Bernie (2011)

In small-town Texas, an affable mortician strikes up a friendship with a wealthy widow, though when she starts to become controlling, he goes to great lengths to separate himself from her grasp.

Director:

Richard Linklater

Writers:

Skip Hollandsworth (based on the article in Texas Monthly by), Richard Linklater (screenplay)

Stars:

Jack Black, Shirley MacLaine, Matthew McConaughey

Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 10 wins & 18 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jack Black	...	Bernie Tiede
Shirley MacLaine	...	Marjorie Nugent
Matthew McConaughey	...	Danny Buck
Brady Coleman	...	Scrappy Holmes
Richard Robichaux	...	Lloyd Hornbuckle
Rick Dial	...	Don Leggett
Brandon Smith	...	Sheriff Huckabee
Larry Jack Dotson	...	Rev. Woodard
Merrilee McCommas	...	Molly
Mathew Greer	...	Carl (as Matthew Greer)
Marjorie Dome	...	Townsperson
Tim Cariker	...	Townsperson
Fern Luker	...	Townsperson
Jack Payne	...	Townsperson
Sonny Carl Davis	...	Townsperson (as Sonny Davis)

Storyline

We meet Bernie Tiede (1958- ), a chubby undertaker, who takes pride in his work. He's a Gospel-singing tenor. In a series of interviews with townspeople, mixed with flashbacks, we follow Bernie: he arrives in Carthage, Texas (pop. 7,000), where old ladies adore him; he befriends a wealthy, mean-spirited widow named Marjorie Nugent; they become companions in both daily routines and expensive vacations. Among those interviewed, only her stockbroker and Danny Buck, the local district attorney, are unsympathetic toward the sunny, sometimes saccharine Bernie. Marjorie changes from sour and alone to happy with Bernie; then she gets possessive. What will sweet Bernie do?

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Plot Keywords:

based on article | east texas | murder trial | funeral home | based on true story | 

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Taglines:

A story so unbelievable it must be true.

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Genres:

Biography | Comedy | Crime | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for some violent images and brief strong language

Did You Know?

Trivia

Both Jack Black and Shirley Maclaine are musical stars. (Jack Black starred in School of Rock, Maclaine starred in Sweet Charity).

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Goofs

In the beginning of the movie where he is driving into Carthage, there are reflections of his vehicle which show a camera assembly on the passenger side of the vehicle with crew sitting in the seats.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Professor Fleming: I'm very honored to introduce our guest lecturer today. He graduated from here about 15 years ago. He's gone on to a fabulous career. I can't think of a single person who's more qualified or more adept at the final procedures you've been studying lately. Now you've learned the science. Now's your chance to learn the art. Students, Mr. Bernie Tiede...

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Crazy Credits

During the main credits, there are more commentary clips of the 'townspeople'. The last clip is of James Baker singing the song he wrote about the events.

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Connections

References Driving Miss Daisy (1989)

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Soundtracks

Just As I Am
Written by Charlotte Elliott and William B. Bradbury (as Wm B. Bradbury)
Performed by Jack Black

User Reviews

Texas True!

I had the privilege of seeing this film in Austin last month. Mr. Linklater was among the thousands devastated by the fires in Bastrop county and with his hard work and help from Jack Black and crew they turned the screening into a fundraiser to help the fire victims. They raised over $155,000. It was a great event. The movie was the best part. If you live or have lived in a small town anywhere in America you'll 'get' this movie and you won't be able to stop laughing. If you're in Texas or you hate Texas, it'll be just that much better. The characters are real, the acting is superb. Jack is at the top of his game and Mathew did an outstanding job. He played his role right on the edge, always close to going over the top but never getting there. Shirley is a gem and acted like I've never seen her before. Thank you Richard for your film and your efforts in Bastrop. My farm survived, but too many friends lost everything. Oh, and thanks for letting me be in this film. Woohoo that's me at the end Ma!!

Details

Official Sites:

Millennium Entertainment [United States] Official site [Japan]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

22 June 2012 (Iceland)

Also Known As:

Bernie

Filming Locations:

Lockhart, Texas, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$5,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$85,805, 29 April 2012

Gross USA:

$9,206,470

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$10,173,061

Company Credits

Production Co:

Mandalay Vision, Wind Dancer Productions, Detour Filmproduction

Technical Specs

Runtime:

99 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1