This week, cinema takes us on a journey to North Dakota and Minnesota in the Coen brothers' "Fargo" (1996). It is a very white film and as is a trademark in films by the Coen brothers, a quite film. It is the quiet tale of a man driven to the edge over impending debt and how his plan to fix everything by splitting the ransom money with his wife's kidnappers goes horribly, irreversibly, wrong.
On cinematography... the work by Roger Deakins envelopes us in this cold, bitter, frigged, and depressingly mundane landscape. And watching it on a rogue cold day in spring furthered the experience.
On acting... Steve Buscemi plays the same character in this film that he plays in all of his work but he gets away with it simply because he is Steve Buscemi and he does it so well. William H. Macy is of course a perfect choice for his role in this film because he sets aside himself to become the character. Few actors I find can step into a film and have me referring to them by their character's name when talking about the film. James Stewart is another such actor. We cannot forget the work of Frances McDormand in this film as the spunky pregnant detective who takes no crap from anybody. Her character's interactions with people reflect this general lack of enthusiasm that is seen outwardly in the people who live in the area, the sort of off-handed excitement about things as reflected in the conclusion of the film when Marge Gunderson and her husband are talking about how his artwork is now a 3cent stamp.
"Fargo" is definitely a film that must be seen by anyone looking to increase their film literacy and to see a piece of art while still being entertained. I know with these "artsy" pieces sometimes entertainment is sacrificed for symbolism but "Fargo" shows that laymen can be entertained by art.
Do I recommend it? Ya! You betcha!
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