Fargo (1996) Review

 

Fargo (1996)

Wow. I’ve heard about this film in movie circles a hundred times but I never thought it would be this good.

Set in Minnesota in 1987, this “true story” (it’s not) follows Jerry as he has his wife kidnapped to pay off his debts, only for his hired kidnappers to hilariously ruin things many times over.

Directed by the Coen Brothers, Fargo is a movie unlike any I have ever seen before. It’s no secret they are good at comedies, but this movie’s subject matter is so serious and often violent, but yet, the movie is terrifically funny. There were outright awful scenes that I had to kick myself for laughing at because the style, the pauses, the acting, it all created that perfect energy to take a super serious moment, and make you laugh. Especially with the hysterically funny, stereotypical Minnesota accents, which are so over the top and funny, but seem realistic at the same time. It’s such a simple movie, but it’s impactful and so well done all the same.

The score. the acting, all of this culminates in a masterpiece that is thrilling, funny, and outright kooky at times. Frances McDormand and Peter Storemare really steal the show, with their performances creating some of my favorite and most memorable scenes in the film, with the ending sticking out in particular. That’s not to discount the rest of the amazing performances though by Steve Buscemi, William H. Macy, and Steeve Revis.

On top of the above, it’s a well done movie with beautiful shots/set pieces, fantastic attention to detail, and a story that draws you in very, very well. The Coen Brothers have yet to disappoint, and Fargo is no exception to that.

9.9/10