Bernie

Based on a real-life case that the director had witnessed at first hand, Linklater tells the story of Bernie Tiede, the universally beloved undertaker from the Texan backwater of Carthage. Despite his sombre profession, which he carries out with great passion, Bernie warms the hearts of those around him with his kindness. When he befriends the wealthy but feared widow Marjorie Nugent, an unusual relationship develops, one increasingly characterised by dependence, control and mounting tension. What begins as a bizarre friendship takes an unexpected turn that shocks the entire town. Linklater directs this blend of black comedy, provincial portrait and crime thriller, drawing in no small part on interviews with witnesses – some real, some played by actors. (tb)

“‘My main focus was on the following question: Can the nicest person in the world actually be capable of (murder)?’ says Linklater, who had befriended Tiede whilst researching the film [and let him stay with him after his release from prison]. ‘The answer is: yes. So anyone who’s too sure of their own behaviour … who knows what someone might be capable of in the wrong kind of relationship?’” (Justin Chang, Variety, June 2014)