Review of Fargo (1996) by Eytan D — 24 Feb 2015
Frances McDormand is brilliant in this blackly comic film by the Coen brothers. She plays the part of Marge Gunderson, a heavily pregnant cop investigating the murders of a policeman and two civilians.
As you'd expect from Joel and Ethan Coen, it is a twisted tale with a dry script and a fair bit of gruesome violence. The Minnesota setting makes a nice change and there's good use of the wintry landscape.
Much of the humour comes from the the oddball, laconic personalities that appear on the screen with whole chunks of dialogue being delivered in a monosyllabic drawl that is as painful as it is funny. The ever dependable William H.
Macy shares the lead credits as the scheming car salesman who plans to extort money from his father-in-law. As his plans spiral out of control, he becomes increasingly desperate and panic-stricken. Steve Buscemi plays a shady, slime-ball character with his usual skill.
There's also a great soundtrack that adds perfectly to the icy, atmospheric nature of the terrain. This is a super and unusual movie that is a joy to watch again and again.
This review of Fargo (1996) was written by Eytan D on 24 Feb 2015.
Fargo has generally received very positive reviews.
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