¨A story so unbelievable it must be true.¨
Bernie is among the top 5 films I`ve seen this
year, and as the tagline suggests this is one of those few movies that you feel
assured is actually true because it`s just too unbelievable to be made up. We
all know that most films based on true stories are almost completely fictional
except for a few details, but here we have a really interesting story that even
used some of the real people involved in an interview format that gave the
movie a documentary like feeling. I really loved this film directed by the
great Richard Linklater (Slackers, Dazed and Confused, Before Sunset) who made
independent movies popular in the early 90`s. Once more the story takes place
in his beloved Texas, with people who he`s very familiar with, and so the film
turns out to be a great character study while at the same time combining dark comedy,
drama, and suspense. All these elements mixed together combined with a great
performance from Jack Black, Matthew McConaughey, and Shirley MacLaine make for
a near perfect movie. Bernie really took me by surprise, just like Jack Black
did with what I think is his best performance ever; I had a great time watching
this. The small rural town of Carthage in Texas is also a main character in
this film as we meet its people who all seem to adore Bernie as much as I did this
movie.
The film is narrated in a semi documentary
style as we have the story taking place and it being interrupted by several
interviews of the Carthage townspeople who share their opinion about Bernie
(Jack Black). The interview serves to continue the flow of the movie as at
first they explain how Bernie arrived at their small town. Bernie, an expert
mortician, is hired by a funeral director to assist him and from the very
beginning he has everyone`s admiration for being such a hardworking loveable
and caring guy. He makes friends easily and very soon has the admiration of the
entire town. He not only assists the funeral director, but is always willing to
go the extra mile offering special funeral services like singing for them or
offering special words. He also helps out in several theater plays in the
community and serves as the music minister for the local church. Everyone in
Carthage likes him and has only but good things to say about him. After Marjorie
Nugent`s (Shirley MacLaine) husband passes away, the wealthy widow befriends
Bernie. Everyone in town hates Marjorie because she is really mean spirited,
even her family has stopped communicating with her for years and even has filed
lawsuits against her, but somehow Bernie found a way to get to her. The
unlikely duo turn into good friends and travel the world together, but after
some time Marjorie turns completely dependent on Bernie and he begins to feel
like he`s in a prison with her. This leads Bernie to do something he will
regret for the rest of his life.
Bernie is a film based on character study, and
a very good one at that because you have a very interesting lead character. He
is a very friendly, caring, and giving man that everyone likes. At the same
time he seems to be concerned about what others think of him and is always
looking for their approval and acceptance. He isn’t concerned about the money
as he is with receiving acceptance and that is why he is always giving things
to others and helping them. For this reason he can´t find a way to leave
Marjorie because he knows he will break her heart and he doesn’t want anyone
not to like him. This is not only Jack Black`s best performance to date, but in
my opinion it is the best male lead performance of the year and he should
receive recognition for his portrayal of Bernie. He is excellent in this film
and Jack Black fans should see this movie. This is the second time he has
teamed up with director Richard Linklater after School of Rock, but this is a
much mature performance and greater movie. Shirley MacLaine is also great in
her role as the mean and demanding Marjorie, but we`ve all seen her deliver
these performances in the past. Matthew McConaughey also gives a great
performance as the town`s District Attorney and he does a good job without
going over the top with his character. Bernie really caught me by surprise and
I really enjoyed the movie.
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