7.2
About Schmidt fingerprint
Strong craft, low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension3
- Fast Pace3
- Adrenaline2
Heart
Moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
- Pathos8
- Melancholy7
- Catharsis7
Humor
Some situational comedy and satire
Not a comedy at heart.
- Situational Comedy6
- Satire & Parody5
- Wit & Wordplay4
World
Everyday modern life, family, and society
- Dialogue Centrality8
- World Immersion6
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout performances and characters
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
- Direction7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography6
- Editing6
- Music Composition6
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
About Schmidt is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension3Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
- Violence1Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumMoving and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's moving, melancholic, and cathartic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics7Relationships and generational ties.
- Hopefulness5Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome4Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Coming of Age3Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Humor
MediumSome situational comedy and satire
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some situational comedy and satire.
All humor traits
- Situational Comedy6Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Satire & Parody5Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor4Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Cringe Humor3Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, family, and society
Its world is built around everyday modern life, family, and society.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion6Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty4Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Psychological6Inner worlds and mind games.
- Biographical5Lives of notable figures.
- Class & Capitalism5Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
HighStandout performances and characters
The performances and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue5Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity5Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative2Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography6Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality3Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
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Questions about About Schmidt
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is About Schmidt worth watching?
Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 79/100 (IMDb 7.2, Rotten Tomatoes 86%, and Metacritic 85). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is About Schmidt rated?
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: strong language.
How long is About Schmidt?
2 h 5 min
About Schmidt runs 2 h 5 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on About Schmidt?
Not quite. Critics rate About Schmidt higher (86) than audiences (75). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
Was About Schmidt a box office hit?
Yes. It cost about $30 million to make and earned $106 million worldwide, 3.5 times its budget.
What language is About Schmidt in?
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch About Schmidt?
+104GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for About Schmidt in 118 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does About Schmidt use?
TV Tropes lists 79 storytelling tropes for About Schmidt, including Manly Tears, This Loser Is You, Ambiguously Jewish.