Bernie

You might think you know what to expect when director Richard Linklater and star Jack Black (who previously worked together in the charming School of Rock) reunite, but I assure you that Bernie is beyond what you would expect. This is a laid back, sweetly dry, and offbeat true crime story about murder in the small Texas town Carthage. The movie seems to be going for somewhat of a Coen Brothers-vibe, mixing murder with nonsensical humor, and while it doesn't quite reach the heights it strives for, it's highly entertaining, and contains Black's best performance in years.

It's also the kind of movie you'll probably think back on when its over. After seeing Bernie, I was thinking back on all the details that the filmmakers had given, as well as the outcome, and whether everyone involved in the story got what they deserved. The movie mixes recreation footage with actual documentary-style interviews with some of the townspeople who were involved in the actual murder case surrounding a man named Bernie Tiede. As portrayed by Black during the recreation sequences, Bernie is an overly kind and cheerful assistant director at a Carthage funeral home with a passion for comforting recently widowed old ladies, musical show tunes, and a clean lifestyle with an emphasis on the local church, and even giving inspirational pep speeches to the little league team. Bernie is generally loved by the community.

On the opposite side of the Carthage public spectrum is an old woman by the name of Marjorie Nugent (a wonderfully icy Shirley MacLaine). She is hateful, has a perpetual scowl or frown, and clutches her purse closely whenever the matter of charity is brought up. When her husband, a wealthy bank owner, passes away, Bernie shows up at her door to comfort her with flowers. This begins a bizarre relationship that some in the community think might have led to them being more than friends, especially when Bernie starts following Marjorie everywhere she goes, and even accompanies him on luxury vacations to New York and Paris. At first, it seems like Bernie might be good for Marjorie, as his attention and devotion seems to be the first thing that's made her happy in a long time. But then, over time, she becomes possessive and controlling. She manipulates Bernie into doing everything for her, to the point that he has no personal freedom, and is ever at her beck and call.

That's right around the point that Marjorie disappears. No one seems to take much notice of this, mind you, since Marjorie was the most hated person in the community, and had no real friends or family. Besides, why should they doubt Bernie's claim that the old bat suffered a series of strokes, and is currently residing in an old folk's community in another town? The townsfolk aren't even suspicious when Bernie suddenly starts spending Marjorie's money on lavish gifts to help other people in the community. Eventually, someone does notice, and district attorney Danny Buck Davidson (Matthew McConaughey) decides to investigate Marjorie's home. At first, nothing seems suspicious. But then, he notices the freezer in garage just happens to be taped shut.

The movie makes it plainly clear about Bernie Tiede's actions, but it goes on to ask whether he was a cold-blooded and calculating killer, or was he merely a man who was faced with a desperate and horrible situation, became scared, and saw no other way out? Bernie offers no easy answers, which is the way it should be, and is also the reason why it stayed with me long after I was done watching it. I kept on thinking back on the facts presented, and the outcome of Bernie's trail, which serves as the climax. I was also intrigued by the film's semi-documentary format, featuring a number of interviews with locals who chat with the camera in such a breezy and laid back manner, you almost forget they're talking about a murder case at times. The movie is smart to use its authentic Texas atmosphere, as it gives the film a certain sense of place, and does a great job of placing us in the middle of the action.

And then there is Jack Black, who is quite funny and sympathetic as the titular character. Throughout the movie, we wonder if the actual Bernie Tiede could really be as charmingly dorky as Black portrays him. We get our answers during the end credits, when we see a brief clip of him talking to the actual guy. This is a rare role that plays up to all of Black's acting strength, as it allows him to be a sweet oddball, and shows off his singing on more than one occasion. The character of Bernie could have easily dipped into parody, but Black knows how to restrain himself, and make him into a very bizarre individual, yes, but one that seems like could actually exist. It's an amazing performance, and almost worth seeing the movie for it alone.

Bernie has a lot of quiet, unassuming charm, which I guess is why it caught me off guard. It seems like a light comedy, but the story it tells is anything but. And yet, for all its talk of murder and the justice system, the movie remains breezy, thanks to the character of Bernie. He is a man who did something horrible, but he is not exactly a calculating killer. The movie seems to think that Mr. Tiede was a man who made a lot of bad decisions, and when it was over, I kind of agreed with it. The documentary-style sequences allow us to hear from different sides, and while the movie does tip heavily toward Bernie's supporters, the other side of the argument does get represented, usually from McConaughey's character. We're obviously free to make up our own minds in the end.

Whatever you end up thinking of Bernie Tiede, there's no denying that this is a highly effective film that offers a lot of charm, some gentle laughs, and gives you a lot to think over when it's finished. The movie's currently playing in limited release, but I can imagine it having a wide appeal, especially thanks to Black's performance. Hopefully it will go wider. If it doesn't, Bernie is worth the trouble seeking out.

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