Fargo

Fargo is an amazing film that will be remembered for years to come. Fargo is brought to us by the talented team of Joel and Ethan Coen (it is directed by Joel, and produced by Ethan)who have brought us a film that contrasts greed with a simple, and peaceful life. The setting of the film is in the cold, but quiet state of North Dakota, which establishes the peaceful and down to earth nature of many of the characters. The events that occur in the film however, contrast with this background brilliantly. It shows that things are not always as they appear to be.

Fargo stars William H. Macy as Jerry Lunegaard, a struggling and shaddy car salesman who is desperate to get the money he needs to avoid bancruptcy. Jerry refuses to ask his rich father-in-law (Harve Presnell) for help, as his insecure nature forces him to find the money himself-by any means necessary.

The film opens with Jerry meeting with two gentlemen (Steve Buscemi and Peter Stormare) about his reprehensible plan to get the money needed. It is a plan that involves the kidnapping of his own wife and a ransom that will be demanded, as a result.

When everything begins to go wrong, resulting in a number of brutal murders, a policewoman Marge Gunderson (Frances McDormand) is called to investigate the case. McDormand's Academy Award winning performance as the sweet natured, but determined policewoman is brilliant. McDormand's character is essential in showing the simple life that contrasts with the unhappy life, Macy's character has as a result of guilt, insecurities, and greed.

Fargo does have its comedic moments, represented mostly through McDormand's performance, which continues to show the joy that a simple, quiet life can have, rather than a life focused on money. The unhappiness represented in Macy's character, as well as Buscemi's and Stormare's characters, represents the pain that money can bring. Buscemi and Stormare represent characters that do not like each other and are only working together for money, which only seems to bring them unhappiness.

Fargo shows that just finding joy in a simple life, and not allowing the hardships of life to bring you down, is the greatest wealth a person could have.