Richard Linklater's "Bernie" is very enjoyable, and it's funny in a dark, unique way. Jack Black gives a wonderful performance as the title character, a mortician and funeral director who appears to have no gender and no sexuality. But ultimately the film doesn't have much to say. It's a good time, and it's worth seeing. But don't expect too much. The film is set in east Texas and is based on actual events. A very unique funeral director becomes the most beloved person in his town, surprisingly enough. When he commits a shocking murder, the town rallies around him, calling to mind "Dog Day Afternoon." The best thing by far, however, are the interviews with actual east Texans who knew the real Bernie. Somehow Linklater is able to get these people to express themselves on camera, using their wildly colorful local slang, and I howled out loud many times. But it's not a very strong statement about the film that the interviews are the best part.
June 19, 2012
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