NZIFF 2012 Review: ‘Bernie’

If you’ve seen Jack Black in a film before and think you know him, think again. In Bernie, Jack Black gives the performance of his career as a Texas funeral director’s assistant named Bernie Tiede.

Based on a true story, that was first published in Texas Monthly, the film opens with showing us what a prince of a man Bernie is. He’s gentle, tactful and has a real way with older women, especially widows. No-one has a bad word to say about him.

When Marjorie Nugent’s husband dies, he’s there for her, even when she makes it clear she doesn’t need anyone. She’s as widely disliked as Bernie is liked, but Bernie seems to find something in her that no one else can and soon the pair are seen all over the place together.

It’s never made clear just what Bernie sees in this mean old lady. Certainly she’s rich – and being with her affords Bernie luxuries he’s not used to, but there seems to be more to it. It’s definitely not sex – more than one townsfolk alludes to the fact he may be gay, although no one seems to care much. Whatever the reason, Bernie and Marjorie are soon doing everything together.

But nothing is what it seems, and after a while Bernie shoots Marjorie four times in the back.

This is where the film really starts to get fun. Using the knowledge of people he’s gleaned from years as a funeral director, Bernie manages to conceal her death for months. It’s only the suspicions of a local District Attorney that eventually uncover the murderous secret. But even here, Bernie manages to act with dignity and decorum.

This is an oddly wonderful film. It feels like a documentary in parts, but the story is so outlandish you almost can’t believe it. And as Bernie, Jack Black gives such a transcendent performance you can’t take your eyes off him.

8.5/10