Fargo (1996)

Synopsis of Fargo

Filmmaking siblings Joel Coen and Ethan Coen both embraced and poked satirical fun at their Minnesotan roots with this comedy-drama-thriller that earned seven Oscar nominations, winning for Best Actress and Best Original Screenplay. Frances McDormand stars as Marge Gunderson, a pregnant police chief whose affable, folksy demeanor masks a whip-smart mind. When a pair of motorists are found slain not far from the corpse of a state trooper, Marge begins piecing together a case involving a pair of dopey would-be kidnappers, Carl (Steve Buscemi) and Gaear (Bergman stock player Peter Stormare). They've been hired by Jerry Lundegaard (William H. Macy), a car salesman under the thumb of his wealthy, overbearing boss and father-in-law, Wade (Harve Presnell). Jerry's raised some money illegally through a petty scam he's run on General Motors and he's about to get caught. When Wade sours a business deal that could save his son-in-law's hide, the desperate Jerry hires Carl and Gaear to kidnap his wife and hold her for ransom. Things go predictably wrong and a series of murders occur, with Marge, waddling along behind her enormous belly and ever-hungering for an all-you-can-eat buffet, hot on the trail of the killers. Although the credits for Fargo state that the film is loosely based on real events, the story is entirely fictional, the claim being just an ironic jibe on the part of the Coens. ~ Karl Williams, Rovi

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Theatrical Feature Running Time:

98 mins

Director(s):

Joel Coen

Writer(s):

Ethan Coen, Joel Coen

Producer(s):

Ethan Coen, Joel Coen, John Cameron

Theatrical MPAA Rating:

R(Adult Humor, Graphic Violence)

• 1998 - American Film Institute - 100 Greatest American Movies
• 1996 - Broadcast Film Critics Association - Best Actress
• 1996 - Broadcast Film Critics Association - Best Picture
• 1996 - Cannes Film Festival - Best Director
• 1996 - Chicago Film Critics Association - Best Actress
• 1996 - Chicago Film Critics Association - Best Director
• 1996 - Chicago Film Critics Association - Best Picture
• 1996 - Chicago Film Critics Association - Best Screenplay
• 1996 - Chicago Film Critics Association - Best Original Score
• 1996 - Chicago Film Critics Association - Best Screenplay
• 1996 - Independent Spirit Awards - Best Picture
• 1996 - Independent Spirit Awards - Best Cinematography
• 1996 - Independent Spirit Awards - Best Actress
• 1996 - Independent Spirit Awards - Best Actor
• 1996 - Independent Spirit Awards - Best Director
• 1996 - Independent Spirit Awards - Best Screenplay
• 1996 - Independent Spirit Awards - Best Screenplay
• 1996 - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Screenplay
• 1996 - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Screenplay
• 1996 - National Board of Review - Best Actress
• 1996 - National Board of Review - Best Director
• 1996 - New York Film Critics Circle - Best Picture
• 1996 - Screen Actors Guild - Best Actress

Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

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