Fargo (R)

Whether intentional or not, the location, backdrop, and elements of a film can play a role in the story as much as, if not more than, any actor or starlet. No more so is this the case than in the Coen Brothers 1996 epic breakthrough film “Fargo.” Set in two north Mid-western cities connected by Interstate 94 – Minneapolis and the North Dakota titular border city of Fargo – the blistering cold and magnetic snow covered landscapes become lifelike characters themselves. Chances are you’ve never been to Fargo but five seconds into the movie and you’ll feel as though you know it better than your own hometown.

The story begins in a shady pool hall as timid car salesman Jerry Lundegaard (William H. Macy) has come into some financial hardships and has concocted a scheme in which two hired goons, Carl and Gaear (Steve Buscemi and Peter Storemare) will kidnap his wife Jean, forcing her wealthy father to pay a large ransom for her safe return. Comical banter between the three quickly pinpoints the way “Fargo” will play out. Though serious and at times gruesome in nature, the sprinkles of humor throughout, with sharp quips and sarcastic back and forth dialogue, will keep you grinning throughout.

Though dubious in nature, one can’t help but sympathize with Jerry and his seemingly plight-free existence as he works amundane job and has boring conversations with his wife and son. Deft humor arises from witnessing the pushover Jerry as he attempts to orchestrate several underhanded schemes. Likewise, the criminals Carl and Gaear are offered a small ray of humanity as they debate the effects of second hand smoke and going out for pancakes in a “Seinfeld” meets “Reservoir Dogs” kind of way.  “What are you nuts? We had pancakes for breakfast. Gotta go to a place I can get a shot and a beer. A steak maybe. No more f*in pancakes,”  Carl yells.

The kidnapping inadvertently leads to several homicides and pregnant Police Chief Marge Gunderson (Frances McDormand) is called in. The seemingly incompetent bumpkin quickly demonstrates her exquisite investigative skills as she immediately begins to piece together the clues of the caper amidst the barren tundra, in spite of the lackluster help from her fellow officers.

Frances McDormand is the indisputable star of “Fargo” and rightfully took the Academy Award for ‘Best Actress’ in wake of the performance. Interestingly enough, McDormand’s character does not arrive on screen until nearly 35 minutes into the 98 minute film. McDormand has appeared in dozens of films over a thirty-year career, but her role as Marge Gunderson will undoubtedly remain the crowning jewel of her legacy.

William H. Macy is a seemingly flawless fit for the bungling Jerry Lundergaard. With a strong emphasis placed on the regional accent, Macy delivers as the amateurish “mastermind” of the criminal plot. Macy himself was nominated for ‘Best Supporting Actor’ for the role. Steve Buscemi and Peter Stormare are perfect compliments as the criminals, with Buscemi playing the goofy Carl and Storemare stellar as the psychopathic Gaear. The two share a camaraderie that offers the viewers a look at complete opposites, put together simply for the purpose of committing a crime.

One would think if the Coen brothers were not from Minneapolis that they were simply mocking the accent and seemingly super nice nature of all the residents. What seems to be an over-the-top portrayal of kind and courteous behavior from its residents is a factual firsthand take from two native sons. The “Minesotta Nice” assists with much of the movie’s humor and adds an enigmatic element to the piece, with the locals in utter shock at the crass language and behavior of the outsiders Carl and Gaear. The Coen brothers do a masterful job of advertising their home state and its neighbor, and explicitly demonstrating the harsh and bitter cold of a Fargo winter. After watching “Fargo” I find myself wanting to live there despite the frigid backdrop.