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Movie of the Week #27 - Fargo
Last in the line of prominent female leading roles is Fargo from 1996 directed by the Coen brothers and starring Frances McDormand.
Besides any thoughts on this movie, what did you think of Frances McDormand's performance in this?
The schedule for May is:
- 6th: Pan's Labyrinth
- 13th: The Zone of Interest
- 20th: Luxury Car
- 27th: The Tree of Life
I’m not entirely sure but I think this was the first Coen brothers movie I ever watched. I remember wanting to watch Burn After Reading as a kid but my mom didn’t want to nor did she think I would like it either.
I think Frances McDormand is great in this. Of her three Oscar wins in this category this is definitely her best. Her physicality of having to be pregnant, her leaning over while she’s investigating the first crime scene.
One of my favorite things about this movie is her relationship with her husband. It’s so simple but sweet. He brings her Arby’s, cooks her eggs, and she’s supportive of his paintings. There’s no grand romantic gestures, there’s no big fight, it’s one of the best depictions of actual love.
I also love the accents and I always repeat “oh yeah that’s a good one” in that accent. Great movie. Should have won Picture.
This was a turning point in cementing the unique black comedy style from the Coen-brothers. The humor was also what did it for me the first time I saw this. It was almost unheard of using violence in such a odd comedic setting. This time around it was a bit different. All this meaningless violence isn't just for pure fun, but to showcase how greed can spiral out of control with dire consequences. What really matters is that you can be content with the small things in life as Marge being happy for her husband's stamp design.
It has been a while since I saw the tv show, but I remember liking at least the first two seasons even better than the movie, despite the Coen-brothers not being directly involved in that.
Frances McDormand is a delight in this with her down to earth deadpan approach to all the crazy things going on. She is just comfortable living a normal life, and succeeding, while the others go around killing themselves for money. She is also great in Burn After Reading, really showing her comedic talent. A good example of actors being better in comedies than most comedians are in movies in my opinion.
What can I really say about Fargo that hasn't already been said better by others? About the only thing I can add is that I have rewatched this movie a bunch of times over the years, and every time it's been a delight. I absolutely love Marge and McDormand's portrayal of her. All her accolades were well deserved.
The only unique take I may have is that I actually like to imagine Steve Buscemi's and Peter Stormare's characters are the Wet Bandits from Home Alone, but if they had been treated seriously. ;) They're equally as bungling and stupid, but a lot more dangerous and deadlier.
p.s. Anyone seen the TV show? I watched part of the first season but lost interest, and kinda forgot about it, for some reason I can't even remember now. So I'm wondering if I should go back and give it another try.
I loved every season, but there were some definitely better than others. They each have their own style and feel so if one doesn't hit for you, consider another. The latest was fantastic.
Oh, are the seasons completely standalone stories from each other? I didn't realize that, if so.
Yes, each season is a whole new cast, setting, and story. I’ve only seen the first couple seasons and really enjoyed them. I started watching season 3 (I think) and wasn’t feeling it, so I bailed. But @Mais has me wanting to give it another go now.
Oh, cool. I actually tend to enjoy anthology shows, so I will probably give Fargo another go now too.
I don't have as much to add as the other commenters, but both William H. Macy and Francis McDormand's portrayal of the Minnesotan Germanic/Scandinavian dialect, while used as an unflattering punch line that aggravates snobby types in Minneapolis, is spot on. Those of us from the portrayed backwaters of the upper great plains recognize it like an old friend.
I am from Europe so I have no idea whether these regional differences and accents are accurately portrayed, so I appreciate your insight.