TEHRAN- “About Schmidt”, a 2002 movie directed by American film director and screenwriter Alexander Payne, will go on screen at the Andisheh Cultural Center in Tehran on Monday. 

A review session will be held with the presence of the film critics Mehdi Soltani and Mohsen Soleimani Fakher after the screening. 

In "About Schmidt," Warren Schmidt, an actuary from Omaha, Nebraska, faces the challenges of retirement after decades of service at Woodmen of the World, a life insurance company. Following a lackluster retirement dinner, he struggles to find purpose in a life that suddenly feels aimless and meaningless.

In an attempt to fill the void, Warren decides to sponsor an African foster child through Plan USA. He receives information about his foster child, a young boy named Ndugu Umbo from Tanzania, and embarks on a heartfelt journey of self-reflection. Schmidt begins writing Ndugu a series of candid letters, sharing his experiences, feelings, and the isolation he has long felt in his marriage to his late wife, Helen, who has recently passed away due to a blood clot. Schmidt grapples with memories of their lifelong alienation, coupled with regret for not appreciating her more.

Warren's life takes another emotional turn when his daughter, Jeannie, returns home for the funeral. Tensions arise as Jeannie scolds her father for taking Helen for granted and making poor financial decisions regarding the purchase of a motorhome and Helen's burial. Struggling with his loneliness, Schmidt spirals into a state of despair, neglecting self-care and living in isolation. He inadvertently discovers old love letters revealing Helen's affair with a mutual friend, Ray, and confronts Ray in a moment of betrayal and anger. 

Determined to repair his relationship with Jeannie before she marries her fiancé, Randall, a waterbed salesman, Schmidt embarks on a journey in the newly purchased Winnebago. He visits nostalgic places from his past, including his college campus and childhood home, which has been transformed into a tire shop. Along the way, he encounters a sympathetic couple at a trailer campground, but finds himself floundering when he makes an awkward advance toward the wife.

As he reflects on his life and relationships while sitting atop his RV on a starry night, Schmidt experiences a moment of forgiveness toward Helen and his own shortcomings, encouraged by a meteor streaking across the sky. Upon arriving in Denver, Schmidt grapples with Jeannie’s impending marriage and the eccentricities of Randall's family. Despite his discomfort, he supports Jeannie at the wedding but cannot hide his disapproval.

After the ceremony, Schmidt returns home, burdened by questions of his life's significance and the legacy he will leave behind. He receives a heartfelt letter from Ndugu's nun, expressing gratitude for Schmidt's support, revealing that Ndugu, at six years old, is unable to read his letters but appreciates them nonetheless. Enclosed is a crayon drawing of Ndugu and Schmidt holding hands under a sunny sky, moving Schmidt to tears and reminding him that his actions have made a difference, however small. This moment signifies a renewed sense of purpose and connection as he contemplates the impact he can still have on others.

SAB/