Richard Linklater's true tale of the murder of a mean old lady (Shirley MacLaine) is determinedly light. However, it's in actual fact a very sad story indeed. Jack Black, cast against type here, plays Bernie Tiede, a sweet-natured funeral director who showers widows with presents and affection in small-town Carthage, Tennessee. However, his “suffocating” relationship with malicious Marjorie sends this amiable fellow over the edge. Matthew McConaughey plays a preening lawyer who brings Bernie to justice.
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