Movie Review on Location – Fargo (1996)

Yes, I did go all the way to Fargo to watch the great Coen Brothers film of the same name. I know what you are thinking; “Fargo is not even set in Fargo.” Well, you are right it was not actually shot in Fargo and there is only one small scene that is supposed to be in Fargo, but I also went to Minnesota, where it was actually shot and the events were supposed to take place. Anyways, the accent I encountered a couple times in Minnesota, and Fargo for that matter, really brought the film home. I had seen Fargo quite some time ago as I am sure many of you have, but it just felt like something I had to do since this was the first time I had actually seen Fargo, ND. As you might expect, it does actually look like the film does in February. So, do you really need me to provide a summary of the film’s plot? If you have not seen it and bad language does not offend you too much, then see it and you will know what it is about.

Frances McDormand and William H. Macy are the two stand out performances here. If there is a reason to really love Macy’s acting, Fargo is it. I have gone through a lot of times when I really did not like Macy because I found him a tad on the obnoxious time, but I know that if I pop in Fargo I will see William H. Macy at his best. I hear that he practically begged the Coen Brothers for the part which means he really wanted it and it shows in his performance. Frances McDormand is perfect. She does everything right; even down to the thick Minnesota accent. McDormand deserves all credit she has received on this one for sure. Let’s not forget Steve Buscemi, John Carroll Lynch, and Peter Stormare. They were all great. Buscemi is in pure form. John Carroll Lynch is a perfect compliment to Frances McDormand’s part. Stormare, who I shall always refer to as “the crazy Russian,” is very quite, but the facial expressions and his actions are some of the classic moments in the film. Put all of the great talent together with the Coen brother’s style and you get a well rounded and very interesting dialogue.

The Coen brother’s continued their winning streak with this one and possibly took things to the next level. We have certainly seen polenty of good movies from them lately, but this was way back in 1996. They show no signs of slowing down or selling out. They almost always provide a meaningful and unique film experience that is worth seeing. However, if you do not like their style then you should probably stay away since that always have that edge to their films. It is often hard to pinpoint what makes their films the way that they are, but what ever it is I love it.

Fargo is a classic and it only seemed right to revisit it when I visited Fargo. If you have not taken the time to see this instant classic then I highly recommend it. Be warned that the language is through the roof and there are a couple disturbing scenes as far as sex and violence, more so violence. Fargo is a great film, but the thing I love most about the Coen brothers is that I truly feel like we have yet to see their best work and every film just gets better than the last.

The Skinny Version

Raw Score: 899,012
Sharon Movie? No

Director: Joel Coen
Writer: Joel and Ethan Coen
Genre: Crime/Thriller

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