FARGO (1996)

“Failure should never lead to despair”, Waring Hudsucker (Charles Durning) advises in the HUDSUCKER PROXY (1994). Those who penned the words must have taken it to heart.

After the film’s dismal performance at the box office and underwhelming reception by critics and audiences, the Coen brothers dialled back on the budget for their next one to make a smaller film.

Released on this day 26 years ago, was Joel and Ethan Coen’s dark comedy crime flick FARGO (1986) on a budget of 7 million. The film would Grosse over 60 million. (HUDSUCKER PROXY was a budget of 25 million and returned under 3 million.)

Frances McDormand won her first of two Oscars for her portrayal of Marge Gunderson, who investigates the murder of a state trooper. The case leads her to Jerry Lundegaard’s (William H. Macy) dealership where he initiated a series of events connected to the crime.

FARGO also won an Oscar for best original screenplay. Although the opening of the film claims that the events were based on a true story, it has been debated exactly what parts are anchored in real occurrences or even what was the.case. At the end of the day it likely doesn’t matter as it is just another way the Coen brothers blend realities and genres, seamlessly moving from black comedy to violent thriller without a misstep in tone or stealing focus on spinning a good yarn.

In many ways FARGO likely one of their most accessible films, which is likely why it’s popular in mainstream. There isn’t any flashbacks or flash forwards, the plot is straightforward and lucid, the humour isn’t as outlandish or applied with broad strokes. Of course their fingerprints are all over it. Including stylized focalization, this time in the form of northern states’ “yah-ya’s” which McDormand categorized as ‘Minnesota nice’. The cinematography of Roger Deakins is gorgeous, which was nominated for an Academy Award as was Roderick Jaynes (The Coen brothers’ pseudonym) for editing.

FARGO is available for streaming through Prime with a subscription to MGM or for rent through many Amazon, AppleTV, Cineplex Store, and YouTube.