An indie film that can't easily be pigeonholed is Richard Linklater's Bernie, a docudrama about a real life event in an East Texas small town in which the town's nicest and most beloved man, an extravagant funeral director here played by a restrained Jack Black, murders the wicked old widow he'd become a slave to. The twist is that the town didn't want to see him prosecuted for it. Though Linklater uses Jack Black, Shirley MacLaine, Matthew McConnaghey and other actors to play the story, he also uses the real town folk of Carthage, TX as "gossips" who speak directly to camera and tell the story as it was actually reported in the day, all hearsay and opinion. Some of it is scripted, some improvised, and some probably actual recollections. It works as a dark comedy, but the documentary testimonials are the best bit.
Excellent performance by Jack Black. He really shines through in the role of Bernie, and he did the historical character justice. I turned on the movie for the Matthew McConaughey scenes but i definitely stayed for those of Jack Black.
What a fantastic movie, and I am the better for having watched it. A wonderful vehicle for Jack Black's singing (Would I watch him in The Music Man over the latest Lion King wannabe go-nowhere? You bet your bottom dollar I would! Stop trying to remake Lion King, Broadway!)
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Siskoid
An indie film that can't easily be pigeonholed is Richard Linklater's Bernie, a docudrama about a real life event in an East Texas small town in which the town's nicest and most beloved man, an extravagant funeral director here played by a restrained Jack Black, murders the wicked old widow he'd become a slave to. The twist is that the town didn't want to see him prosecuted for it. Though Linklater uses Jack Black, Shirley MacLaine, Matthew McConnaghey and other actors to play the story, he also uses the real town folk of Carthage, TX as "gossips" who speak directly to camera and tell the story as it was actually reported in the day, all hearsay and opinion. Some of it is scripted, some improvised, and some probably actual recollections. It works as a dark comedy, but the documentary testimonials are the best bit.MilenaFlaherty
I loved this. Loved the one character's 'map of Texas.'thekure23
Excellent performance by Jack Black. He really shines through in the role of Bernie, and he did the historical character justice. I turned on the movie for the Matthew McConaughey scenes but i definitely stayed for those of Jack Black.computer
lol at thinking this is a crime dramaJoker of Gotham
The best Jack Black performance ever, he did a great job, the plot is based on true events, but I wasn't expecting that ending4/5
kaffy
What a fantastic movie, and I am the better for having watched it. A wonderful vehicle for Jack Black's singing (Would I watch him in The Music Man over the latest Lion King wannabe go-nowhere? You bet your bottom dollar I would! Stop trying to remake Lion King, Broadway!)Earring72
Very good black comedy. Jack Black is terrific. Only the interviews were starting too get repetitive and there were just too many interview scenes.Tyler
Great movie. Well worth watching!jeremydw
Such a great film. I've watched it multiple times and just thoroughly enjoy it. Perfect length, interesting story, great acting.nakedhaloboi
Good moviebitchypixels
Jack Black can do anything and I love him for it. Great film.roxannepena
It's different and Jack Black is perfect.SvayamBhagavan
The best Jack Black film I've seen in a while.VETTE1
This film was much funnier than I was expecting. The interviews with the locals were just great. Jack Black was excellent.Prof. Lumpcicle
Crime drama? I thought it was hilarious.Showing items 1 – 15 of 17