Weekend at Bernie's

Weekend at Bernie's

Year: 1989

Runtime: 97 min

Language: English

Director: Ted Kotcheff

AdventureComedyCrime

After Bernie Lomax's unexpected death, associates Larry Wilson and Richard Parker are wrongly accused of embezzlement and escape to the Virgin Islands. While trying to clear their names and recover stolen funds, they discover Bernie's body has been mysteriously revived. A chaotic and increasingly absurd series of events unfolds as everyone involved tries to capitalize on the bizarre situation and claim the missing money.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Weekend at Bernie's (1989)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Weekend at Bernie's (1989). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film appears to be set in contemporary times during the 1980s or early 1990s, aligning with its comedic and crime themes. This period was marked by a growing fascination with wealth and the darker side of corporate America, foregrounding issues like fraud and deception that drive the plot.

Location

New York City, Hamptons

The film unfolds in New York City, known for its bustling metropolitan life and as a hub of finance, where Larry and Richard work at an insurance firm. Their adventure takes them to the luxurious beaches of the Hamptons, renowned for its upscale summer resorts and vibrant social scene, providing a stark contrast to their mundane office lives.

🏙️ City 🏖️ Beach

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:52

Main Characters – Weekend at Bernie's (1989)

Meet the key characters of Weekend at Bernie's (1989), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Larry Wilson

Larry is an optimistic and somewhat naive character who often finds himself caught up in absurd situations. His quirky and resourceful nature drives much of the film's comedic elements as he attempts to keep Bernie’s charade alive. Despite the chaos, he shows a loyalty to his friend Richard.

🙈 Naive 😂 Comedic Protagonist 🤝 Loyal

Richard Parker

Richard is characterized as a more rational but easily swayed individual who becomes increasingly enamored with Gwen, adding a romantic subplot to the chaos. His initial reluctance gives way to participation in Larry’s plans, showcasing his blend of practicality and romantic naivety.

💔 Romantic 🤔 Rational 🤷‍♂️ Reluctant Hero

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:52

Major Themes – Weekend at Bernie's (1989)

Explore the central themes of Weekend at Bernie's (1989), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💼 Corporate Deception

The theme of corporate deception plays a central role in the movie, showcasing how Larry and Richard stumble upon fraudulent activity orchestrated by their boss. This theme highlights the moral dilemmas faced by the characters as they navigate a dangerous web of lies and deceit that puts their lives at risk.

⚰️ Death and Absurdity

The film also delves into the absurdity surrounding death, as Larry and Richard concoct a plan to pretend Bernie is alive, leading to a series of comedic yet dark situations. This theme reflects how the characters confront the macabre in a humorous light, emphasizing the thin line between life and death.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:52

Unlock the Full Story of Weekend at Bernie's

Don't stop at just watching — explore Weekend at Bernie's in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Weekend at Bernie's is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Weekend at Bernie's Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Weekend at Bernie's, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Weekend at Bernie's Summary

Weekend at Bernie's Timeline

Track the full timeline of Weekend at Bernie's with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Weekend at Bernie's Timeline

More About Weekend at Bernie's

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Weekend at Bernie's: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Weekend at Bernie's

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