Bernard and Doris

2006
6.5| 1h43m| NA| en| More Info
Released: 01 September 2006 Released
Producted By: Little Bird
Country: United States of America
Budget: 0
Revenue: 0
Official Website:
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Tobacco heiress Doris Duke develops an unlikely friendship with her butler, Bernard Lafferty.

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Director

Bob Balaban

Production Companies

Little Bird

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Bernard and Doris Audience Reviews

Stometer Save your money for something good and enjoyable
Lawbolisted Powerful
FirstWitch A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.
Isbel A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.
Armand two characters, two great actors. and that is all. the story is only the space for use the nuances of acting and to transform the tension in an impressive piece. sure, each film/play has that characteristics. this case is different only because the search of biographic details is almost vain. it is a Sandon - Finnes duel and the levels of character is all. so, it is difficult to compare or expect a story of Doris Duke more than a drawing/sketch with profound subjective lines. it is a beautiful film because it is a meeting with art of two masters of character grinding. and not the physical aspect or the details from a rich lady existence are relevant but the force of duel and the splendor of each step to build it.
scoochie9 This is a fantastic movie. I don't know thing one about the life and death of Doris Duke, and as it says in the beginning credits: "Some of this film is based on facts...Some of it isn't." What writer Hugh Costello, director Bob Balaban, actors Susan Sarandon and Ralph Fiennes have come up with here is sheer brilliance. Two troubled people who come together, almost accidentally, only to find that each of their unique psychological troubles meshes extremely well with the other's. Yes, it's a story about "enabling" and "codependence", but it's also a story of the power of friendship and loyalty (no matter how sadly unhealthy it might be for both parties involved). I can't say enough good things about the performances of both Sarandon & Fiennes, not to mention all the other actors, and the director, cinematographer, etc... But I must say, the writing is paritcularly effective. The story of these two people's intertwining lives comes off as so true, so kind-of tragic, and so compelling, that I will never forget this film. Bravo!!!
edwagreen A tale of two losers, one who happens to be the billionaire Doris Duke.With all her money, it is shown that the latter can't bring happiness. Duke lives in a closed-existent world and is soon attracted to her butler played by Ralph Fiennes.The scene with the two celebrating her birthday is ridiculous. Fiennes suddenly dresses up with earrings, makeup, etc. To say that he looks ridiculous is to put it mildly.This butler was there just for the money. That he gave Duke some happiness was just a matter of coincidence.Sarandon is too young for the part. What Bette Davis could have done for this part!The film is uneven since it starts with Duke ignoring Lafferty (Fiennes) and suddenly he is the head of the house. It didn't show how he got into her good graces.
Dave M I wasn't sold on the idea of watching a film about a rich weirdo and the lawsuits that entail, post-mortem, ala "LIFETIME" nightly movies. I wanted to see Ralph work with Susan, but I still wouldn't have watched unless I researched the production of "Bernard and Doris". I saw Bob Balaban is directing.I've never seen Bob Balaban's work as director. I've enjoyed all of Bob's acting credits which I've seen, particularly his improvisational skills in recent SCTV/Spinal Tap-quality films. I figure Bob knows the HW weirdness like nobody else due to his insightful improvisations. He gets it.Therefore, he could do it, and bring it in below budget.Great direction: Lighting and cinematography were far better than recent films I paid money for. I haven't seen Ralph perform this well since QUIZ SHOW, but he brought his talents to what was clearly a communal table of talent.Susan Sarandon does very well, and the Susan/Ralph team works. The script works, and sells the story.Balaban seems to have done much more with far less than this film portends to be, even for an HBO FILM.