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Bernie

6.2

5,081

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Original title

Bernie

Year

2011

Running time

99 min.

Country

United States

Director

Richard Linklater

Screenwriter

Richard Linklater, Skip Hollandsworth

Cast

Music

Graham Reynolds

Cinematography

Dick Pope

Producer

Castle Rock Entertainment, Collins House Productions, Detour Filmproduction, Wind Dancer Productions, Mandalay Vision, Horsethief Pictures

Genre

Comedy. Drama | Black Comedy. Small Town Life (North-american). 1990s. Crime. Based on a true story. Comedy-Drama. Courtroom Drama / Lawyers. Independent Film (US)

Synopsis

Based on a real-life story. In the tiny, rural town of Carthage, TX, assistant funeral director Bernie Tiede (Jack Black) was one of the town's most beloved residents. He taught Sunday school, sang in the church choir and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Everyone loved and appreciated Bernie, so it came as no surprise when he befriended Marjorie Nugent (Shirley MacLaine), an affluent widow who was as well known for her sour attitude as her fortune. Bernie frequently traveled with Marjorie and even managed her banking affairs. Marjorie quickly became fully dependent on Bernie and his generosity, and Bernie struggled to meet her increasing demands. Bernie continued to handle her affairs, and the townspeople went months without seeing Marjorie. The people of Carthage were shocked when it was reported that Marjorie Nugent had been dead for some time, and Bernie Tiede was being charged with the murder.

Awards: 2012: Golden Globes: Nominated to Best Actor Comedy (Jack Black)

2012: Independent Spirit Awards: Nominated for Best Film and Actor (Jack Black)

2012: Gotham Awards: Nominated for Best Film & Best Ensemble Cast

2012: New York Film Critics Circle: Best Supp. Actor (McConaughey). 2 Nominations

2012: Critics Choice Awards: 3 nominations, including Best Comedy Film

2012: National Society of Film Critics (NSFC): Best Supporting Actor.

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Critics' reviews

"I had to forget what I knew about Black. He creates this character out of thin air, it's like nothing he's done before, and it proves that an actor can be a miraculous thing in the right role."

Roger Ebert: Chicago Sun-Times
"A troubling, quirky gem. (...) 'Bernie' unfolds into many equally rich narrative strand (...) Rating: ★★★ (out of four)"

Ann Hornaday: The Washington Post
"Gaudily vibrant, at times morbidly funny"

Manohla Dargis: The New York Times
"No use trying to describe 'Bernie'. It's a one-of-a-kind inspiration. You will never feel closer to a convicted killer. Rating: ★★★ (out of 4)"

Peter Travers: Rolling Stone
"Instead of exploring something bigger, like the origins of Bernie's need for the company of elderly ladies (...), Linklater limits the story and mood to black comedy"

Mary F. Pols: Time
"A unique work, a special film, a wonderful story, amazing characters; you'll watch the end credits with a big smile on your face."

Andrew L. Urban: Urbancinefile

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User history

Bernie

2011

Richard Linklater

6.2

(5,081)