Bernie – Lynn Venhaus (Belleville News-Democrat)
What It’s About: A fascinating true-crime story with a dark comedy undertone, “Bernie” depicts a pillar of a small town who was arrested for the murder of a wealthy widow (Shirley MacLaine) in 1997, and the legal circus that ensued. Did he snap? Was he a con artist? The local townsfolk rally round their beloved model citizen (Jack Black), much to the chagrin of the hot-dog D.A. (Matthew McConaughey) and the dismay of mean Marjorie’s family. After her husband died, the prickly Marjorie lets nice Bernie into her life. He becomes the confidante and constant companion of the old biddy, soon accustomed to a luxurious...
Bernie – Reelworld (Kent Tentschert/Carol Hemphill)
CAROL’s Take:
In 1996, 39-year-old Bernie Tiede (Jack Black) shot his multi-millionaire traveling companion, 81-year-old Marjorie Nugent (Shirley MacLaine), four times in the back. He hid the body, intact, in her garage freezer for nine months until suspicious relatives and authorities discovered her remains.
Granted, this story line does not read like a “laugh out loud” comedy. But in the hands of director, Richard Linklater, that’s exactly what “Bernie” is.
Bernie, an assistant funeral director, church choir leader and community theater star, was one of the most popular men in Carthage, Texas. He infused all his interactions...
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