Ranking Every Richard Linklater Film Worst To Best

Linklater's 2011 attempt at true-crime comedy makes for a great, crazy ride. Based on the article "Midnight in the Garden of East Texas," Bernie follows the titular character (Jack Black) as he is charged with the murder of local millionaire and friend Marjorie Nugent (Shirley MacLaine).

The plot of the film revolves around the local consensus that Bernie, a much-loved member of the community, couldn't possibly have killed anyone, and if he did, then they deserved it. At the centre of this twisted narrative and bias stands district attorney Buck Davidson (Matthew McConaughey), who is forced to do all he can to throw Bernie in jail.

Darkly comical, awkward, fast-paced and brilliantly acted by Black and McConaughey, Bernie serves as a disturbing if intelligent look at human nature, and how we as people are often reluctant to believe basic truths because they don't fit our worldview. It's one of Linklater's darkest and satirical tales, and works wonders to create a small-town story of murder and guilt.