Fargo

UK Release Date: 31 May 1996

Certification: 18

Director: Joel Coen

Cast: Steve Buscemi, William H. Macy, Frances McDormand, Harve Presnell, Kristin Rudrüd, Peter Stormare

Rating: 78%

"Ya, ya betcha."

Review: 

1996's Fargo is perhaps one of the best of the Coen Brother's career. Their quirky filmmaking and strange characters are present as always but there's a certain subtlety about the film that sets it apart from anything else like it. 

The characters brought to life in Fargo are all worth studying. You can tell almost every aspect of each of their personalities from one action. Frances McDormand obviously deserved all the plaudits for her performance as simpleton Marge Gunderson, winning an Oscar. Her character is so straightforward and yet she is one of the most relatable characters ever brought to the big screen. William H. Macy stars as Jerry Lundegaard who can't be described as a 'bad guy' as his intentions are understandable, if stupid. He's backed into a corner and decides to play the only card he's got left which ultimately seals his fate. Yet, Steve Buscemi's Carl is perhaps the most interesting of all as he comes across as a complex, morally confused, character but really he's just overcome by greed and selfishness. And that can be summed up in a five second clip where Carl hides the million dollar reward to keep for himself. 

Minnesota could also be described as a character in itself. The simplicity, comforting but annoying nature of the accent provides the audience with a false sense of security. Even the snow is a major player in Fargo emphasising that snow can conceal but is quite often preferred as a tool for revelation from the Coen Brothers. Roger Deakins expert cinematography helps accomplish this feel alongside some phenomenal framing of every shot. 

The main theme from Fargo benefits the atmospheric tension that the Coen Brothers are synonymous with. Carter Burwell's beautiful piece encapsulates the unsettling nature that is brought about by the dark and twisted comedic kidnapping. 

My only real complaint with the film is at times it comes across as a little bit basic but I believe that can be amended through a couple of rewatches.