Writer/Directors: The Coen Brothers
Starring: Frances McDormand, William H. Macy and Steve Buscemi
‘A Captivating Crime Classic’
Not many actors have made a legacy which is as strong as Steve Buscemi. Ever since his rise to stardom in the 1990’s, Buscemi has made many unforgettable movies. Whether it’s bold police officers, bank robbers or survivors of a space disaster, Buscemi has played countless memorable characters. Arguably, Buscemi’s finest strength as an actor has always been flair for stealing the show in supporting roles. Buscemi has often excelled at stealing show in movies with limited screen-time. An actor with a strong presence, Buscemi has often excelled at playing commemorated characters with strong intelligence. Through willingness to take risks in his career, Buscemi has become a beloved actor which audiences value. Throughout his career, the actor has made many unforgettable movies that are definitely worth talking about without a doubt.
I’m a huge fan of Buscemi and adore all the movies he has made in his career. However, “Fargo” is my favourite. Since its release in 1996, The Coen Brothers’ movie has stood a test of time as a classic. Packed with bold production design, engaging storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the best crime movies ever made. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Steve Buscemi, who portrays a corrupt criminal which endures adversity. Ultimately, what makes “Fargo” a masterpiece is universal appeal. Unlike most Coen Brothers movies, it tackles commemorated themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a powerful message about the consequences of crimes which would resonate with everyone. A riveting crime masterpiece, there are several reasons why “Fargo” is a commemorated movie that’s worth seeing.
Set in the small town of Fargo, “Fargo” tells the story of corrupt criminals facing sorrow. Steve Buscemi portrays Carl Showalter, a despicable thug with aptitude for committing crimes that cause disaster. Carl has often been skilled at committing serious crimes without facing any price to pay. However, Carl’s life changes when he is hired to commit a kidnapping involving a great deal of danger. Assisted by the salesman Jerry Lundegaard (William H. Macy), Carl goes on a journey to commit a kidnapping causing a disaster. Carl is confident that he can pull off the heist without facing consequences until he catches the attention of a police officer. Marge Gunderson (Frances McDormand) is a strong female cop that will stop at nothing to resolve crimes in her city. As all the odds are stacked against her favour, Carl begins to wonder if it’s truly possible for him to pull off crime involving danger.
The Coen Brothers are fascinated with lives of criminals facing dangers. A fantastic duo of directors, the brothers have often made bold movies about crimes causing disasters. Their iconic film “Blood Simple” captured the lives of criminals which endure violence that’s far from simple. With “Fargo”, however, the director duo made their first small town crime thriller. It was the filmmakers’ first attempt to capture lives of criminals committing crime in a small town but they succeeded tremendously. Using stunning cinematography, the brothers capture lives of criminals committing crimes in a doomed city. The Coen Brothers effectively use montages to capture tensions faced by criminals that face hardship in a city. For instance, the montages suit the kidnapping scene. During this tense scene, Carl and his parent commit kidnapping of a woman in a crime causing disaster. One appreciates montages capturing tension that criminals are facing. Montages are tricky to use in films. As Quentin Tarantino’s “Reservoir Dogs” suggested, montages elevate movies about bank robberies. Nevertheless, they work well in this movie. Through captivating visuals, the Coen Brothers capture tensions commemorated criminals in a city are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “Fargo” which merits appreciation is the production. The Coen Brothers have often had an aptitude capturing the tensions of criminals through production, and “Fargo” demonstrated their strengths as filmmakers. The Coen Brothers effectively use the production of a real-life town in North Dakota to capture criminals facing tension. For instance, the production design of the town elevates the murder scene. During this unforgettable scene, Marge seeks to investigate a gruesome murder of a young boy in a crime causing terror. Through using real-life locations in North Dakota, the Coen Brothers create a character that audiences value. Moreover, the musical score is brilliant. Carter Burwell’s commemorated music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the film a tense atmosphere capturing the heavy burden that criminals in a doomed town bear. Through stunning production-design, the Coen Brothers capture the lives of criminals in a doomed city facing a decline.
Storytelling is one of the reasons why “Fargo” is a crime classic that’s compelling. The movie is beautifully written, and effectively employs silence to capture the lives of criminals which are affected by violence. Throughout the film, the Coen Brothers effectively uses silence to capture the lives of criminals that are affected by violence. For instance, silence elevates the the phone call scene. During this tense scene, Jerry faces tension when he is informed about his wife’s dire condition by Carl in a telephone conversation. Through sequences of silence, the Coen Brothers capture the hardships that criminals commonly go through. Silence is a tricky technique to use in films. As Tim Burton’s “Big Fish” suggested, silence elevates movies about fathers. Nevertheless, it works well in this movie. Through a spectacular screenplay, the Coen Brothers capture criminals facing a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Steve Buscemi delivers one of his best career performances as Carl. Buscemi first achieved appreciation for playing bank robbers in crime dramas. With “Fargo”, however, he took on his most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray lives of criminals facing disaster but he succeeded. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most challenging role. Buscemi has often had a sharp sense of humour, and “Fargo” showcased his strengths as an actor. Worn riveting expressions, he captures the angst, desperation and resentment of a frightening criminal that engages in an uncompromising life of crime causing tensions. It’s a phenomenal performance from one of the most commemorated actors today.
While the film is mainly a stunning showcase for Steve Buscemi, the supporting cast is also amazing and worthy of appreciation. Frances McDormand is fantastic, capturing the bravery of a courageous female cop seeking to catch criminals that are dangerous. William H. Macy is wonderful, bringing a sense of authority to a salesman that becomes the victim of a murder that causes tragedy. Lastly, John Caroll Lynch merits appreciation. As Marge’s husband, he brings heartfelt emotion to the movie.
Finally, “Fargo” will earn the appreciation of everyone for capturing criminals which face sorrow. Unlike most Coen Brothers movies which are targeted to a limited audience, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about identity, domestic abuse and guilt which will resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be native residents of North Dakota to enjoy it. Despite taking place in the 1990’s, the film’s themes remain relevant today. Therefore, “Fargo” is one of those rare crime movies that everyone will adore.
Fans of Steve Buscemi will definitely enjoy “Fargo” and so will movie-goers that seek meaningful entertainment. A captivating crime classic, it honours an actor that has built a legacy which is iconic.
Nearly 30 years following the release of a groundbreaking crime film about criminals facing trauma committing heinous crimes in a town in North Dakota, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor with charisma that hasn’t lost his abilities to make engaging movies in the modern era which are definitely worth watching in the Cinema.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 