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Title: Fargo (1996)
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From Blood Simple to the new The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, we take a look at the offbeat stylings of Academy Award-winners Joel and Ethan Coen.
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| William H. Macy | ... | Jerry Lundegaard | |
| Steve Buscemi | ... | Carl Showalter | |
| Peter Stormare | ... | Gaear Grimsrud | |
 |
Kristin Rudrüd | ... | Jean Lundegaard |
| Harve Presnell | ... | Wade Gustafson | |
| Tony Denman | ... | Scotty Lundegaard | |
| Gary Houston | ... | Irate Customer | |
|
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Sally Wingert | ... | Irate Customer's Wife |
|
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Kurt Schweickhardt | ... | Car Salesman |
|
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Larissa Kokernot | ... | Hooker #1 |
| Melissa Peterman | ... | Hooker #2 | |
| Steve Reevis | ... | Shep Proudfoot (as Steven Reevis) | |
| Warren Keith | ... | Reilly Diefenbach (voice) | |
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Steve Edelman | ... | Morning Show Host |
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Sharon Anderson | ... | Morning Show Hostess |
Jerry works in his father-in-law's car dealership and has gotten himself in financial problems. He tries various schemes to come up with money needed for a reason that is never really explained. It has to be assumed that his huge embezzlement of money from the dealership is about to be discovered by father-in-law. When all else falls through, plans he set in motion earlier for two men to kidnap his wife for ransom to be paid by her wealthy father (who doesn't seem to have the time of day for son-in-law). From the moment of the kidnapping, things go wrong and what was supposed to be a non-violent affair turns bloody with more blood added by the minute. Jerry is upset at the bloodshed, which turns loose a pregnant sheriff from Brainerd, MN who is tenacious in attempting to solve the three murders in her jurisdiction. Written by Anonymous
Joel Coen the director of "Fargo", proves he is one of our best directors with this tale of deception and murder told in a style that takes humorous turns in the action. "Fargo" is one of the best American films of the nineties. Joel Coen working together with his brother, Ethan, have made pictures that will be viewed as classics, as time will tell. Their movies are always an excellent way to spend some time because they always manage to deliver, even in films that aren't popular with the public.
A lot of what makes this film work is the amazing casting feat the Coen brothers achieved in giving Frances McDormand and William H. Macy, two of our best film actors, prominent presence in it. The Marge Gunderson of Ms. McDormand is one of the best creations the Coen brothers have produced. The same can be said of William H. Macy's take on the pathetic Jerry Lundergaard, the idiotic man who sets things in motion in the film. Ms. McDormand and Mr. Macy have only one scene together, yet one wouldn't even think about other actors playing these roles.
The supporting cast of "Fargo" is a joy to watch. Steve Buscemi and Peter Stormare make two of the most enjoyable bad guys in memory. These two scum bags are a joke. Anyone in his right mind wouldn't entrust either Carl or Gaer for a hit job. John Carroll Lynch plays Norm, the stoic man who is married to Marge. Harve Presnell is good as Wade Gustafson.
The atmosphere created by the Coens work well. We are constantly reminded of the deep winter seasons of the area where the action takes place. They have given their characters a local flavor and even to hear them talk would take us to that region of the country.
"Fargo" is a joy to watch thanks to Joel and Ethan Coen.