The Coen Brothers stub their toes

Rating: Null/10 (30 January 1999)

"Fargo," by the gifted producer/director/writer team of Joel and Ethan Coen, reminds me of one of their previous films which I enjoyed very much, "Blood Simple." Like "Blood Simple," "Fargo" is a tale of crime gone wrong. This time it's a kidnapping plan that spins horribly out of control, leading to several grisly murders. Also, like "Blood Simple," "Fargo" is a comedy. But this time, for me, the humor didn't work. "Fargo" has been described as something of a warmhearted tribute by the Coen brothers to the wonderful people of their home state, Minnesota. No it's not. It's a nefarious assault on decent people whose main offense against humanity, apparently, is that they are friendly and trusting. And they talk funny. I happened to see this film in Washington, D.C., where others in the audience repeatedly guffawed in superior tones at what were supposed to be silly rubes on screen. Several audience members seemed to consider it their personal duty to laugh loudly and pointedly in sophisticated derision at decent, open and honest Minnesotans. And the way they talk. Maybe having grown up in the southern United States makes me particularly sensitive to accent bigotry. I dunno. But I liked the good people in this film, and it annoyed me that the Coen brothers portrayed them with contempt. Warmhearted contempt is still contempt. You've been away from home too long, guys.