Review of Fargo (1952) by Joe C — 04 Jan 2015
A homespun "true" murder story with the Coen brothers at their quirky best. Fargo details a ransom kidnap scheme gone comically wrong, with a persistent pregnant cop investigating the crime as the bumbling perpetrators attempt to cover their tracks.
It's all dysfunctional characters in a dysfunction situation, and a script that takes some absurd turns, but in the end makes sure justice is served. The Coens' love of coupling strong performances, misplaced humor and bloody violence never worked as well as it did here in Minnesota.
A million miles from conventional, Fargo's odd felicity, stern direction, acerbic script, disquieting violence and its ability to feel like nothing else before it cemented the Coens among America's most talented filmmakers, and Fargo as one of their finest achievements.
And that's quite a gold-plated list. Very excellent, yah? Yah.
This review of Fargo (1952) was written by Joe C on 04 Jan 2015.
Fargo has generally received very positive reviews.
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