Verdict:
A very entertaining movie, Fargo has principally 3 faults, all 3 of which are story related:
1. Fargo opens with the following text: “THIS IS A TRUE STORY. The events depicted in this film took place in Minnesota in 1987. At the request of the survivors, the names have been changed. Out of respect for the dead, the rest has been told exactly as it occurred.”
This is a lie. Definitely in the way this sentence comes over, this is a lie. It becomes evident as you watch the events unfold that they are absolutely not a realistic retelling of any specific crime story. That text comes right at the beginning and, as such, sticks in your memory. Someone knowingly put this into the movie, and it feels insulting.
2. Unresolved plot. The main premise is that this guy is trying to carry out several different of illicit activities because he desperately and urgently needs a lot of money. His panic and desperation are extreme, but it is never explained why he needs the money. He decides to commit a horrible crime and it is never explained why. And this is not the only thing Fargo doesn’t show because it decided that it is not important.
3. The general lack of impact. Despite some sudden violent events occurring, this movie feels very low key and rather slow. I understand it’s part of the style, but you must be aware that Fargo takes its time and does not amount to a whole lot, especially considering the aforementioned points 1 and 2. When the film ended, it felt more like I just saw an episode of a show rather than an entire movie.
Despite these flaws, it was a lot of fun to see the continuously worsening situation the criminals find themselves in and the calm investigation by the protagonist.
The movie has a very particular style in both its visual presentation and story. The events take place in the winter in Minnesota and the outside world is a desaturated cold whiteness. It is starkly contrasted by the warm cozy lives of the common people inside the warm houses, with the warm food and the warm friendly feelings. This is also contrasted with the cold violent dealings of the criminals and everybody’s hidden misery. Fargo is warm and cuddly and at the same time cold and disturbing.
Fargo has a unique soundtrack. It is built on a slow tune of strings, much of it in the medium to lower register, with slow and deep bass drum beats in the background and some high pitch percussion. It has a folksy and meditative feel to it. When some sort of action happens, the music either goes quiet or continues with a grave tension but never becomes fast. It is not your average movie soundtrack and that’s refreshing.
William H Macy is amazing. He switches facial expressions in an instant. His panic and pain, his whole miserable situation are so extreme and so perfectly expressed. His passive aggressive politeness makes it all the funnier.
Frances McDormand, as the protagonist policewoman received an academy award for her subtle humorous performance. There is something Charlie Chaplin about her. I frankly like Macy’s performance a little more. McDormand’s character hides intelligence and discomfort behind her silly smile while Macy’s smile hides panic and deceit. Both are great.
Steve Buscemi and Peter Stormare are funny just standing next to one another. There is a stark contrast in their character that makes them appear like a comedic duo, where one is long and the other is short.
At the same time, Peter is a guy who is just naturally extremely unnerving. In this movie he does not talk much or move his facial features. His lifeless expression and composure are just naturally terrifying and the scary impression he gives is justified when he suddenly does something violent.
There is a small complaint about the dialogue. While it is generally entertaining, there seems to be a strange mockery going on as the characters keep saying “ya” a lot, which is “yeah” spoken in the northern accent. I cannot figure out if this is supposed to be joke or just poking fun at the Northerners, but it gets annoying after a while.
Fargo feels different than your average film. It is a bit slow but it is a charming and interesting movie. This movie makes you feel warm inside, despite its violent content.