This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 266! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.
Hey there, friends!
Today, we chatting about a movie that’s colder than a Minnesota winter but way more entertaining: “Fargo,” a 1996 gem from the Coen brothers. Now, I know what you’re thinking – “Another dark comedy? Really?” Trust me, this one’s different. It’s got all the quirks and twists you’d expect from the Coen brothers, plus a healthy dose of Midwestern charm (yes, it exists!). And it really hit me just how bizarrely brilliant this film is.
To set the scene, “Fargo” kicks off with this claim that it’s based on a true story, which gets your attention right away. But here’s a fun fact: it’s actually not. The Coen brothers just threw that in there to mess with us. Sneaky, right? It sets the stage for a film that’s a blend of dark comedy and crime thriller, all wrapped up in a snowy Minnesotan setting.
Now, the plot—oh, it’s a doozy. It revolves around a car salesman, Jerry Lundegaard (played by William H. Macy), who’s in a bit of a financial pickle. So, what does he do? He hires two goons to kidnap his wife, aiming to swindle some ransom money out of his wealthy father-in-law. As you can imagine, things don’t go according to plan. Like, at all. Like they go hilariously wrong.
The real star of the show is Frances McDormand, who plays Marge Gunderson, the pregnant police chief. She’s sharp as a tack, sweet as pie and armed with the best darn accent you’ll ever hear. Watching her unravel the case while dealing with morning sickness and craving Arby’s is just, you know, somehow both endearing and impressive. McDormand won an Oscar for her role, and boy, did she deserve it!
Then there’s the distinct ‘Minnesota nice’ flavor of dialogue, with its “oh yahs” and “you betchas.” It adds such a quirky charm to the film, making even the most sinister scenes oddly amusing. And the snowy backdrop while pretty to look at, adds a chill that goes beyond the weather.
And Steve Buscemi and Peter Stormare steal every scene they’re in as the bumbling kidnappers Carl and Gaear. Carl’s a nervous chatterbox, while Gaear barely utters a word (but his silence is somehow even funnier). The supporting cast is equally fantastic, each bringing their own brand of oddball energy to the screen.
But “Fargo” isn’t just about the laughs. It’s also a chilling look at the consequences of greed and desperation. The violence is shocking but never gratuitous, serving to highlight the absurdity of Jerry’s situation. And beneath the dark humor lies a surprisingly poignant story about human connection and the importance of finding joy in the simple things.
You know what else is cool about “Fargo”? Despite its grim plot, it has these moments of genuine human connection and warmth. Marge and her husband, Norm, their relationship is just so… normal. It’s a refreshing break from the chaos of the kidnapping plot, showing that life goes on, even in the midst of bizarre criminal shenanigans.
Fun fact: did you know that the wood chipper scene, one of the most iconic and gruesome moments in the film, was actually inspired by a real-life murder case in Connecticut? A man named Richard Crafts was arrested and found guilty of killing his wife and using a wood chipper to dispose of her body. Creepy!
So, yeah, “Fargo” is one of those films that you can no doubt watch over and over and still find new things to laugh about or ponder. I’d call it a masterpiece. The Coen brothers really knocked it out of the park with this one, crafting a film that’s both a critical darling and a cult favorite. It’s dark, it’s funny, it’s weirdly heartwarming, and it’s definitely worth your time.
Catch you on the flip side,
Roger