Fargo

Have the Coen brothers ever made a more satisfying movie than Fargo? This grisly comedy pits one of cinema’s most pure-hearted cops (Frances McDormand’s pregnant cop, Marge Gunderson) against the machinations of weak and mercenary men, led by car salesman Jerry Lundegaard (William H Macy), who hires two criminals to kidnap his wife on the theory that her wealthy father will pay the ransom. You wouldn’t call this plan “best-laid,” and it goes sideways fast.

The film claims to be based on a true story. That’s a lie. But in other respects this feels like the Coens’ most sincere and heartfelt movie. There’s a fine line between the film’s homespun comedy and the malevolence unleashed by Jerry’s foolish scheme. Like other Coen movies, this one pokes indulgent fun at the complacency of middle America, which seems so unprepared for the chaos and violence that the world has waiting for them. Fargo won Academy Awards for Best Actress and Best Original Screenplay, but Roger Deakins surely deserved the Oscar too for his wintery cinematography. Incidentally most of the action takes place in Brainerd, Minnesota. But “Brainerd” doesn’t have the same ring to it, does it?

Content Considerations: Graphic violence, domestic violence

Staff Pick: Eirinn, Gabriel & Sean

One of the best films I’ve ever seen. Films like Fargo are why I love the movies.

Roger Ebert

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