Sunday, October 7, 2012

Bernie Trailer (Jack Black - 2012)

BERNIE-The lovable killer....






I'm so glad to be returning to you once more with this wonderful movie.
"Bernie"
An unlikely story based on true events between the lovable gay mortician Bernhardt "Bernie" Tiede (played impeccably by one of my all time favourites Jack Black)who befriends the extremely wealthy and recently widowed Marjorie Nugent (played by the timeless Shirley Maclaine)
We are introduced to the character of Bernie as the movie begins with a detailed demonstration of how one successfully prepares a corpse for burial.Here we see a chipper chap who clearly respects and almost understands his deceased fellows.I knew at this stage we were in for an unusual journey....
On his arrival to Catharage, Texas, Bernie quickly assumes a pivotal role in the small community. There seems nothing this polite young man can't do. From assistant funeral manager to director and performer in the local High School production.
I must say some of my favourite scenes were when we got a taste of Blacks real incredible singing voice. His range covered everything from country and western ballads,to Church hymns to operetta. Like Bernie himself,Black is one multi skilled performer.
Bernie lavishes his presence on Marjorie Nugent when the rest of the small town have long since discarded here as an evil witch. The two forge a unique friendship that sees them taking overseas trips together,getting pedicures even liasing on stocks and bonds. All possible through Marjorie picking up the bill.
All is well until Marjorie attempts to assume total control over Bernies life.Not allowing him to have any outside friends or time without her.
As the story goes,Tiede becomes totally consumed by Majories dominance and instead of simply saying hey Marjorie thanks for the memories. He shoots her dead four times in the back.This is before storing her in a deep freezer for 9 months untill he could decide what to do.
Strange but true my friends.
The rest of the film details the case against Bernie. The almost unrecognizable Matthew McConaughey plays DA Danny Buck Davidson. I am really beginning to believe that Matthew is much more than just a pretty face. Especially after seeing him as the only saving grace in "Magic Mike". This Southern hottie has plenty to offer.
DA Danny Buck sure has his work cut out for him. It seems the whole town of Catharage is behind their boy Bernie. That Bernie almost had no choice but to murder the old biddy.
Bernie claims temporary insanity for the shooting of Marjorie but that doesn't justify the following nine months where she laid frozen dead while Bernie continued to dip into here insurmountable wealth.
The DA was skillfully able to attribute Bernies continued lavish expenses to his desire to continue living a wealthy existence. One that had not been afforded him until Marjorie came into his life.
This film was cleverly made. The bulk of the dialogue consisted of interviews with the towns folk. Clearly replicating the dramatic effect of the murder on a small town. The characters were highly oppinionated and larger than life.Not to far from what you could imagine in a small town.
Shirley Maclaine although a small part never fails to deliver. This role was slightly reminiscent of "wezer" in "Steel Magnolias". She craftily illustrated a woman who had been reborn by Bernies arrival in her life.Although when things didn't go her way we saw her evil potential. Great casting.
Mr Jack Black WAS Bernardt Tiede. At the completion of the film, I watched some you tube footage of the real life man. Black had his accent,subtle mannerisms,the look (he obviously put on a significant amount of weight on for the role)square on the money. It just illustrates how much more we can look forward to from this talent laden man.
"Bernie" was unpredictably funny as it was shocking. The theatrical performance by Black made it award worthy and I would highly recommend you seeing it as soon as you can.
The incredible thing about "Bernie" is that it is largely based on a true story.
I will conclude with what Oscar Wilde says about the truth:

“The pure and simple truth is rarely pure and never simple.”


JAX LIKES!