Individuals’ actions are driven by motives under a multitude of circumstances. Some are propelled by altruism, fame, loyalty, or an incessant desire with underlying greed. To achieve a perceived selfish need, others’ well-being and safety may even be compromised. Greed often breaks the trust of those presumptively held close, destroying relationships and potentially leading to the greatest depths of isolation. The incredible 1996 film “Fargo” directed by the Coen Brothers explores this premise to significant extremes. The initial betrayal and slimy deal setting the film’s plot in motion takes place in the dead of winter in the title city – Fargo, North Dakota.
The pathetic character Jerry Lundegaard (Academy Award nominated William H. Macy) works at a Minneapolis Oldsmobile dealership owned by his wealthy father-in-law, Wade Gustafson (Harve Presnall). Jerry has embezzled $320,000 and is in some trouble, to say the least. In a not-so brilliant idea, he orchestrates the kidnapping of his wife (Kristin Rudrud) to extort money from his father-in-law. He has hired the nearly silent sociopath Gaear Grismsrund (Peter Stormare) and the “funny lookin’ fella” Carl Showalter (one of my favourites, Steve Buscemi) to carry out the task. This seemingly straightforward kidnapping dismantles and becomes extremely complex. In steps the likeable and pregnant Police Chief Marge Gunderson (Academy Award winner Frances McDormand), stringing the pieces of the complicated, plot-twisting kidnapping puzzle together.
This film combines so many crucial yet distinct elements to create a perfectly balanced work of art. The minor key folk music sets a sombre tone, and the setting of the film in a harsh winter climate serves to enhance that tone. The vast distance and sense of semi-isolation can create frustration in terms of resources needed to solve such a convoluted case. As well, violent crimes are not habitual in rural areas. This in addition to the portrayal of graphic violence heightens the shock factor of the film, reminding viewers of the unfortunate dark side of humanity. In spite of this, I feel that the positive side of human nature is quite evident in the film. Many of the characters are decent individuals, living their lives and wanting to help the police solve heinous crimes. The distinct accents, conversational yet memorable dialogue (Academy Award-winning screenplay), and the raw environment elevates the film’s timelessness. Without giving away any spoilers, the ending creates a sense of normalcy and hope. I feel that the message conveyed indicates that most humans at their core are driven by altruism, loyalty, and a sense of decency.
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Honestly, not my favorite from the Coen’s. But still a good movie. Nice review.
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Thanks! It is probably my favourite but there are a lot of great ones to choose from.
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Great review. It’s in my top 10. The mixture of drama and black humour makes it so great. I also like the series by the way 😃
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Thanks! I recently saw it on the big screen. Definitely lots of genre mixing, and it is done so well. I have only seen season 1 so far but definitely need to watch season 2.
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I prefer season 1. Season 2 is totally different and good for other reasons.
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Really enjoyed this review; just my length too! Hahaha
There’s definitely an underlying sense of base good that keeps the town together, and it does outright win overall making this certainly one of the Coens’ most positive films (wrapped in a cynical and sleazy coat at any rate), so I think you’re definitely right to zero in on altruism.
I had a theory that this might be their anti-noir-neo-noir, a homage to old cinema in a sense: trade out the seedy dark alleys for bright snow, swap our byronic lead man working under the law for a kindly and cheerful cop lady who just happens to be super, spend more time focussing on the villains and the tragedy of their lives and frame it so rather than following the detective on the trail for criminals, we follow criminals on the run from a detective. Just some fun thoughts, talked about a little on one of our podcast episodes 🙂
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Thank you for your kind words! That is really interesting to think of it as an anti-noir neo-noir, but it makes so much sense to do so. I will definitely check out your podcast!
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So glad to discover your blog Charlene. I too love this movie and really enjoyed your review. So funny that it was one of my nominees this week and you had just finished writing this. I guess these snowpocaypses we get in Atlantic Canada brings this movie to mind.
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The snowpocalypses definitely bring this movie to mind! And thanks for the kind words 🙂
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I am one of the staunch haters of this movie. I actually fell asleep when I watched it the first time, and the second time I did, I was terribly bored. No hate for the Coens though, they are greats but this ain’t one of them
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To each their own! It is my favourite of theirs along with The Big Lebowski. My father actually really dislikes Fargo.
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If you haven’t check out Hell or High Water, a film which I consider what Fargo could have been if it had been done right.
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I really need to see that film. Thanks for the reminder! What are some things about Fargo that you disliked?
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I felt that it was an artistic mess. While it was working as a comedy, it failed completely as a comedy. Not one joke worked for me. The narrative was too stretched and slow and I felt that the Minnesota feel was too over-the-top. That’s why I loved Hell or High Water. It has a true Texan feel, but the makers keep it in check so that it doesn’t feel corny
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I am a fan of over-the-top films, so I loved that aspect of the movie. I really look forward to watching Hell or High Water!
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