Bernie

Richard Linklater blends semi-documentary style with dark comedy and tragic real-life events in an exceptional way. Based on the murder of a wealthy widow in Carthage Texas in 1996 ,this film gives viewers an interesting insight  into small town life and how the people there dealt with this situation.

   Local assistant mortician Bernie Tiede (Jack Black) ,a beloved member of the community ,becomes the only friend of the wealthy,widowed Marjorie Nugent (Shirley MacLaine),who is widely hated by the other townsfalk. Bernie and Mrs Nugent start going everywhere and doing everything together. It isn't long before he grows weary of Mrs Nugent's insulting comments and shoots her four times in the back.  He continues to manage her affairs while lying to the townsfalk and deceiving into thinking she is still alive.  Finally he gets caught by the police.  The local district attorney , Danny Buck (Matthew McConaughey) charges Bernie with premeditated murder. The strange thing is when he's found out ,no one is outraged and wanting to see him stand trial.  Bernie is portrayed as a nice man in this film.  Even though he kills an old woman,it's hard to have a harsh feelings for this guy.

Jack Black is a revelation in the lead role of a chubby, likable man whose noble spirit and inner goodness are capable enough to make his community forgive his sins.  Matthew McConaughey is terrific as the ruthless district attorney who prosecutes Bernie despite the overwhelming public sentiment to leave the poor guy alone.  Maclaine delivers a great performance as Marjorie, an irritating old woman whome everybody hates in town.  Linklater here uses real townsfolk to help narrate the story through their own recollections of the events. It is one of the most  enthusiastically quirky pictures of the last year.