I hadn't seen Fargo since forever, so long ago that I practically forgot the plot. I rarely feel the need to see a movie more than once or twice, which makes my ever expanding DVD and Blu-ray collection kind of pointless, but I like to buy them for those special occasions in the off chance I may just decide to watch a particular movie again. How long should one go between viewings? Perhaps not so soon as to remember every little detail but not so long as to have completely forgotten everything; sometime in between where you still have that sense of excitement but familiar enough as if you were catching up with an old friend.
Fargo tells the story of a man who hires a couple of thugs to kidnap his wife so he can pocket the ransom money from his rich father-in-law. It's supposed to be a quick and easy job, no one gets hurt, everybody walks away happy, except things never go according to plan and things spiral quickly out of control. The plot itself is almost an afterthought; Fargo is really about the setting, the characters, the depiction of friendly midwest life. Watching this film is so fascinating because its like watching a documentary about people from the upper midwest. Are these people real? Do they really talk like that with those crazy accents and smily faces? Do they really say stuff like "you betcha" and "you're dern tootin'"?
This surreal setting makes the sudden moments of violence so shocking. I sort of criticized or questioned this juxtaposition of friendly suburban life with violence while discussing Blue Velvet, but Fargo pulls it off so much better and with more purpose.
The film is highlighted by the performances and everybody is great. William H. Macy plays his part perfectly. You can sense his bad decisions weighing down on him in how he tries to mask his fear and concern behind his gee-golly exterior. It is also a credit to the Coen Brother's writing because every single stutter and stammer that Macy speaks is actually written into the screenplay. The two criminals, Steve Buscemi and Peter Stormare, make for an interesting duo; one is a nervous talker, the other is calm and silent, one has an imposing figure, the other is referred to as "the little fellow." They are a contrast in styles but they fit so perfectly together. Of course, the main star is Frances McDormand who just owns every scene. She actually doesn't come in until deep into the movie but she quickly takes over as the lead. The first time she says something with her crazy accent I couldn't help but smile. There is one scene where she basically just says "Yah" and it's just hilarious. Her facial expressions are gold and she gives off this small town demeanor but is actually a very smart and capable cop.
This movie is so good, probably the best film the Coen Brothers have ever made, maybe the best film they ever will make. I loved everything about the film; the drab yet beautiful cinematography, all the characters, the depiction of friendly midwestern life, the humor, and the shocking violence. Everything hits at such a perfect note, with such rhythm and artistry. I remember really liking Fargo all those years ago, but I never realized how much I loved this film until watching it again today. Luckily movies are not like people. They won't get upset for missing their birthday or forgetting to call; they'll always be there waiting.
Grade: A
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