Interesting Coen brothers' film. Based on a true story. Well worth the watch.

Rating: 9/10 (10 February 2019)

This week I watched the crime-drama-thriller Fargo (1996). The logline reads "Jerry Lundegaard's inept crime falls apart due to his and his henchmen's bungling and the persistent police work of the quite pregnant Marge Gunderson." Having spent most of my life in the west or the south, this film's Minnesotan culture was quite the experience. It was engaging to see the warmth and hospitable nature of people who live in such a frigid environment. I couldn't get past how this film was based on a true story. The chain of events was just insane and things spiraled out of control quickly. The one thing I wish has been done differently in this film is the end. Usually with "based on true event" films, there is some sort of message letting the audience know exactly what happened to the characters in the film, but for whatever reason, we didn't get this closure. However, I will note that the writing in these sorts of films always amazes me. The research process must take months or years and yet we get to see the story formed with so many details. Being a Coen brothers' film it is definitely a worthwhile film. I think that the thing that stood out the most for me in this movie was the cinematography. Roger Deakins really did a good job incorporating classic cinematic styles into the modern day ambience in the scenes. One shot that stood out in particular is when the two baddy's were pulled over by a police officer and Carl's (referred to as the 'funny-looking guy') eyes are highlighted. It is easy to watch this scene and dismiss the light as a natural gobo effect, however, this is a classic cinematic style highlighting the dramatic effect of realization more commonly drawn from the noir style of film. These details are what separates the amatures from the seasoned professionals. The acting was also really well done in this film, but Frances McDormand steals the show as Marge Gunderson. I was surprised at how interesting this film was and how little I knew about it before today. I would definitely recommend it and will likely be watching it again.