Bernie

BERNIE

Directed and written by Richard Linklater

With Jack Black, Shirley McLaine and Matthew McConaughy

In 1997 a well-liked small-town Texas undertaker was accused of murdering his companion, a much-reviled elderly wealthy widow. “Bernie,” a unique dark comedy, tells this real-life story, a bizarre crime tale if ever there was one.

And it is a charming story.

Richard Linklater directed and wrote “Bernie” and it is clear that nobody understands the everyday lives of common folk as he does. The film is interspersed with interviews with some of the real residents of Carthage, Texas, where the story unfolds. The accents alone are enough to keep you smiling.

Bernie Tiede (Jack Black) is an assistant undertaker in his 30s, a church-going Methodist who is probably the biggest-hearted and kindest fellow you could meet. He is beloved by his community, especially the older ladies. He is proud of his work and always has a smile and genuine concern for the townspeople.  

The most-hated woman in Carthage is the unpleasant Marjorie Nugent (Shirley McLaine), who is also the wealthiest person in town. Her husband dies and Bernie is the undertaker. Bernie feels sorry for her and befriends her, and eventually they become companions. 

They travel the world together, going first class all the way. But Marjorie becomes impossible, making Bernie her servant, her prisoner. She fires her help, and he does everything for her. He is always good natured and positive—until one day when she nags once too often. Marjorie disappears, but nobody really misses her.

She is finally found nine months later. Slick District attorney Danny Buck Davidson (Mathew McConaughy),who is after fame and fortune, is on a crusade to prosecute Bernie for her murder. The townspeople are convinced Bernie could not have murdered Marjorie. Even though he confesses, he is just too kind and too good a guy. She had it coming.

“Bernie” really can’t be pigeonholed. Is it a comedy or a docudrama or a true crime story? It’s all three.

Director/writer Linklater has blurred the line between real life and dramatization. It is film about small town life with a murderous twist. 

Bernie’s homosexuality is hinted at, but no one is town is bothered by his sexual orientation. Jack Black does Academy Award-level work here. He is simply brilliant, giving a very strong, very distinctive performance.

You would want him as your friend.

Shirley McLaine, who hasn’t been working much of late, does a great job as the nasty widow who looks like she just ate a sour lemon. You would not want her as your friend. In fact, Marjory Nugent had no friends; even her relatives avoided her. The give and take between Ms. McLaine and Mr. Black is terrific.

“Bernie” is a juicy story, perfectly told by outtakes of the people in Carthage, some real, some actors. 

It is a whimsical tale about a murder, but it is more about life in a small town in Texas; a story about ordinary people. It is the sweetest true crime story you could ever see. And I hope you do.