Fargo

I don’t even know how I feel right now. “Fargo” has this quirky charm about it, with its idiotic criminals, small town accents, quaint little bits of dialogue and Frances McDormand as the 7-month pregnant police detective that’s a lot smarter than she looks. It’s also one messed up movie.

Desperate car salesman Jerry Lundegaard (William H. Macy) has conjured up a plan to get himself out of his financial jam. He’s hired two criminals to kidnap his wife (Kristin Rudrüd), with the intention being that his father in law and boss (Harve Presnell) will pay the ransom. The three conspirators will split the cash. Then, it all goes wrong.

This Coen brothers picture keeps you on your toes. You’re never sure if it’s ok to laugh or not and you never know where the story is going to go. It’s all so… weird to see this small town with its funny little people talking matter-of-factly about the pile of bodies that’s manifesting. It’s got to be intentionally comical, or is does it simply seem funny? I'm not even sure if the laughs I heard from myself and the audience came from nervousness or not. I know it's funny. I think back at it and smile. At the same time, it's disturbing and ultimately a bit heartbreaking. The more I think about “Fargo”, the more it feels like this creeping parasite that’s crawled in through my ear and is devouring my brain. Obviously, violent crime is not exclusive to big cities. It’s not like Venutians live in New York and Mercurians live in North Dakota, but I think a part of you likes to cling onto the idea that small towns are safe. Get ready for your reality to be turned upside down and the chuckles to flow.

The quaint quality of the small town where everyone knows everyone and gossip are the most popular pastime is a deceptive veneer in “Fargo”. It's one of the reasons you cannot take your eyes off of it. No matter how far you've gotten, you can never get used to, or anticipate what’s coming next. It’s dark, clever and offputting, all of which make it that much more memorable and delightful. This is one that you're going to re-watch and get something new out of every time. (Theatrical version on the big screen, February 6, 2017)