on a life passed by.

'About Schmidt' is slow but engaging. Jack Nicholson was a revelation as the solitary man nearing the end of his life and Kathy Bates illumintates the film with her bright but all too short prescence.

Echoes of Bergmans 'Wild Strawberries' permiate the film even to the abrupt but satisfying ending where our hero realises that perhaps he has made a difference to someone in his short unfulfilled life.

'About Schmidt' strolls along at an easy pace. It wont shock you or change your life but it will give you time to think and for some, hopefully, time to change!