Texas murder tale hits big screen

AUSTIN (KXAN) - A true Texas murder tale by Richard Linklater and Skip Hollandsworth opens at the Violet Crown theater Friday.

It's called "Bernie," and stars Jack Black. He plays the part of a gay man who befriends one of the richest and most hated women in Carthage, Texas, played by Shirley MacLaine.

When Bernie can't take her demands anymore, he shoots her four times in the back -- killing her.

The district attorney can't find a jury that will convict him even though he admitted to the crime because everyone in town feels his actions were justified.

It's a true East Texas murder that happened in 1996 in Carthage. 

The idea for the movie started when screenwriter Skip Hollandsworth wrote an article for "Texas Monthly" on the murder. Linklater read it, and both turned it into a script 14 years ago.

While it took some time to get a studio on board with the idea, the film is unique in how it plays out like a documentary and casts residents of the East Texas town to play themselves.

"Those are real-life East Texans who are hired after auditioning in towns like Carthage, Longview and Texarkana, to play versions of themselves. So this only adds to the authenticity," said Hollandsworth.

Bernie is rated PG-13.

Damsels in Distress

Also opening Friday: "Damsels in Distress."

It's about a grungy, East Coast college that gets a makeover when three girls transform it.

Critics have described this one as a mix of "Animal House" meets Jane Austin.

Whit Stillman wrote, produced and directed the film and said writing a story from a female perspective is much more interesting than the man's side of the story.

"I think the romantic situation of the female is more interesting, especially since the guy is supposed to be more aggressive," said Stillman. "But I think it's interesting how they control romantic decisions without seeming too."

"Damsels in Distress" is rated PG-13.