Review of Fargo (1952) by Gregory G — 02 Mar 2013
An original classic of Americana. The Coen Brothers turn a plot involving a kidnapping gone awry into a regional comedy with droll observations about Midwesterners. Set in snow-covered Brainerd, Minnesota, home of Paul Bunyan; Frances McDormand is the cheerful, pregnant chief of police investigating the murders caused by two criminals (Steve Buscemi, Peter Stormare) hired by a car salesman (William H.
Macy) to kidnap his rich wife for the ransom. The folksy humor and Nordic dialects have great charm that the Coen Brothers satirize without condescension. This film has an ear for dialogue and the rhythms of local speech patterns.
Consciously white and poetic with widescreen, vast landscapes suggestive of paintings. The cinematography is by the peerless Roger Deakins; a frequent collaborator of the Coen Brothers. Marge is the most sympathetic character ever created by the Coen Brothers and McDormand gives a terrific comic performance; Macy is brilliant as the car salesman trapped by desperation; Buscemi is the kidnapper described as "funny looking in a general way;" Stormare is chillingly effective as a silent killer.
Wonderful Muzak score by Carter Burwell. In a terrific note of irony the movie is stated to be based on a true story but in reality it is entirely fictional. Selected for preservation by the National Film Registry.
Won Oscars for Best Actress (McDormand) and Best Original Screenplay. With Harve Presnell, Kristin Rudrud, Steve Park, John Carroll Lynch.
This review of Fargo (1952) was written by Gregory G on 02 Mar 2013.
Fargo has generally received very positive reviews.
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