Today’s quick review: Fargo. To solve his money problems, Jerry Lundegaard (William H. Macy), a Minneapolis car salesman, hires a pair of criminals (Steve Buscemi and Peter Stormare) to kidnap his wife (Kristin Rudrud) and collect a small fortune in ransom from her wealthy father (Herve Presnell). But the plan hits a snag when the kidnappers kill a police officer and put Marge Gunderson (Frances McDormand), a kind, small-town cop, on their trail.
Fargo is a crime drama and black comedy from the Coen Brothers. Fargo tells the story of a fake kidnapping scheme that spirals wildly out of control, all set against the cheerful backdrop of rural Minnesota. The movie splits the difference between the two extremes of the Coen Brothers’ style. Its violent subject matter and unpredictable plot make it a dark watch, but its odd characters and peculiar situations give it a dash of comedy as well.
Fargo’s plot is a criminal misadventure with a lot of moving parts. Fargo peeks behind the curtain of a staged kidnapping, showing the petty motivations and crucial mistakes of the people involved. Tracking the delicate tangle of choices and coincidences is a major part of the film’s appeal, while its unusual characters and pacing make it a unique puzzle. There are also a few shocking, violent moments to keep the viewer from getting complacent.
The emotional anchor of the film is Marge Gunderson, a small-town police officer with a kind heart. Her mundane life, devotion to her duty, and unflinchingly positive attitude are a rarity in the crime genre, and they serve as a perfect balance to the dark content of the film’s plot. Frances McDormand makes the character remarkably easy to like; those willing to wade through the drama will find Marge and the people around her as their reward.
Still, what Fargo has to offer won’t appeal to everyone. Its comedy is understated, relying on the quirks of its characters and situations rather than explicit jokes. The film borders on the macabre in a few places, especially during a first watch. It also has less action and lower stakes than other crime thrillers. The plot unfolds as a series of happenstances more than a focused story, which may disappoint viewers hoping for a larger payoff.
Fargo is a strong pick for fans of the Coen Brothers and woth a watch for anyone interested in something intricate, offbeat, and darkly humorous. Fargo is an odd movie that does not rely on the usual strengths of either the comedy or the crime genres. But it does succeed in carving it its own niche, and the combination of its well-drawn characters and crafty plot make it worth a try. Skip it if you’re looking for something more conventional.
For a more comedic movie from the Coen Brothers, try O Brother, Where Art Thou?, The Big Lebowski, or Burn After Reading. For a darker crime drama from them, try Blood Simple or No Country for Old Men. For a more action-packed crime thriller with a similarly quirky plot, try The Way of the Gun. For a darker, more violent crime drama starring Steve Buscemi, try Reservoir Dogs. For a crime comedy with a more over-the-top style, try Pain & Gain.
8.1 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 for great characters and an interesting story.