Review of Fargo (1952) by Phil P — 27 Mar 2013

"Oh Yah?".

I heard so many good things about this film that I was expecting a perfect movie that kept me 100% griped throughout. But its not prefect, but that doesn't matter because I enjoyed every minute of it - sure there were moments that felt a bit flat but it flows at a nice breezy pace and it's never dull.

It follows 'Jerry Lundegaard' ('William H. Macy') as he plans to extort money from his farther in law by having his wife kidnapped. But the slightly ditsy chief Marge ('Frances McDormand') is on the case. A plan that you just no will fall apart but its not done the usual way it doesn't show it unraveling as such. This is something I really admire about this film it doesn't make anything obvious, set in stone there's a sort of unsure aspect to it.

'Jerry' is at first a bit of a enigma you're not sure whether you like him or there's good reason for him doing this. But as the film continues it becomes apparent that he's a liar, weasel and a slimy pathetic character - made obvious by the end scene. It contains the same level of surprise that 'Scorsese' produces creating a graphic violent scene from nowhere or with an unexpected impact.

'Frago' is also a pretty funny film particularly when 'Marge' is introduced and "oh Yeah" fits ensue. It has the same darkly comic timing and conversation that other 'Coen' films have.

I really liked 'Fargo' but this not as good as iv'e been told, maybe its the high esteem it's held in - it would never live up to the lofty standards set. But I understand why it's so loved a perfectly paced film with a great performance from 'Frances McDormand' as the off-beat 'Marge'.