“Bernie,” a dark comedy, is next FOLA movie

Saturday, Oct. 1 at 7 p.m.—LUDLOW—”Bernie”, a 2011 American black comedy film directed by Richard Linklater and written by Linklater and Skip Hollandsworth, will be FOLA’s (Friends of Ludlow Auditorium) next movie offering in the Ludlow Town Hall Auditorium on Saturday, Oct. 1, at 7 p.m.
The film stars Jack Black, Shirley MacLaine and Matthew McConaughey. It is based on a 1998 Texas Monthly magazine article by Hollandsworth, “Midnight in the Garden of East Texas,” that chronicles the 1996 murder of 80-year-old millionaire Marjorie Nugent in Carthage, Texas, by her 39-year-old companion, Bernhardt “Bernie” Tiede. Tiede proved so highly regarded in Carthage that, in spite of having confessed to the police, the district attorney was eventually forced to request a rare prosecutorial change of venue in order to secure a fair trial.
The film went on to receive acclaim from critics with praise for its direction, accuracy to the real-life event, “town gossips” element, and particular praise for Jack Black’s portrayal of Tiede, many calling it his best performance yet. Roger Ebert noted, “Richard Linklater’s ‘Bernie’ is a gently told and unexpectedly amusing true-crime comedy that benefits from an impressive performance by Jack Black.”
The movie is rated R for a violent scene and some crude language.
As with all FOLA movies, the movie is free; donations are appreciated. Popcorn and water will be provided. For additional information, call 802-228-7239 or visit fola.us.