Fargo

Fargo (1996) - 10/10

Second Viewing: 3/2/08
The Coen Brothers (Dir.)
Roger Deakins (DP)
Starring Frances McDormand as Marge; William H. Macy as Jerry; Steve Buscemi as Carl; Harve Presnell as Wade

Fargo is a brilliant movie about the best and worst of human nature, set in the genial, yet frigid wilderness of Minnesota. The film is impeccable on a technical level as cinematographer Roger Deakins does an amazing job photographing the beautifully harsh landscapes and the Coen Brothers' use of sound and editing as dramatic tools remain unmatched. The Coens present the whole gamut of characters ranging from McDormand's lovely police officer to Presnell's cold-blooded murderer.

In between is William H. Macy's fascinating character, a loser car salesman whose financial shortcomings lead him to do the most unimaginable things. Acting under the guise of Minnesotan friendliness, Macy's character is at once extremely pathetic and repugnant, a man who's willing to have his own wife kidnapped at his son's expense so he can pay off his debts. In trying to hide his shortcomings, he foolishly starts a chain of events that negatively affect the lives of many people. In the end, the lesson is that every action has a consequence; and while not an original idea, it has never before been so brilliantly realized in a film.