Fargo

Fargo - Joel and Ethan Coen

Fargo (1996) by Joel and Ethan Coen is a non-traditional thriller; that challenges the usual conventions of this type of film. One of the aspects of the film that I thought was particularly successful were the long clips with extended footage of the characters. This added to the steady movement of the storyline and created suspense and expectation. In addition, it helped the audience to get to know the characters and understand more about their lives and what is important to them. It pauses the attention of every detail.

Although this wouldn't work for most film genres or ideas, this was one of my favourite additions to the Coen's film. Marge (Frances McDormand) did an incredible job at performing the pregnant police woman - so different to the usual thriller hero. Using a character that is less often portrayed in television and film is a great way of breaking the boundries of convention.

The movie was also centred around the story from the villain's perspective. Until the confrontation, we were able to see what was happening from both sides of the case and how Marge was able to track them down. This was very removed from the audience only being able to see various attacks - giving the criminal more of a personality and giving the audience more of an idea of what drives them to act in this way. It considers the individuals and their mind set, as well as what is the result of them thinking that way.

Not being a fan of crime scene based story lines, I probably would not watch the film again. However, I would definately suggest it to someone who enjoys a film that steps away from the boundries of its genre. Fargo can be appreciated by audiences who enjoy a mixture of comedy and investigation, with unexpected heros and unexpected obstacles.


Fargo - "Far Removed from the Stereotypes of..."

From reading the article on Fargo, here are five points that I came accross:

• Contrasting to the traditional film noir that has generated since the 1960s; Fargo is set in an area covered by the whiteness of snow. The white acts as a sinister contradiction to the dark storyline, creating a large open area of seperation and loneliness. This was unlike the Coen brother's previous film Blood Simple which was similar in terms of subject matter but was visually, dark and murky.
• Some audiences felt that the storyline, set in North Dakota - Minnesota area (which is not an area linked with violent crime) was offensive in the film's portrayal of the region, accents, and ethnicity. The comedy was said to seem patronizing, particularly towards the people's speech and restaurant diners.
• The characters tended to be given a non stereotypical personality. For example, Marge (Frances McDormand) didn't follow the traditional 'tough guy' that is often seen in thrillers. Instead, she is a visibly pregnant woman; and a character who should be admired. She seperates her home life with her loving husband Norm with her work as a homicide investigator.
• The criminals are much more based around the typical longing for power and money. Jerry (William H.Macy) is willing to initiate the plot of kidnapping his wife because he is so far in debt. This idea is much more of a known plot for thrillers, but stills outsteps the boundries of convention.
• The only characters in the film that are left to live a happy and fulfilling life are Marge and Norm. The other main characters are destructive in their despiration to be rich and powerful. Instead of living in a Romantic Comedy like Marge and Norm, they end up dead, mad, and in prison.