Fargo

1996.
#84 / Unlisted
Winner of 2 Academy Awards.

Fargo, North Dakota, police chief Marge Gunderson (Frances McDormand) investigates the murder of a state trooper and two motorists. Her investigation leads her to Jerry Lundegaard (William H. Macy), who has hired two criminals to kidnap his wife so that he can collect the ransom.

Eddie: I was talking about the Coen Brothers the other day, and my friend pointed out that their movies hardly bother with plot. Or rather, the plots are so convoluted that the audience simply tunes them out in favor of watching mesmerizing characters. FARGO, like THE BIG LEBOWSKI, offers intriguing, complex characters, performed by amazing actors who capture each and every nuance. The unsung hero of FARGO is Roderick Jaynes, the man credited with editing the film. (The big joke, of course, is that there's no such person as Roderick Jaynes. He is a pseudonym for the Coen Brothers, themselves.) The editing establishes most of the humor of the movie, which is as dry and homely as the North Dakota landscape that the film portrays. One example is the scene where the two criminals, played by Steve Buscemi and Peter Stormare, discuss hiring escorts. The film then cuts to the four of them having sex. It's a smash cut (that Sarah probably abhors) that epitomizes the Coen Brothers' style.

Sarah: When MEET THE PARENTS came out, everyone was talking about how hilarious it was. I could not partake in this mirth, because the film made me way too nervous. I have the same relationship with FARGO. I understand the humor of the scenarios but I am so anxious by the chaos ensuing I don't laugh. So for me this film is largely unsatisfying. I feel rising stress and no catharsis. But for those who are less worried, the Coen brothers will provide wit and style in their very special macabre way.

Why You Should See It: The scene, toward the end of the movie, when Marge questions Jerry about his father-in-law's murder. Jerry excuses himself, leaves the room, then drives away. It is hilarious, and their performances are priceless.