Director Richard Linklater (“Dazed and Confused,” “School of Rock”) teams back up with Matthew McConaughey and Jack Black with the addition of Academy Award winner Shirley MacLaine (“Terms of Endearment”) in “Bernie.” It tells the story of one of the most peculiar murder stories ever to befall the small Texas town of Carthage. The film is a dark comedy that is told through interviews with the actual townsfolk who knew the people involved, but at the same time being a dramatization of the events that occurred.
The story takes place in the 1990’s with Jack Black in the title role as Bernhardt “Bernie” Tiede. Black gives one of the best performances of his career as a social and incredibly nice town mortician or “assistant funeral director.” Having an extreme admiration for older women, he soon falls in love with his polar opposite – the rude and possessive Marjorie Nugent (MacLaine). Once Tiede’s metaphoric imprisonment gets to an uncontrollable height, he explodes in the form of four gunshots to the back of Mrs. Nugent, killing her.
Bernie then continues to spend Nugent’s money while making it seem as though she is still alive. Matthew McConaughey plays the suspicious District Attorney Danny Buck Davidson who stands in opposition to the townsfolk’s uncertainties about the exact details of the murder, once Nugent’s body is found. Nugent was incredibly unpopular which leads people to think that Tiede did a good thing for the community, especially since he lives to improve it by generous donations otherwise.
“Bernie” is a Texan’s movie, being more easily comedic to people from the Lone Star State. Linklater, being a Houstonian, made the film for a modest estimate of $6 million. How that will translate in terms of box office and critical success may not be stellar over all, but Texans will enjoy it thoroughly – especially with the fantastic screenplay, interesting characters, and hilarious performances.
This small independent film from veterans of the craft of filmmaking is a gem. It is also one of the seemingly few films that remain loyal to the “based on a true story” line. Having actual footage of the people who knew the story first hand talk about it adds a special aspect of truth and comedy. Linklater shows life in small town Texas in the best way possible with an accurate dramatization that turns the tragic into comedy. The cast also includes Richard Robichaux and Larry Jack Dotson, also from Texas. Also, for the hardcore Richard Linklater fans – be sure to keep an eye out for an uncredited cameo appearance.
“Bernie” is now playing in select theaters.
