About Schmidt by Alexander Payne and Jim Taylor inspired by the novel by Louis Begley second draft May 8, 2000EXT. MUTUAL OF OMAHA HEADQUARTERS - DAY The very structure suggests sturdiness and reliability. INT. WARREN SCHMIDT’S OFFICE - DAY A WALL CLOCK READS 4:58. WARREN SCHMIDT, 66, sits at his desk looking up at the clock. The desk is completely clear except for a telephone. Next to the desk are several large CARDBOARD BOXES. They are marked “SCHMIDT ACTIVE DOCUMENTS,” and “SCHMIDT FILES ARCHIVE.” Warren looks at the clock again -- 4:59 and thirty seconds. He remains motionless for a full thirty second: THE SECOND HAND finally rounds 12. WARREN STANDS, puts on his jacket, walks to the door. He wistfully pats the boxes, takes one last look, turns out the light, closes the door. OFF SCREEN -- Cheers followed “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.” Then -- a THUNDERBOLT. INT./EXT. CADILLAC - WIGHT RAIN. THROUGH THE WINDSBIELD -- Warren drives. His wife HELEN, 64, sits next to him. OPENING CREDITS begin, wiped on and off by the windshield wipers. Helen spots something up ahead. HELEN Look, Warren -- your name in lights! Warren leans forward and makes out -- THE BIG NEON SIGN for Gorat’s Steakhouse. Below, awkwardly spaced letters spell out “Happy Retirement Warren Schmidt.” Warren nods slightly, leans back in his seat.EXT. GORAT’S STEAKHOUSE - WIGHT The Cadillac pulls into the PARKING LOT. Credits continue. INT. GORAT’S STEAKHOUSE BANQUET ROOM- WIGET ON THE WALLS -- framed PHOTOGRAPHS of prize-winning cattle that have been slaughtered for this fine Omaha eatery. WARREN eats his steak. WIDE -- Twenty or so people sit around a T-shaped table. Warren and Helen sit at the head. On a side table lie wrapped gifts. Warren happens to be seated right where two tables are joined. He tries crossing his legs and must mask his discomfort. GARY NORDIN, 34, Clinks a greasy knife on his water glass. His neck is thick, and his Brooks Brothers collar is too tight. GARY For my part, I'd just like to say, warren, that as the new guy taking over for you, T hope I can fill your shoes, because from the looks of the people here and what they think of you, they sure seem awfully big. General courtesy laughter. Credits continue. GARY (CONT’D) As most of you know I recently moved here from Hartford with my wife Sandy here and Kimberly, our 14-month-old, and you've all just made us feel so welcome, and Warren, I want you to feel just as welcome to drop by the office to visit anytime you want. As we've been discussing in the last couple weeks, I might have some questions to’ask you about our various accounts and such. So- here's to you, Warren. He raises his water glass in an awkward toast gesture. All join in. Warren manages a smile as everyone mumbles some variation of “yere's to Warren,” or “We're sure going to miss you,” or “Good luck, Warren.”