A Unique Sort of Movie

Rating: 9/10 (1 August 2002)

Jerry Lundegaard (William H. Macy) needs money to invest in a parking lot. He devises a plan to get it, by which he will have two men (Steve Buscemi and Peter Stormare) kidnap his wife, and then have his rich father-in-law pay the ransom, keeping most of it for himself. As usual, the kidnapping doesn't go as planned, and a pregnant detective (Frances McDormand) is sent on the case.
What makes "Fargo" so great is its total uniqueness. It is almost written as a straight thriller, and it seems as though the comedy makes itself. The little observations about rural life in Minnesota combined with the uniqueness of the characters makes the movie funny. It is this strange blend of comedy and drama that makes "Fargo" what it is. This is probably the best screenplay since "Pulp Fiction".
Add excellent performances by all, particularly Macy, McDormand, and Buscemi, to this great script and you have a superb movie. Funny, thrilling, and unique, this is certainly one of the best movies of the 90s.
**** out of ****