By THOMAS BOND
Richard Linklater’s newest film, Bernie, is the true story of an East Texas Asst. Funeral Director who snapped and shot his long-time friend and confidante, a cantankerous old lady, four times in the back. Linklater, a Texas native, shot the film almost as if it were a personal project, embracing the quirky small town and its (in)famous golden boy, who is played with inspired, emotional gusto by Jack Black. Give this guy an Oscar nod, at the very least! Black consumes the character, and we feel his every thought, it seems, even so much as to completely understand his murderous ways. Was he wrong? Absolutely, and Matthew McConaughey’s excellent district attorney sees that he goes to prison for his crimes. But the townspeople, shown in intermittent interviews that provide an incredible feel for the town, wouldn’t even convict him of hurting a fly, much less an old woman (played by a grumpy Shirley MacLaine) who was hated by everyone in town. So, the trial has to be moved to another county to get a fair trial. Bernie is a great film, filled with quirk and heart. Stay through all of the credits for some extra special treats.
Movie info from IMDb.com
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