Bernie Review
Richard Linklater further exemplifies himself as one of the more interesting working directors today by selecting another project that he can adopt further stylistics he hasn’t used before. Now he did have a pseudo documentary feel to parts of Fast Food Nation, but here he takes that format much further by dramatizing in part documentary form the real life story of Bernie Tiede.
Jack Black puts in an astonishing performance as Bernie that one might not expect from him. With Black in place there is ample opportunity for the film to also become part musical as he is required to sing many a tune at the altar. Not quick the Tenacious D aspect of his musical career, but further proof that the man knows how to use his voice quite beautifully.
The tragi-com relationship he has with Marjorie Nugent (Shirley MacLaine) is handled well enough to get the ups and downs of it all. The real joy comes from the interjections of the public who voice their opinions about what was going on and what they thought of each of the individuals. This attitude carries on, even with the DA who becomes involved played by a very game Matthew McConaughey, further steering his indie-credibility towards the shores of acclaim.
This isn’t likely to have you rolling on the isle with laughter, despite the many laughs there are to be had, but it is more than interesting and original enough to keep you glued to the end. Richard Linklater has been picking films you don’t quite expect for over 20 years now, and Bernie is another accomplishment.
Steven Hurst