(Originally written March 13, 2005)

Fargo dances a strange line between film noir and comedy and takes many risks. Like most other film noirs, it does not make explicit statements about the morality of the characters and the situations. The film simply presents the story, and the audience decides on its own what to make of the story. The peculiarity of the events and the characters give this film an interesting tone and unique atmosphere. The characters are all memorable, particularly Steve Buscemi as Carl, one of the two kidnappers in this movie. The contrast between him as and Peter Stormare as Gaear makes for a strange chemistry that results in some of the best lines of the film.

“‘No.’ That’s the first thing you’ve said in the last four hours. That’s, a fountain of conversation there, buddy. That’s a geyser.”

William H. Macy gives a great performance as a man who makes stupid decisions because of his guilty conscience. He is caught in a cycle of self-perpetuating rash actions. He is absolutely paranoid in the conversation between him and police officer Marge, played by Frances McDormand in an Oscar-winning role. Macy hilariously reacts even though McDormand is kind and decent, simply doing her job. Marge is an interesting character because she, pregnant and close to her loving husband, is able to effectively do the dangerous parts of her job as an enforcer of the law, willing to put herself in danger. Everything in this film fits together perfectly: the art direction, acting, script and score. What could have been an over-the-top thriller in lesser hands is a subtle cinematic masterpiece in the hands of the Coen brothers.