FARGO (1996) EXPLAINED & Origin Of The Coen Brothers Movie

[@BrainPilot]

What did you think when you watched Fargo for the first time? 🤯 Let me know your thoughts below!

[@jmpsthrufyre]

I felt it was a special film, so different, And that I'd be watching it more than once

[@chrismeandyou]

I thought you might cover Death and other Details since it is a new mystery and and you did the great Only Murders in the Building. But then I watched the first episode of Death Details and it had illogical writing for the detective part, and worst of all it is filled with "modern politics" trash and I'm not watching that crap.

[@ya64]

Just watched it. Great movie. I really liked Margie and how great of a detective she was.

[@TheSubpremeState]

I can't comment on this crap except in replies. Where's the true story you melt

[@kellymitchell3138]

This film grew into one of my favorite movies. I watched it a few times before I fell in love with it - kind of like a fine wine.

[@thrashpondopons8348]

One thing I feel can't be understated about the Film (Particularly after THIS Season!) Is what a good Husband Norm is! He supports her in her career decisions, routinely checks to see she's eating properly, gets out of a warm beg to help her get an her early in the morning & while he does not have a traditional 9 to 5 job... he does make enough in his art to contribute to the household expenses. Perhaps not enough to earn 'Husband of the Year'... but still a good man!

[@BrainPilot]

Yeah that's so true! He didn't say much at all but you could see the love and care that was there. The scene at the end where she was proud of him for the art on his stamp was also a lovely moment. So different to Jerry and Jean!

[@JohnSmith-dt2yb]

Why does marge go to see the oriental fellow?

[@pedroclaro7822]

7:50@@JohnSmith-dt2yb

[@MA-rf6bu]

@@JohnSmith-dt2ybBecause women can’t help themselves with rich men.

[@davidantone4593]

The movie didn’t give any background as to the nature of their relationship, but I think they were just friends in the past. And she met up with him purely out of kindness. Native Minnesotans all have this thing called Minnesota Nice. It’s like a regional behavioral aspect that is part of the culture. Which is why so many ppl in the movie are always seemingly happy or overtly polite even in uncomfortable situations (like when Margie talks to shep proudfoot and passively threatens him to get him violated in his parole) So I always thought she was just being nice, because she seems content with norm. That’s my take anyway

[@smackdaddy9802]

Roger Ebert highlights the scene where Mike lies to Marge. He says it’s pivotal because it causes her to realize how well people can lie and it causes her to reexamine Jerry, before he flees the scene.

[@thatKaran]

This! This is it. Thank you.

[@garykooienga9990]

Her absolute shock as Jerry goes wheeling out of the lot. "He's fleeing the interview!" Well played Frances.

[@ChefZee1964]

until now, me reading this, I was always confused as for the purpose of meeting him, and because he did in fact lie to her she had a “light bulb” go on moment. had he NOT lied to her the scene would’ve been futile.

[@Heyitskrystal]

It isn’t said but I understood that Jerry married his wife in the first place because her father was rich. He thought he’d benefit from it but never did.

[@BrainPilot]

That's an interesting thought, I never look at it like that. He could have well been playing the long game

[@kirstenorcuttsingleton5219]

I feel like he didn't necessarily plan to be evil when he married her... But he essentially was such a loser that he was forced into criminal behavior to keep his head above water... And his true personality came out... I doubt that he would have imagined that he would have done everything he did when he was in his twenties... Although I doubt he was ever a very good person

[@georgesouthwick7000]

It seems that whenever the primary motivation for doing something is money, it never works out well.

[@garykooienga9990]

Jerry's dad-in-law had him figured as a weasely little shyster right from the start. But knew his daughter wasn't exactly a 'catch' either. Unsaid, but I suspect, a wedding of necessity may have been the root of all that followed.

[@arthurw8054]

Great comment. Never thought of this, but it fits what we know of his character precisely.

[@josephknaak9034]

As somebody who spent most of my life in Northern Illinois i remember seeing this in a theater and feeling the cold

[@mstalcup]

If Fargo doesn't qualify as noir, I don't know what does. What an excellent film! Great overview of the film!

[@TheMisterGuy]

I agree, Marge really was a super lady.

[@Cbart23]

Oh yaaaaa

[@kellymitchell3138]

I love the character of Marge. A waddling, wicked smart badass

[@BrainPilot]

Yeah she was a great character!

[@vivianblack2951]

Peter Stormare as the other kidnapper to Buscemi was the scariest villian in any movie I've seen. You never knew what he was thinking and what he would do. He was stone cold.

[@BrainPilot]

Yeah they were really good in this movie!

[@marilynsgirl01]

I had this weird crush on Peter Stormare. His cold eyes and his cool action…terrifying but attracted me too.

[@SaintNormRIP]

@@marilynsgirl01he’s a tall blonde Swedish guy with mystery. I’m sure a lot of women found him attractive.

[@marilynsgirl01]

@@SaintNormRIP I’m glad to hear you say that. I am always attracted to the extremely bad boys…the ones who will tie you up and leave you in a trunk. 😂

[@garykooienga9990]

Reminded me of Javier Bardem in 'No Country for Old Men'. But even lacking his minimal emotion.

[@dapete]

The theme song brings me such joy because its always attached to such good stories.

[@BrainPilot]

Yeah I thought that when rewatching it. The opening theme is just too good!

[@dapete]

@@BrainPilot It's on par with the piano from the Conversation for stirring melancholy.

[@YTStoleMyUsername]

I watched this film simply because I took Film Studies in high school, and we had to watch several films from the American Film Academy's Top 100. I didn't have as much appreciation for older films then as I do now, so I chose this one simply because it was the most modern one on the list - 1996. I fell in love from the opening scene and it's been one of my top favorites ever since. I can watch it over & over and never get tired of it. Thank you for doing this breakdown and bringing it back to light for others.

[@juanbarraza1490]

Another scene that comes to mind was Carl losing it when the airport parking attendant wouldn’t waive the fee when he “changed his mind” about parking there (he only went in to steal a license plate.) Him trying to keep the car when he had the lion’s share of the ransom makes sense.

[@garykooienga9990]

Such a bungler!! Stops to complain to a complete stranger shoveling his driveway about the lack of action out at the lake. Who does this? (Him, obviously)

[@patoloco1000]

This movie was terrifying at times because of the killing scenes. The killings were messy and horrifying just like in real life. I love the way the story is told and the characters.

[@BrainPilot]

Yeah it's such a good film!

[@sharonjones5173]

This is just a great movie. The story begins and takes you away. I never get tired of watching it.

[@BrainPilot]

Yeah it is such a good one!

[@batgurrl]

Thanks for the analysis. IMHO Fargo is the best Coen Brothers film. Beautiful score by Carter Burwell, McDormand deserved her Oscar. You betcha. One of favorite 20-25 movies of all time

[@BrainPilot]

Glad you enjoyed! Yeah it is a hard one to beat. There are so many good things about it, and yeah McDormand definitely did!

[@trevorparry2287]

YEAAAAAH (HEAD NOD)

[@phantomchuckles]

I just watched it(the film) and wound up here....I had the chance of watching no country for old men earlier this year without knowing it was the coen's and while watching Fargo I was like damn this film really reminds me of no country similar themes explored differently but always leading up to the same conclusion. I thoroughly enjoyed myself while discovering who the coen's are and what their style is exploring. Who woulda thought...

[@dude-man]

Yeah, well thats like your opinion, man.. 😎

[@mysterin5061]

I just watched this movie. I live with roommates that are like Marge and Norm, who are, and I mean this warm-heartedly, simple folk. When Marge said, "... And it's a beautiful day. I just don't get it," it hit home. Beautiful movie.

[@JoeMama-dt4jg]

Thank you for taking the time to analyze this awesome film. After hearing about it for so long I finally watched it last year and I loved it. So it made it all that more disappointing when I could barely find any videos on KZbin that did a deep dive into the movie. It was exciting to see your video pop up 😅

[@BrainPilot]

Glad to have been the person to do it for you! It's an awesome film isn't it. Glad you enjoyed the vid!

[@AESmith-bw1fy]

I never realized Fargo was inspired by the murder of Helle Craft! There is a book about Helle’s murder. The Woodchipper Murder, I believe it’s titled. It was one of the books that got me hooked on true crime in my preteen years. The other was A Venom in the Blood. Totally inappropriate for my age but no one kept track of what you were reading on the 80s & 90s 😂😂

[@barbarapaige4587]

HaHa - I read that book and thought of it when they did the woodchipper scene. The husband finally got caught when they found a tooth of hers near the site (no other body parts). Creepy!

[@BrandiBee.]

@@barbarapaige4587They also found one of Helle’s red acrylic nails! This was the first true crime case I ever watched…on A&E , narrated by Bill Kurtis. I became totally hooked!

[@asmith8947]

Macy begged for the role. And I'm glad the Coens cast him; he was great.

[@asmith8947]

McDormond however...well.....

[@barbarapaige4587]

I thought Macy was great, as was Dormand. Macy has that innocent altar boy look about him, which added to the creep factor because of the evil he sets off with his greed.

[@garykooienga9990]

I previously had him pegged as a B-list fill-in type. But he really shone here, and changed my perception of of WHM altogether.

[@randallbokma2619]

W.H. Macy at his audition: No, this is MY deal, see! Aww heck, ya want me to beg ya, here?

[@La_Horca]

There was no one else for the role. Macy killed it. What a guy

[@keithmichael112]

7:40 this scene always confused me too, I eventually thought it gave her a nudge that she shouldnt be taking bill at face value, she's too much of a trusting person who doesn't pick up on ulterior motives

[@BrainPilot]

Yeah it's definitely one of the most confusing scenes but 100% agree!

[@bunny70]

I agree. I frist thought it was a throwaway line, just done for fun. But, she went to ask the car dealers for proof that the car didn't come from that lot after she found out that other guy was lying.

[@Spooky_515]

It serves a purpose but still doesn’t fit the character at all. She’s sweet but she’s not clueless. Actually she’s really quick witted especially compared to the people around her.

[@garykooienga9990]

​@@Spooky_515There's sharpened steel under that seemingly naive exterior.

[@erictaylor5462]

The "finder's fee" is a normal way such business is done. It wasn't about disrespect. And Wade clearly knew Jerry was a con-man. He may have suspected the "investment" was a scam. You don't get wealthy in real-estate unless you are very savvy.

[@tomc2979]

It was obvious throughout the entire film that Wade simply didn’t respect Jerry. This was made most apparent when Wade tells Jerry that Jean and Scottie (the son) don’t need to worry about being taken care of. He intentionally excluded Jerry in that statement because it was always his plan to make sure Jerry would never inherit a dime of his money after he was gone.

[@garykooienga9990]

Jerry, one of those quick-buck scam artists with no thought whatsoever of the long-term. Playing it fast and loose with the dealership's credit account? WTF did he think was going to happen?

[@erictaylor5462]

I'm not sure he was driven by greed. I think he was in debt, possibly due to gamboling. He had been stealing money from one place to pay back another with the plan to pay back the stolen money before the missing money is noticed. This can work for a while and may well be employed more often than we know, considering the stolen money is returned before the theft is noticed. The problem is, if you are more than a few steps in, the money owed gets bigger quickly until there is more than can be repaid.

[@ashiksalimcet]

Good observation

[@ChangoHango]

I would argue that the situation he got himself into was driven by greed. His actions in the movie may have been desperate attempts to get out of debt, but greed is what got him there in the first place, especially if using your example of gambling.

[@garykooienga9990]

Unspecified chicanery set the stage for all that followed.

[@truthtortoise3829]

I just finished watching the movie for the first time - and I’ve done this after watching (and obsession) over every season of Fargo the TV series. I really loved the movie and it gave me a lot of appreciation for the show. Plus I noticed so many Easter eggs / different bits that were pulled from throughout all 5 seasons

[@garykooienga9990]

That suitcase of $$$ buried in the snow sets off a whole chain of events much later.

[@MariaMulholland-y1v]

I immegrated to Minnesotta from Australia in 2018 and the first yr there was snow I swore I would never go out in it again omg is it cold and Im also totally unable to walk on a slippy footpath without falling on my bum or flat on my face.

[@emilyshotwellboivin26]

Amazing movie - so unique at the time.

[@BrainPilot]

100%!

[@1PaulG1]

The Fargo series is such highly quality … If you haven’t seen it, you won’t be disappointed.. 10/10

[@Mercenary-1914]

Was there a connection in season 5 to the other seasons. I think I missed that. I was able to quickly catch the connections of seasons 1-4. This season seem to be on a different level. We have a dude who is 100's of years old. Wtf

[@baubaul]

S2 had an UFO in it , every season has surrealism in it

[@Mercenary-1914]

@@baubaul UFO is real....living over 100s of years....nah...I ain't buying it

[@bobxyzp]

Where Moonk kills the old lady’s son with an axe was a callback to the movie.

[@galelascala105]

I think both children are named Scotty. The son in the movie and Dot's daughter.

[@Nxndss]

Marge and Lars share the same last name

[@chillmurray7529]

My favorite movie of all. Thanks for doing this!

[@BrainPilot]

Glad you enjoyed the vid

[@mivsenfrida9872]

It was love at first sight. Best movie ever.

[@cactaceous]

I love that the guy in the red jacket who ran out of the car crash only to be shot in the back was played by Prince. Yes, that Prince. He is credited merely as the symbol of “the artist formerly known as Prince”.

[@BrainPilot]

Haha!

[@imonymous]

Seriously? I never heard of that!

[@cactaceous]

@@imonymous No. Prince or his symbol rather was credited but it was a joke based on slight reality since Prince really did want to do a cameo. The Coens threw it in to fuck with people kind of in the same vein as the “based on a true story” claim which was also very slightly accurate.

[@imonymous]

@@cactaceous Ahh, so it wasn't actually him. I can see him wanting to be involved since he was really attached to Minnesota.

[@cactaceous]

@@imonymous Nah, it was some crew member I believe. Yes the Minnesota connection is real and part of the joke. Apparently Prince really did want to be in the film. It didn’t work out though.

[@zyxw2000]

I watch it every time its on TV. One of my favorites. Frances McDormand is a national treasure.

[@BrainPilot]

Yeah it's such a good movie!

[@zyxw2000]

@@BrainPilot I've been a fan of McDormand since my first viewing.

[@hhhsp951]

I always figured Mike was just in denial because the person he was obsessed with rejected him vehemetly

[@mrnosaj71]

Thank you for this video, I haven't watched this film in decades, it is brilliant.

[@BrainPilot]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@papamaanbeerVideo]

nothing wil go wrong. what made it stand out even more is that nothing is going well for him. his loan sheme, the deal he wanted to make with his fatherinlaw, not even the car deals. the customers at the start saying he is a liar. the biggest lie is him thinking he can pull it off.

[@garykooienga9990]

He was up to some unspecified mischief that got him in a tight spot in the first place. One 'brilliant' idea after another with guys like that.

[@retriever19golden55]

This movie came out in 1996. In October 1996, two cheerleaders were abducted and murdered by a neighbor in the village of Dryden, New York. They were dismembered and put through a woodchipper, the remains scattered in the woods. Coincidence?!

[@jonbon7219]

copycat

[@rikiishitoru8885]

In the 80s a man actually killed his wife and fed her to the woodchipper

[@KLondike5]

She was such a super lady. Side note, there is a way to watch this with different characters. There is an 2003 made for TV movie version. Edie Falco plays Margie

[@BrainPilot]

Oh really? I did not know that. I might have to give that a search!

[@KLondike5]

@@BrainPilot I think actually it was supposed to be a series pilot. It's on KZbin as a lost pilot. Some same actors like Lou the cop.

[@TheMisterGuy]

"There is an 2003 made for TV movie version. Edie Falco plays Margie" 2003, with Edie Falco? I bet she could do it, but...wasn't she kind of busy at the time? I gotta see that, she's great.

[@JonBooks]

Thanks for sharing

[@BrainPilot]

Thanks for watching!

[@nannyalberte]

I love this movie. Was the reason I watched the first three seasons (And yes, I loved them!) Looking forward to get up to date with the other two :)

[@BrainPilot]

Fargo is a very good show!

[@Speed_hunter]

Great analysis

[@BrainPilot]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@kitkat186]

It's real life happening, you never know how things will work out. I once talked two people out of arranging payback on someone who cheated them, with the question what happens if it goes wrong. I used a similar scenerio to this movie, dodgy people usually have issues and get triggered easily, a beating could become murder.

[@roberthoffhines5419]

You described it as an accelerating roller coaster, out of control from the initiating intentions of the protagonist. I wonder...if Vince Gilligan was a big fan of this when it came out, 15 or-so years before BReaking BAd.

[@babaoreally8220]

This movie was Sooooo good that I drove up to see if I could find the briefcase filled with cash,along side the road.

[@garykooienga9990]

Look for a red ice-scraper.

[@babaoreally8220]

@@garykooienga9990 LOL.

[@paulabizzak9532]

I want Francis McDermott to play me in my Movie

[@Artsyca]

I have a slightly different interpretation of the $80,000 and splitting the car. If Carl had relented too easily his partner would’ve known that something was up. So he had to put on a big show about wanting to keep the car.

[@Speed_hunter]

I love this franchise 😊

[@BrainPilot]

Yeah it's so gripping isn't it!

[@LJBAR1]

Jerry just wanted something on his own. Much like Fredo in the Godfather, he felt disrespected, ignored and "passed over". He just felt he couldn't catch a break and if everything worked out he could replace the missing funds at the dealership, pursue the parking lot dream and finally take the place of respect he craved/deserved, something on his own!

[@craigiefconcert6493]

So the kid says “what if something goes wrong?” when he hears his mother was kidnapped? He must have read his dad and knew it was his hair brained scheme but was caught that he felt he had to protect him and not turn him in.

[@Spooky_515]

Marge is the perfect wife. A loving sweetheart, smart and gorgeous. She’s like super woman lol I mean she investigates the case and makes the arrest while causally feeding her cravings because she’s doing it all pregnant! Winner winner chicken dinner

[@itzybitzyspyder]

I think Margie sums it up best..."It's just money."

[@zyxw2000]

Then she says something about its being a beautiful day. She can enjoy the little things in life.

[@georgestroudukian6227]

You know that McDormand had to sleep with the director to get the role?

[@AdrienneHall-mn3bn]

Lol, Yes, her husband.

[@fgoindarkg]

For those of you praising Marge, she's a fictional character. In every movie written by the Coens the women are always above the men. Those boys ain't right.

[@gerryfegan3608]

The only season that was bad was the 4th season the second season was amazing the third season was great and the fifth season was also very good

[@alittlebitgone]

GMAC, not DMAC. GM is General Motors.

[@crose7412]

12:37 For more Minnesota magic, I suggest Matt Dillon in 'Factotum' for you.

[@mlsaulnier]

Admittedly, I did not like the Fargo movie the first time I watch it. But I had to watch it multiple more times years later as I played a cop in a theatre production with that accent. The movie sort of grew on me. I love the tv series.

[@BrainPilot]

That's interesting! I watched the movie after watching the TV series for the first time and I loved it. I commend Juno for doing the accent so we'll because it sounds like there's so many intricacies to it!

[@rabidunion6949]

I just wonder what kind of financial trouble Jerry got himself into? We know he got money for cars that didn't exist. But why? What did he use the money for or why did he need it?

[@lindahaltam6535]

I loved this film

[@BrainPilot]

Same! It was such a good one!

[@thomasj3701]

We... don't... talk... like... that...

[@zyxw2000]

He's a Brit.

[@rottenamiigo9443]

I’m here because of Darko Us. 😂

[@khkartc]

It’s not true? The heck you mean?

[@smitasitara]

Why is the murderer grinding Carl up when he's left a train of bodies behind?

[@garykooienga9990]

One more sign of utter irrationality. Which is the hallmark of his behavior throughout the movie.

[@yungspenc313nation3]

Does anyone know 🤔 who found the money 💰

[@garykooienga9990]

In the series, much later, Oliver Platte's grocery empire was founded w/ the contents of that briefcase.

[@yungspenc313nation3]

@garykooienga9990 appreciate which season I only watched the season with Chris rock and the gangster's beefing. I believe season 5

[@garykooienga9990]

​@@yungspenc313nation3Apologies but I couldn't tell you which season is which. There's a UTube vid that reviews the entire series. That'll point you in the right direction.

[@sha11235]

6th film.

[@Gunnumn]

Fargo is the best Quentin Tarantino film not filmed or written by Quentin Tarantino

[@werre2]

fargo season 1 was better than the movie

[@BrainPilot]

I dunno, the movie is top tier!

[@TesterAnimal1]

“Seasons”. Shit. Time wasting.

[@gerryfegan3608]

Second? Lmfao who fuking cares

[@matteframe]

We care about you, Gerry!

[@Daneelro]

Jerry The Bald Faced Liar is an archetypical small-town USA character we also see in Vonnegut novels, and one we see a lot among the most vocal Trump supporters. If you know the business history of MTG or Boebert, or any number of arrested Jan 6 rioters, it's all too familiar.

[@AllDetours]

Meh. Terrible content.

[@Kneenibble]

Between your ears, yes indeed.

[@Alejandro.96U]

This movie is so ass, I watched because it was recommended to me not that funny and underwhelming

[@EdserXD21]

It's trash

[@charlesthompson5645]

Agreed I didn’t laugh once, wasn’t shocked once and it was boring and 1 note. It felt it was breaking common 90s thriller tropes but I don’t relate to that at all and don’t even know the message

[@petermj1098]

@@charlesthompson5645The message is that most criminals are foolish and they struggle in life just as much as an average person.

[@barrylee6100]

Stick to Leave It To Beaver and cartoons...

[@Spooky_515]

stick with comic book movies and woke comedy!