Less is More

Rating: Null/10 (30 September 2003)

Spoilers.
I think it is unique that a film as simple as this one has so much to say. It is presented unlike any conventional film you will find in the genre. Most screen-writing conventions require that each scene advance the plot and develop the characters. This is precisely what this film does, but to call it conventional would be a malapropism. The brilliance of what the Coen brothers have done here is the way they wrote scenes that contain the insight and density of a great novel then presented them on film in the simplest possible way.
All the actors gave some of their most memorable performances of their life. Indeed, the characters themselves are not the type to be forgotten easily. You have a quiet psychotic, a selfish weasel, a dishonest and dumb car salesman, a grumpy father-in-law and a smart and honest police woman. What an ensemble! And each character is put in situations where their most basic characteristics are shown. For example, Carl (Buscemi) is seeing a show with an escort and he calls the waiter, who doesn't respond. He then says to her `What is he, deaf?'
Fargo' quite rightly deserved the Oscar nomination for best film editing, as well as all the Oscars is actually won. A lot of scenes are covered from only two simple angles, and establishing shots are very basic set-ups next to the road. This sounds like the way A Simple Plan' was shot, but in Fargo' the cuts are exceptionally well timed. Sort of like musical notes.

I don't think it is easy for people to validate any criticism they have of this film. It is one of the most memorable films I have ever seen. I wish more people would recognize it as the underrated masterpiece that it is.