Richard Linklater is a hell of a director. He somehow managed to direct this film featuring three actors (Jack Black, Matthew McConaughey, and Shirley MacLaine) who are basically famous for over-the-top hamming and dominating films with their tics and exaggerated personas, and coax from them subdued and subtle performances that are funny and distinctive but do not distract, and which integrate gently and elegantly with the story. When people throw around praise for directors, it always seems to be focused on camera-work and flashy technique, so much so that if the film also has really bad performances (War Horse? Hugo?) the director is completely given a pass. Not here at Irreviews! How about an Academy Award for Linklater, for taming these three clowns in the same film?

I might also add that his direction of the real-life town-folk who provide the color-commentary throughout the film is also marvelous. These people come across like first-rate character actors. I can’t imaging how he got their performances so smooth and natural and yet so consistently and wickedly funny.

Bernie is a very enjoyable little film – funny, interesting, and a bit moving. I highly recommend it.