Detailed Summary
Introduction and Setting
Fargo is a 1996 American black comedy crime film written, produced, and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. The film stars Frances McDormand, William H. Macy, Steve Buscemi, and Peter Stormare. Set in the snowy landscape of Minnesota and North Dakota, the story revolves around a desperate car salesman who hires two criminals to kidnap his wife, leading to a series of events that spiral out of control.
The Story Unfolds
Jerry’s Desperate Plan
The film begins with Jerry Lundegaard (William H. Macy), a financially struggling car salesman in Minneapolis, devising a plan to have his wife Jean (Kristin Rudrüd) kidnapped. Jerry hires two criminals, Carl Showalter (Steve Buscemi) and Gaear Grimsrud (Peter Stormare), to carry out the kidnapping and ransom her wealthy father, Wade Gustafson (Harve Presnell). Jerry plans to use the ransom money to pay off his debts.
The Kidnapping and Initial Chaos
Carl and Gaear successfully kidnap Jean but quickly draw attention to themselves by killing a state trooper and two witnesses on a deserted road. This triple homicide triggers an investigation by Marge Gunderson (Frances McDormand), the pregnant police chief of Brainerd, Minnesota. Marge’s keen investigative skills and unassuming demeanor gradually uncover the tangled web of Jerry’s scheme.
The Climax and Resolution
The Investigation Progresses
Marge’s investigation leads her to interview Jerry at the car dealership, where his nervous behavior raises her suspicions. Meanwhile, Carl and Gaear hold Jean in a remote cabin while awaiting the ransom. The tension between the two kidnappers escalates, leading to further violence.
The Final Confrontation
Wade insists on delivering the ransom himself, which results in his murder by Carl. Carl, now seriously injured after a scuffle with Wade, returns to the cabin and argues with Gaear, who eventually kills him. Marge, following leads and her intuition, arrives at the cabin and discovers Gaear disposing of Carl’s body in a wood chipper. She apprehends Gaear and takes him into custody.
The Conclusion
Resolution and Reflection
The film concludes with Marge returning home to her supportive husband Norm (John Carroll Lynch), who reassures her about the normalcy of their lives despite the violence she has witnessed. They discuss their future and the upcoming birth of their child, reflecting on the absurdity and brutality of the events they have just experienced.
Movie Ending
Fargo ends with the resolution of the kidnapping case, as Marge apprehends the criminals and returns to her peaceful life with Norm. The film highlights the stark contrast between the mundane, everyday life in Minnesota and the violent, absurd events of the crime.
Post-Credits Scene
There are no post-credits scenes in Fargo.
Type of Movie
Fargo is a black comedy crime film that blends elements of dark humor, drama, and thriller, focusing on themes of greed, desperation, and the clash between ordinary life and extraordinary violence.
Cast
- Frances McDormand as Marge Gunderson
- William H. Macy as Jerry Lundegaard
- Steve Buscemi as Carl Showalter
- Peter Stormare as Gaear Grimsrud
- Harve Presnell as Wade Gustafson
- Kristin Rudrüd as Jean Lundegaard
- John Carroll Lynch as Norm Gunderson
Film Music and Composer
The film’s score was composed by Carter Burwell, whose music complements the film’s bleak and snowy setting, enhancing the tension and dark humor.
Filming Locations
Fargo was filmed primarily in Minnesota and North Dakota, including:
- Brainerd, Minnesota: For various town scenes.
- Minneapolis, Minnesota: For scenes involving Jerry’s car dealership and the Gustafson home.
- Bathgate, North Dakota: For the iconic wood chipper scene.
Awards and Nominations
Fargo received numerous prestigious awards and nominations, including:
- Academy Awards: Won Best Actress (Frances McDormand) and Best Original Screenplay. Nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor (William H. Macy), Best Cinematography, and Best Film Editing.
- Golden Globe Awards: Nominated for Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Director, Best Actress – Drama (Frances McDormand), and Best Screenplay.
- BAFTA Awards: Nominated for Best Film, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Cinematography.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Frances McDormand’s portrayal of Marge Gunderson, including her distinctive Minnesota accent and mannerisms, became iconic and earned her widespread acclaim.
- The Coen brothers meticulously researched the setting and regional dialect to ensure authenticity, resulting in a film that accurately captures the unique atmosphere of the Upper Midwest.
- The film’s mix of dark humor and violent crime was a departure from traditional crime dramas, showcasing the Coen brothers’ unique storytelling style.
Inspirations and References
Fargo is loosely inspired by real events, though the Coen brothers have stated that the characters and plot are fictional. The film’s portrayal of crime in a seemingly mundane setting reflects the Coen brothers’ interest in the absurdity of human behavior and the unpredictability of life.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
The final cut of Fargo closely follows the original script by the Coen brothers. Some deleted scenes and additional content are available in special editions and DVD releases, providing further context and character development.
Book Adaptations and Differences
While Fargo is not based on a book, it has inspired various analyses and discussions in film literature due to its impact on the crime genre and its unique blend of humor and violence.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- The initial meeting between Jerry and the kidnappers.
- The kidnapping of Jean and the subsequent triple homicide.
- Marge’s investigation and her interview with Jerry.
- The final confrontation at the cabin with the wood chipper scene.
- Marge’s return home and conversation with Norm.
Iconic Quotes
- “Oh, you betcha.” – Marge Gunderson
- “I’m not sure I agree with you a hundred percent on your police work, there, Lou.” – Marge Gunderson
- “There’s more to life than a little money, you know. Don’t you know that?” – Marge Gunderson
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The film includes subtle references to other Coen brothers’ works, enhancing its connection to their broader filmography.
- The meticulous attention to regional details, including accents and cultural references, adds depth and authenticity to the film.
Trivia
- The film’s budget was approximately $7 million, and it grossed over $60 million worldwide.
- Fargo was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”
- The iconic wood chipper scene was filmed using a combination of practical effects and clever camera angles to achieve its gruesome impact.
Why Watch?
Fargo offers a unique and compelling blend of dark humor, crime, and character study, featuring standout performances, particularly by Frances McDormand and William H. Macy, and masterful direction by the Coen brothers. Its exploration of the absurdity and brutality of human behavior against the backdrop of a seemingly mundane setting makes it a must-watch for fans of innovative cinema.
Director’s Other Movies
Joel and Ethan Coen also directed:
- The Big Lebowski (1998)
- No Country for Old Men (2007)
- Burn After Reading (2008)
- True Grit (2010)
- Inside Llewyn Davis (2013)
Recommended Films for Fans
- No Country for Old Men (2007)
- The Big Lebowski (1998)
- A Simple Plan (1998)
- Blood Simple (1984)
- Miller’s Crossing (1990)
