42/44
I mean, he’d rip you a brand-new, three-bedroom, two-bathroom, double-wide asshole
In a small Texas town, a friendly undertaker befriends a wealthy widow, but when she starts to become controlling, she does everything she can to get out of his clutches. Real-life residents of Carthage, Texas, who knew the real Bernie, Science and Marjorie Nugent, appear in the film to comment on the events. Bernie committed murder in 1996, but she answers her iPhone almost immediately after the murder. Townsperson: [speaking of Marjorie Nugent] He’d chew your ass off at the drop of a hat. No problem. Before the main credits roll, photos of the real-life Bernie and Marjorie together are shown, as well as a short video of Bernie Teide talking to Jack Black.
Love Lifted Me Written by James Rowe and Howard E
According to the film’s Technical Information link, there are two different versions of this film: one 1 hr 39 min (99 min) and the other 1 hr 44 min (104 min) (US). Featured on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: Jack Black/New York City’s Meatball Shop Guys/Beirut (2012). Smith Performed by The Florida Boys Courtesy of World Entertainment Adapted by Warner Music Group Film & TV Licenses. "Bernie" is a pleasant surprise from Richard Linklater and Jack Black – the same team that brought you the 2003 comedy hit “The School of Rock”; now they’ve put together a different kind of comedy – dark. Black works differently in this film – more restrained, focused and at times more intense than in any other film he’s done before. His humor is understated rather than a physical feat, which he says is accomplished by his delightful performance.
I really appreciate the small-town setting of the film
Here’s a guy everyone loves – everyone must love, and who can never say no. The role is both interesting and challenging for him, but he pulls it off brilliantly – perhaps paving the way for more challenging and dramatic roles in the future. Compared to other comedy actors who have attempted more serious turns, he’s not quite as brilliant as, say, Jim Carrey in “The Truman Show” or Adam Sandler in “Punch-Drunk Love” – but he’s on the right track. Shirley MacLaine is also very different here – she has a sweet, slightly cheeky persona in many of her previous recent films, but in this film there’s a cold, condescending aura around her, and his sharp eyes sell it. Matthew McConaughey as the ruthless district attorney has certainly improved his acting – just look at the courtroom scenes. The film is about ‘interviews’ with friendly small-town folk giving the film a quaint and homely feel, while Linklater seamlessly weaves in narrative flashbacks – which brings me to the editing.
Black and Linklater make a good, promising actor-director team
The film moves at a strong clip and never feels rushed or drawn out. The above-average script has just the right amount of screen time to establish the story and characters, especially Bernie. Just when you think the film is ending – there’s always something else interesting happening to keep the audience engaged. Maybe Linklater is the key to unlocking Black’s acting potential. Of course, this is still a ”small” film – small budget and barely any promotion… so hopefully word of mouth will spread how good this dark comedy is.
I didn’t know the film was based on a true story
P.S. This made the film even darker and stranger than it needed to be. Overall rating: 77%
