Amy & Paul discuss the humor and unique approach to crime in the film 'Fargo'. They analyze its success and explore the setting and stakes, as well as the fascination with crime movies. They highlight the breakthrough role of William H. Macy, the impact of a powerful monologue, and the myth and reality surrounding Fargo. They also discuss the realism of violence and debate if one film can represent the Coen brothers. Finally, they announce their next episode on 'Scream'.
Jerry's lack of self-awareness and inability to adapt leads to his downfall.
Fargo explores the concept of Minnesota Nice and the contrast between appearance and reality.
The film presents a realistic portrayal of crime, highlighting the sad and pitiful nature of criminal acts.
Jerry and Marge represent contrasting perspectives, with Jerry embodying misguided criminality and Marge showcasing optimism and astuteness as a detective.
Deep dives
The Tragedy of Jerry: A Man with Ill Intent and Poor Execution
Jerry, played by William H. Macy, is a character who carries around the belief that he's a smooth-talking criminal mastermind, but continuously fails in his attempts to manipulate others. He is a low-status character who thinks he is high-status, and his lack of awareness and inability to adapt to changing circumstances leads to his downfall.
The Subtlety of Minnesota Nice and Behind-the-Mask Facades
The film explores the concept of Minnesota Nice and the facade of politeness that many of the characters maintain. This adds a layer of complexity and engages with the theme of the faces we show to the outside world versus who we truly are. The setting of Minnesota and the mannerly interactions enhance the narrative and create an intriguing backdrop for the unfolding story.
The Modest Stakes and Realistic Portrayal of Crime
Fargo stands out by presenting a realistic and modest portrayal of crime. The movie reveals that crime is often propelled by small and inconsequential factors, demonstrating that not every criminal is a mastermind and that problems can arise from the simplest of mistakes. The filmmakers emphasize the sad and pitiful nature of crime, challenging common perceptions of crime stories.
The Contrasting Perspectives of Jerry and Marge
Jerry and Marge represent two contrasting perspectives. Jerry is a character with ill intent who consistently fails in his attempts to manipulate others. His narcissism and lack of adaptability lead to his ultimate downfall. On the other hand, Marge Gunderson, played by Frances McDormand, embodies optimism and perseverance. She successfully solves the escalating crimes while maintaining her calm and honest demeanor. These two characters serve as a stark contrast to each other, with Jerry representing the misguided criminal and Marge embodying the astute detective.
The Coen brothers' Fargo captures the complexity of human nature
Fargo, directed by the Coen brothers, is a masterfully crafted film that delves into the complexities of human nature. The movie tells the story of a pregnant police chief, Marge Gunderson, as she investigates a series of crimes in small-town Minnesota. One of the main themes explored in the film is the contrast between the cold, violent acts committed by some characters and the warm, compassionate nature of Marge. The Coen brothers skillfully navigate between dark humor and poignant moments, creating a film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
The portrayal of Minnesota nice and the role of accents in Fargo
Fargo also explores the concept of 'Minnesota nice' and the role of accents in shaping the characters and their interactions. The film cleverly uses the distinct Minnesota accent to enhance the authenticity of the characters and their surroundings. While some critics have argued that the accent is used condescendingly, it can also be seen as adding depth and richness to the film. Furthermore, the portrayal of 'Minnesota nice' challenges the stereotype of small-town simplicity by highlighting the complexities and flaws of the characters, who are neither entirely good nor entirely evil.
The importance of small-town values and the allure of big city dreams
Fargo delves into the tension between small-town values and the allure of big city dreams. The characters in the film, particularly Marge, grapple with the desire for something more, something beyond the familiar surroundings of their small community. However, they also come to appreciate the importance of contentment and the simplicity of their everyday lives. The film suggests that true happiness lies not in material wealth or fleeting ambitions, but in embracing the connections and values found in small towns like Fargo.
The skillful portrayal of violence and unpredictable human behavior
Fargo skillfully portrays violence and the unpredictable nature of human behavior. Rather than glamorizing or sensationalizing violence, the film presents it with realism and a touch of dark humor. The Coen brothers show that violent acts can occur unexpectedly, even among seemingly ordinary individuals. The film highlights the consequences of impulsive actions and how they can escalate into life-altering events. By emphasizing the human capacity for both decency and cruelty, Fargo offers a thought-provoking exploration of the complexity of human nature.
Amy & Paul kidnap 1996's Coen Bros' untrue true-crime tale Fargo! They weigh the moral yin and yang of Marge Gunderson and Jerry Lundegaard, learn about a Japanese woman who took the opening title card a little too seriously, and debate if Fargo is the ultimate representative of what the Coens do best. Plus: William H. Macy told Joel Coen he would do *what* for this part?!
