Fargo (HBO)

About Fargo (HBO)

Fargo is a 1996 black comedy crime film written, produced, edited, and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. Set in the snowy landscapes of North Dakota, Fargo is a quirky but darkly humorous tale of murder and deception. The lead character, Marge Gunderson (Frances McDormand), a highly proficient local police chief who is heavily pregnant, investigates the sequence of crime involving car salesman, Jerry Lundegaard (William H. Macy).

Making / Production

Fargo was primarily shot in Minnesota, North Dakota and parts of upper Midwest during the winter season. Cinematographer Roger Deakins captured the chilling, bleak landscapes vividly, creating looming and eerie images of the barren landscape that serve as an ideal backdrop for the dark narrative.

Actors

• Frances McDormand plays 'Marge Gunderson', a smart and relentless police chief who investigates the crime. She won an Oscar for her performance, bringing both empathy and wit to the role.
• William H. Macy portrays 'Jerry Lundegaard', a hapless car salesman who plans his wife’s kidnapping. Macy accurately depicts his character's descent into crime and desperation.
• Steve Buscemi plays 'Carl Showalter', a small-time but loquacious crook hired to kidnap Jerry's wife. Buscemi offers a memorably humorous and frantic performance.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Despite the opening text claiming the events of the film are true, Fargo is entirely a work of fiction.
• The wood chipper used in the film has its own section in the Fargo-Moorhead Visitor Center.
• The movie was named after Fargo, North Dakota, although the majority of the action takes place in Minnesota.

Awards

Among its numerous accolades, Fargo won two Academy Awards - Best Actress for Frances McDormand and Best Original Screenplay for the Coen Brothers. It also received nominations in five other categories including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor for William H. Macy.

Quotes

• "And I guess that was your accomplice in the wood chipper." - Marge Gunderson
• "These numbers are right? This looks pretty sweet." - Jerry Lundegaard
• "We can't split the car in half." - Carl Showalter

Music, Soundtrack

• The original score for Fargo was composed by Carter Burwell, a frequent collaborator with the Coen Brothers. The music prominently features Scandinavian folk instruments, reflecting the film's setting and characters.
• "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'" by Boy George is one of the few pop songs used in the film.