Truth is often stranger than fiction, a phrase never more accurate than in the case of Richard Linklater's surprisingly upbeat take on the real life murder mystery involving Bernie Tiede.
In the tiny town of Carthage, Texas, assistant funeral director Bernie Tiede (Jack Black) is one of the town's most beloved residents.
Bernie befriends Marjorie Nugent (Shirley MacLaine), a sour and affluent older widow. Soon Bernie and Marjorie become inseparable and Marjorie becomes very dependent on Bernie, stifling his extroverted personality.
Bernie is forced to quit his job and philanthropic activities in the community, leaving him deflated. Then things suddenly get better for Bernie and he seems his old generous self, while Marjorie is mysteriously absent.
When Marjorie is discovered to have been dead for months Bernie Tiede is charged with murder, to the great surprise of the local community.
Considering the subject matter, Bernie is something of an incredibly uplifting and positive vibed flick. This all stems from Linklater's (Dazed and Confused, School of Rock) masterful abilities to control tone and a stellar performance from Jack Black who is similtaneously subdued comapared to his normal schtick (yet, entirely a "classic Black" too).
There are some great supporting turns from Matthew McConaughey as Carthage's gunslinging sherriff as well as the countless "interview" subjects who shed light on the mythology of Bernie and Marjorie relationship which will have you asking "are they real or are they actors".
However, the film really belongs to Black. This is his "Man on the Moon". The sheer likeability and positivity of Black's performance really helps you understand how an entire town could become so committed to making sure a murderer escaped conviction. If it were anyone else, it just wouldn't work, but Black delivers just the right amount of camp charm and high pants to ensure you leave the cinema chanting "Free Bernie".
An excellent film which couldn't quite be considered funny, nor gripping, yet somehow the most engrossing and feel-good movie I've seen this year.
4 out of 5
Bernie Australian release: 16th August, 2012 Official Site:Bernie Cast: Jack Black, Shirley MacLaine , Matthew McConaughey Director: Richard Linklater
