Fargo

Rating: 9/10 (8 May 2010)

The film Fargo from 1996 is a thriller directed by the Coen Brothers. This is not a typical thriller, more a dark comedy, one based on the twisted truths of what one man was ultimately capable of. Jerry's unimaginable decisions when he found himself stuck in a bind illustrate the twisted extremes a human can go to in pursuit of money. Jerry is the executive manager of one his father-in-laws car dealerships. Although his wife comes from a very wealthy family, Jerry does not have the close relationship; one he would need to be able to ask his in-laws for money. When he falls behind on his bills he comes up with the genius idea to have his wife kidnapped so he can cash in on the ransom money. He thinks his plan is fool proof, but it ends up hiring two dangerous men, more dangerous then he could ever imagine. His meeting with Carl and his eerily quiet friend end in multiple homicides, including a state trooper, Jerry's wife, his father-in law and even Carl. Margie, the chief officer involved in the investigating the kidnapping and the other homicides is seven month pregnant. Margie is a simple lady from a small town and she is very good at what she does. Margie suspects Jerry has something to do with his wife's disappearance almost immediately. His nervous twitchy demeanor catches her attention. Fargo is a seemingly slow paced film and builds without the need for dramatic music or the typical serial killer, but is still able to make you jump or squirm. The Coen brothers are brilliant in the way weave different horrible true stories into one amazing film. They show the intensity that a person can feel when they feel trapped in a corner with no way to go. Margie follows the clues and ties together seemingly unrelated events that all tie together in the end. One seemingly controlled act spiraled out of control leaving Jerry with noting in the end.