Was The Movie Bernie Based On A True Story
The movie "Bernie" is a dark comedy-drama directed by Richard Linklater, which tells the story of a mortician in a small Texas town who befriends and eventually murders a wealthy widow. The movie is based on a true story, and the main character, Bernie Tiede, is played by actor Jack Black.
The True Story Behind "Bernie"
The events depicted in the movie "Bernie" took place in the small town of Carthage, Texas, in the late 1990s. Bernie Tiede was a well-liked mortician who worked at Hawthorn Funeral Home, and he became close friends with Marjorie Nugent, a wealthy widow who lived in the town. Nugent was known for her abrasive personality, and she had become estranged from her family and most of her friends.
Tiede and Nugent became inseparable, and Tiede became Nugent's constant companion and caretaker. He would take her on trips, buy her expensive gifts, and even manage her finances. However, their relationship began to sour, and Nugent became increasingly demanding and controlling. Tiede eventually snapped and shot Nugent four times in the back with a .22 caliber rifle. He then stored her body in a deep freezer in her house and went about his business as usual for several months.
Tiede was eventually caught when her stockbroker reported her missing, and her family members became suspicious of Tiede's behavior. Tiede was arrested and charged with murder, but his defense team argued that he had been driven to the brink of insanity by Nugent's abusive behavior. The case became a media sensation, and many people in Carthage rallied behind Tiede, describing him as a gentle and caring person who had simply snapped under the pressure of Nugent's abusive behavior.
The Making of "Bernie"
The movie "Bernie" was based on a Texas Monthly article written by Skip Hollandsworth, who had covered the murder trial in Carthage. Richard Linklater, who is also from Texas, was immediately drawn to the story, and he spent several years working on the script with Hollandsworth. The movie was shot on location in Carthage, and many of the townspeople were cast as extras in the film.
The movie stars Jack Black as Bernie Tiede, Shirley MacLaine as Marjorie Nugent, and Matthew McConaughey as District Attorney Danny Buck Davidson. The movie received critical acclaim and was praised for its authentic depiction of small-town life in Texas. However, some members of the Nugent family were unhappy with the movie's portrayal of Marjorie as a cruel and abusive person, and they accused the filmmakers of exploiting her memory for entertainment purposes.
The Aftermath of "Bernie"
In 2014, Bernie Tiede was released from prison after serving 17 years for the murder of Marjorie Nugent. Tiede's release was granted after new evidence came to light that showed that Nugent had been emotionally abusive to Tiede and that he had suffered from a mental breakdown at the time of the murder. The case has been the subject of much controversy, with many people arguing that Tiede should never have been released and that he should have served a life sentence.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the movie "Bernie" is based on a true story, and it tells the story of Bernie Tiede, a mortician in a small Texas town who befriends and eventually murders a wealthy widow. The movie received critical acclaim and was praised for its authentic depiction of small-town life in Texas. However, the case has been the subject of much controversy, with many people arguing that Tiede should never have been released from prison. Regardless of where you stand on the case, "Bernie" is a fascinating and entertaining movie that is definitely worth watching.