Fargo - Mike Yanagita

The most pathetic character in all of film.

[@ChowDownDetroit]

Roger Ebert pointed out that after this scene, Marge goes back to the used car dealership to investigate again after realizing that people are good at lying.

[@jaywunder13242]

Yeah. I've heard some people call this scene pointless but its not.

[@geoycs]

She’s smart, but she didn’t see Lundegard for what he was. This experience reminded her to be more vigilant.

[@CelticMudkip]

​@@geoycs Also it's important that she brings up that "there's not a heck of a lot to discuss" about the case... This reminded her not to just search for clues, but to read people deeper. There wasn't a lot, because Jerry lied. When she returned, a whole well of information was discovered. Marge is a great cop and has probably dealt with liars before, but she's also used to Minnesota niceties, so this was a wakeup call for her in this particular moment.

[@peterolbrisch1653]

Thanks you guys for clearing that up for me after 24 years. When I saw this on pbs that scene was cut. I guess they didn't get it back then either. I want to say that was around 2005. Thanks again!

[@impCaesarAvg]

When I saw that scene I thought it was just local color and Marge being empathetic. I didn't get that it was the reason she interviewed Jerry a second time.

[@usssanjacinto1]

This guy really pulled off the unbearable awkwardness.

[@rembrandtgraffiti4161]

unbearable awkwardness of being

[@MyoclonicJerkCough]

According to Linda Cooksey, Mike Yanagita spent a lot of time at the MACKDonald's and that contributed to his many psychiatric problems

[@mikimiyazaki]

@@MyoclonicJerkCough what do you think he did at macdonalds? He wasnt drinkin milkshakes!

[@oilersridersbluejays]

I assure you.

[@NormAppleton]

Mike Yanagita, the loneliest man alive. He's definitely creepy, stalker. Yet you pity the man.

[@AtenRa]

The awkwardness... the way she timidly sips her drink in mousy horror the bolder he gets. Brilliant.

[@Veegs.]

‘mousy horror’ cool phrase fits exactly

[@clawzx1195]

Just the 👀 emoji

[@amina-pr8xt]

You were such a super lady !

[@haanoon]

The Coen brothers can introduce and develop a character in 4 minutes better than others could throughout an entire film.

[@NetimeGames]

Facts

[@andrewcutler1380]

I would love a Mike Yanagita (sp?) movie. Alas, the actor would be too old now, unless the film is examining his retiree years.

[@llamalloyd3196]

@@andrewcutler1380 bro wants a whole movie based on a side character who showed up for 4 mins

[@andrewcutler1380]

@@llamalloyd3196 yes, bro does.

[@jdewitt77]

@@andrewcutler1380 I think that's a great idea.

[@sahilwajid5532]

That guy's a brilliant actor for pulling off that scene so well

[@blobber51]

@Not Bob he really did love her...

[@keithm9337]

According to the actor, every syllable, every nuance, every word spoken was in the script. But still, he did a good job on delivery.

[@zyrrhos]

@@keithm9337 Every Coen brothers script is like that. It's all there on the page. Fun reads, brilliant writers.

[@davidreyes2234]

@@keithm9337 Actor is Steve Park. He played in skits on “In Living Color” back in early 90’s. He also played a bit role as a Convenient Store owner in Spike Lee’s film “Do the Right Thing”. He’s done lots of Bit roles. Worked with him on film set of “Sgt Bilko” in 1995. Cool guy.

[@jeffgillson]

Serious range of emotions and he managed to sell it as pretty damn believable.

[@andrewsax5682]

Who needs cringe compilations when you have this scene?

[@LondonSambaDancerBellydancer]

Andrew Sax haha 😂 ha

[@sifugurusensei]

With a scene like this who needs an enema

[@robzilla730]

kinda like Blind Date

[@santeebandit3246]

Lmaoo yessss awww poor Mine 😂

[@santeebandit3246]

*Mike 😬

[@jpk9902]

Holy shit, how does he blend the two accents together like that.

[@jamiewulfyr4607]

I know! It's quite an achievement isn't it?

[@ericanulph1980]

Now that's acting

[@NormAppleton]

It's impressive. Steve Park pilled the greatest cameo since the Gold Watch here.

[@BobABooey.]

Go to Europe and talk to an Asian with a British accent, that's funny.

[@GreatLakesDrifta]

By hanging out in Minneapolis/St. Paul? Large Asian population there that talks like that.

[@maximumoccupancy]

I'm about to go on a coffee date as "friends" with my high school crush from last year. Watching this to prepare.

[@FrostyCoug]

The Fidget Spinner Movie it’s been 9 months. How did it go and what did you name the child?

[@OldieWan]

Now you can't just type something like this out and NOT give us an update! Where did you put the body? The old classic behind the basement stairs?

[@HometownAngler]

Come on man we have to know

[@OmarEhab10]

Why is she not replying? Oh my god did he kill her??!!!

[@romangarcia608]

so how did it go?? we’re gonna keep asking so you might as well tell us 😂

[@colderplasma]

"Nooo, noo just so I don't have to turn my neck!" Perfect 'Minnesota nice'

[@Montrosesister12]

Richie Aprile if they were in Houston she would’ve said. Git yur yeller ass away from me. I’m leevin.

[@playbackproductions1]

Richie Aprile and if this was in north Jersey she woulda shot him in the chest

[@MyoclonicJerkCough]

Ballroom dancing is a legitimate art form

[@reneetherese1963]

@Richie Aprile This Wisconsinite agrees and we do the same here. Guess it's in our Midwestern DNA! 😄

[@joematerascz3725]

We even would say that in Chicago! So Midwestern! "TURN MY NECK" not my head!🤣🤣🤣

[@pwbmd]

As a Minnesotan, I have to say her mannerisms and passive aggression are exquisite. The dialogue too. It’s exactly what someone would say. She reminds me of so many hockey moms I knew growing up.

[@chocolatefudge5263]

😂

[@ibrahimkayikci2146]

Oh you're a doctor! So cool maaan..

[@alevine1951]

Wow, a doctor! It sounds like you're doing really super!!

[@LionZebra]

Did you get to score a goal with any of the hockey moms?

[@MyoclonicJerkCough]

So you're living in Edina then?

[@4biddin]

You're such a super lady.

[@KianoUyMOOP]

and I.....I've been so lonleh.

[@4biddin]

So many beautiful quotes in this movie. :)

[@psychoticmortacarn]

4biddin I always liked ya SO MAHCH

[@MyoclonicJerkCough]

So, Mike, should we get together another time, ya think?

[@sifugurusensei]

@@KianoUyMOOP its ronray

[@CyckOne]

“Linda’s fine, you should call her!” 🤣

[@MrFTW733]

It took a lot of balls for him to portray a 'pathetic character'. What this character did was almost evil, because if he kept bothering that girl he claimed he was married to, he was doing the same with this woman. One of the things that makes this movie so good is this police woman, she's very respectable and intelligent.

[@KianoUyMOOP]

but apparently not smart enough to draw her sidearm---and put a bullet between his eyes.

[@dnhy7951]

@@KianoUyMOOP You really are a dick head.

[@galleryofrogues]

He’s definitely sick in the head. I dunno if I’d call him evil but a person like him who’s so mentally ill belongs under supervision.

[@neglectfulsausage7689]

How come when women hang around bars after being rejected by a guy to check on him thats sad and people empathize with her but if a man does it its scary and evil?

[@krokodil7057]

@@neglectfulsausage7689 what are you talking about man

[@interestedparty7523]

One of the most effectively written and executed scenes in film history.

[@interestedparty7523]

The purpose of this scene is to get Marge to reassess her methods of investigation and simply not be too trusting of what people tell her. In other words, she has to learn to not take things at face value. She basically learned "People can lie straight to your face and feel completely 100% real."

[@joelkeane3160]

Yes Rick, great analyses. I once watched Fargo with a friend of mine who thought he was a bit of a film expert and his critique of the scene is that it’s essentially pointless. What a bone headed comment...From memory there is a key shot a few scenes down the track when Margie is driving in her car. She is driving along, pondering, which is followed by her next move to pursue the Jerry situation with more endeavour and with a revised view of the human potential for deception. It is a master stroke of a scene which again gives greater poignancy to all of those humorous scenes of Margie living a quiet and decent life with her husband - eating burgers together, watching tv and “getting a jump start”...😂😂😂. Wonderful stuff.

[@frankiegee6135]

This whole movie is a masterpiece, every scene is as good as the next one!

[@interestedparty7523]

@Gene Nightingale The fact that enough people believe COVID-19 is a 5G conspiracy is proof most lack the critical thinking skills to understand film.

[@ReservoirPunk]

Lmao bit much

[@coonagh1]

If it’s company Mike needs, he should go to Midwest Federal, talk to Old Bill Diehl.

[@swifty1147]

Obligatory "He's at North Star."

[@dciccantelli]

@@swifty1147 That's why Mike is lonely. He's been looking for ol' Bill at Midwest Federal.....

[@patriciafoster3347]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂😂

[@TonyDanza4Lyfe]

I'm laughing out loud literally

[@marywatkins6798]

LOL

[@maxthedog223]

I never noticed the eyes when he first hugs her and says "ya look great". The guy is masterful in this role.

[@testdrive664]

+Jody Braxton He was great! Awesome scene. I think he was genuine in saying it... Do you suggest he was lying?

[@Poezick88]

+test drive he was desperate and horny

[@fredlburrows]

Such a super lady!

[@fredlburrows]

***** Me too, I love this movie and I love this scene, as uncomfortable and awkward as it is. It's just so odd and well written and acted by everyone involved.

[@thescapegoatmechanism8704]

2:57 “Well, I always-“ “I ALWAYS LIKED YOU SO MUCH” 😂😂😂

[@mobus1603]

Holy mother that was awkward--yeesh!

[@user-zi1kl4zf4g]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@MilwaukeeF40C]

This scene was painful.

[@calldwnthesky6495]

this whole movie was painful. great picture, but i don't remember feeling comfortable or good or happy, pretty much the whole way through... it was all disturbing... sometimes mildly, sometimes very... but always disturbing. i just can't watch movies like this anymore

[@mizusecond]

i find fargo a very relaxing movie.

[@ZiplineShazam]

You're such a super lady !

[@seamusin1697]

CallDwn theSky It's black comedy with a lot of irony and tragicomical elements mixed in. In many ways Fargo is an homage or ode to Minnesotan life with a fair amount of tongue in cheek humor and almost surreal dark elements mixed in. Unlike Quentin Tarantino who also employs black humour and irony in his films, the Coen brothers are more nuanced and empathetic in their approach to characters and their dilemmas.

[@hilriekemp]

It's pretty cringe worthy, she's pregnant married and he's still trying.

[@lightbearer.94]

I love how just as she's about to sympathize for him, their drinks come in. Haha such a brilliant movie.

[@newgame897]

Such a super movie.

[@brendontompa-clinch2306]

@@newgame897 -- I always liked it so muach!!

[@Tony_Cardoza]

@Brendon And then, I saw ya on the teevee!

[@zyzir]

nice pfp

[@lightbearer.94]

@@zyzir thx! likewise.

[@freemoable]

The actor that played Mike Yangita is amazing. He literally made my skin crawl in this scene by being so creepy.

[@evanhughes1510]

I don’t think creepy is the right word. He was socially awkward and stuttered a lot, but that doesn’t equal creepy necessarily. Weird and creepy are not the same thing.

[@crylittlesister6377]

@@evanhughes1510 As a socially awkward guy who is often misnterpreted as creepy, I appreciate your comment. Thank you!

[@tilesetter1953]

Another one with literally! What does it look like when your skin crawls, does it leave your body first????

[@highofftap7073]

​@@evanhughes1510 no, he's definitely creepy

[@evanhughes1510]

@@highofftap7073 I guess to people like you who are scared of everything

[@copacetic9018]

Francis McDormand is such a fucking amazing actor.

[@TheBlackLodger]

She's such a super actor!

[@sahilwajid5532]

Copacetic yes, but this scene is more about the guy's good acting than hers

[@hoss-lk4bg]

Francis = male Frances = female

[@deplorableaussie6749]

I comcur

[@sgt.thundercok4704]

Yeah, if she wasn't just another airhead regressive.

[@toddpinkstonisgod]

The way he cuts off Marge with the “I ALWAYS LIKED YOU SO MUCH!” 😂😂 That’s when his desperation really kicks up a notch, lol…so pathetic but funny. I’ve watched this scene so many times over the years, such a classic.

[@axonis2306]

I LIKE YOYR COMMENT SO MUCH

[@alanmcneill2407]

Oh Ya..." He was really desperate.....he needed some professional help.....marvelous acting on his part, and Marge's reactions were precisely what one would expect...she played that so very, very well, as she did in all the scenes. " Cringe" was eloquently expressed there.

[@MrsBlaileen1]

True. As much as we’re supposed to look down on Mike, I’m also surprised to discover I have a little sympathy for him too. Seems like such a sad, empty guy…

[@mike91mdk45]

That and the "Super lady" haha

[@born2grooveu]

so i don't have to turn my neck

[@sonnydestefino7749]

BASS MARINO. (Guessing U Got That Line B4) #Nerd 👈😁👊

[@born2grooveu]

you went and married norm sunavagunderson.

[@dciccantelli]

I dunno why but I always thought that was one of the funniest lines in the movie...!

[@SHNKRDS]

He could have just said "norm son of gunder"

[@noamorwell]

SHNKRDS this isn't the Lord of the Rings video, sir, for you to be talking that way

[@roberthorton564]

OOOHHH YAAAA a long time ago....

[@ryansupak3639]

Hey Hey, Now! Children might run across this thread. Let's watch the language please.

[@jordanmartel2937]

"You are such a supah lady. I've been so lonely." HAHAHA

[@mattmadd4314]

Jordan Martel I feel so bad for laughing and for sone reason that makes it funnier

[@amyd6591]

I always liked ya somuch!

[@cadillaccalhoun3516]

Mgtow Saturday night 😂😂😂

[@TonyDanza4Lyfe]

The way he says soopahh gets me every time

[@scottiecee3442]

This scene is funny, and sad, and creepy and awkward and wonderful all at the same time. Brilliant writing. Brilliant acting. Brilliant everything.

[@mattpope1746]

As many have pointed out, this awkward scene is the catalyst for Marge to realize she’s been taking people too much at face value. But I also like the subtle insight it gives us into Marge as a human being. As much as her and Norm seem the picture of marital comfort, the fact that she doesn’t bother to tell Norm she’s meeting an old classmate on her trip to the big city, the effort she puts into trying to find an upscale place to meet, and her little fixing of her hair before she walks in suggest that, before Mike reveals himself as a clingy stalker, she seemed intrigued by the thought of a meet up.

[@ZetaReticuli_]

I thought he set u the meet?

[@crylittlesister6377]

Mike didn't reveal himself as a clingy stalker so much as the woman on the phone did

[@SomethingSomethingg]

Yesssss!!! I think it plays to the theme that all of us want more than what we have. Notice how Mike isn't just a distraction from the plot but from her life. She's married, pregnant, the chief of police. Life is going great and she's accepted that is the life she'll live, albeit it's a simple, dull one. Then, out of nowhere, she gets a call from a guy who represents what her life was before all of this, before she had settled down and made her life choices. As much as she clearly loves Norm, her life is dull. I don't think any of us are truly content with life, especially if we live simple ones like Marge. We say we are but what if a Mike Yanagita drops into YOUR life?? And what would've happened if Mike hadn't been so clingy? She got dolled up, didn't she? What if Mike was macho and smooth?

[@jdewitt77]

Good points. You made them all.

[@jklavz]

In one word: a woman.

[@BratSimpson]

"You know it's a Radisson, so it's pretty good." Never fails to make me laugh.

[@marywatkins6798]

What makes me laugh is “Honeywell. Oh yeah, you could do worse.” And, “they’re a pretty good outfit.” Very Midwestern.

[@ZetaReticuli_]

They got free advertising from it.

[@danielblair2168]

Jose Feliciano, you got no complaints

[@alanmcneill2407]

Such a "wordly" appraisal, HaHa...thought the same thing....

[@caseyhafer2550]

There's the Minnesota Nice but underneath they're as petty and greedy as the rest of us. Like how Jerry surrounds himself with golf imagery to project this 'executive' image when he probably never golfs because he's too busy grifting.

[@georgemdly61]

19 YEARS LATER AND I NEVER TIRE OF THIS SCENE!

[@BradCrystal007]

"I always liked ya so much."

[@valuecalc]

Brad Crystal , irrelevant to her.

[@nyy190343]

😐

[@andreasberg6510]

There is one Mike Yanagita inside us all.

[@diltonx6066]

I identify with him.

[@omararturoramirez5262]

I love her assertiveness when she asks the guy to move away 👌🏻

[@CoolHandsShadow]

“You’re such a supa lady” I quote that line all the time and no one ever recognizes it.

[@deniskenn]

He simultaneously has a Minnesota and Japanese accent. Ahhh so. Im aso lonely

[@JD0124]

Stephen Park did such an amazing job in such a short time on camera. The look on his face during his awkwardly long hug, his almost predatory gazes at Marge when she wasn't looking... everything. He fit so much "creepy" into a few sort minutes on the screen.

[@blackanesebeats]

The fact that Steve Park could go from a goofy cast member of “In Living Color” to this type of role shows he’s seriously underrated

[@itsmagic573]

The actors name is Steve Park and both him and Frances Mcdormand are in the upcoming Wes Anderson movie The French Dispatch. Lets hope we get to see Marge and Mike interaction part 2 ahahah

[@Terbie36]

She is a superb actress.

[@TheBlackLodger]

Super lady!

[@mikrokozm9]

She is a great actress and a freak at awards acceptance speeches. So I guess you take the good with the uncomfortable. Thought "Billboards" was great too...one of the better recent films.

[@Irv350]

You know it's a Radisson so it's pretty good

[@mrjinkorea]

You know it's a Motel 6, so it's gotta be good!

[@LondonSambaDancerBellydancer]

Lol

[@frankiegee6135]

It is very good

[@magetaaaaaa]

@@frankiegee6135 I've never been myself, but it looked decent from this clip

[@johnnrobin]

Is it reasonable? I mean.. will a coke bankrupt me?

[@voidw4lker]

As already mentioned, this is one of the absolute key moments of the film, which is unfortunately often overlooked. Just like the rug in "The Big Lebowski", Mike really ties the room together... ..because this strange incident sends her back to Jerry and the car shop. First, she considered Mike an old friend and blindly and in good faith believed his story about his supposed wife and his career. She went to this meeting completely naive - as people usually are. But later, through the phone call with her friend, she can piece together that Mike is actually a psychopath (can't be called anything else). This makes Margy sit up and question herself although she was actually already about to drive back home. So then she visits the car dealership again and Jerry, whom she no longer trusts. You can see the change in her behavior the second time she meets him. She's playing her authority to the full this time, which sends Jerry directly into a panic. On their first visit, Jerry said no cars would be missing, while acting just as weird and suspicious as Mike later. Margy notices this odd behavior, but thinks in good faith that he probably didn't have time for her ("Paperwork to do") and dismissed it with that. But now she has become skeptical, she asks critical questions. "How do you know so exactly that no cars are missing. Did you count them?" - and suddenly the whole house of cards collapses for Jerry. The dealership car was the missing piece that irretrievably linked Jerry to the whole crime. As Margy says: It's all cOnNeCtEd. :) For me, Mike Yaganita was the key to a deeper understanding of the Coens' works. He really tied the room together..

[@rickdeckard8380]

Great analyze, you put words on why I consider this film as my favourite one ! I think this scene also leads to the end of Marge doubts about her happiness. In contrary to all the manipulative and selfish characters she meets during the story, her relation with her husband is genuine and pure, despite being very mondaine, and she's about to raise a child with him.

[@caseyhafer2550]

Great analysis! I think she might’ve liked Mike back in high school or something. But yes, the revelation about his lies definitely was what made her go and question Jerry again.

[@Bulltardwin]

Hitting on a pregnant woman. That must be the lowest of the low.

[@guitarofdestiny]

Ben Williams eh. My friends made one air tight once

[@PrivateAckbar]

I love how he mentions he lives in a good school district.

[@BlessedToBeSaved333]

It happens more than you think!!

[@alfandeddie]

Lots of guys are into it.

[@christinamarcet1780]

Jake Well, I never caught onto the significance of that all these years

[@MagnaThor]

That is one hell of a suit though, holy shit. I am especially in love with that tie.

[@johnaddeo2251]

Mike did well to get all gussied up to look like a successful Honeywell engineer.

[@davidemiozzi8589]

I'm an engineer in Honeywell, and definitely can relate.

[@psychothof]

when I first saw the movie i thought the scene with Mike was a throw in that was useless. But now i can see its purpose, Mike being lonely and pathetic makes Marge question Jerry Lundergaard a second time and then she goes in to question him at the dealership again on a whim which sets the plot further into motion

[@sycamoreleaves74]

You just answered my question that I just posted. Thank you. I never thought of it that way. I had always thought this was kind of a strange scene to put in the movie as it didn't have any relevance to the rest of the story, but it made her question Jerry Lundergaard's sincerity. Things aren't always what they seem.

[@UncleMilo]

I think it also adds some extra weight to her final comments to her husband about how they're 'doing good'.

[@JiisTube]

Why do so many people keep repeating this same ridiculous thing?

[@rud5101]

@@JiisTube Because they're right.

[@JiisTube]

@@rud5101 No it's that they all read it somewhere and are acting like they "just realized it" XD

[@mattmadd4314]

People often ask why this scene is In Fargo , citing its irrelevance to the plot . What's fantastic especially if it's your first time seeing the movie is you beleive mike. You sympathize with him a bit in the scene when he talks about his wife passing. You believe him. And the next scene when you casually here he blatantly lied and in a very creepy and deceitful way you feel just as fooled as marge does. Not to mention mrs. gunderson uses this lesson to re investigate jerry once again causing him to crack. It really does fit perfectly in the film honestly and brilliantly and casually captures real and believable deceit right in front of our eyes. Fantastic movie

[@MrMushroom123]

"The most pathetic character in all of film." so you didn't pay attention to jerry lundegaards storyline?

[@Robintran04]

HAHAHA

[@MilwaukeeF40C]

At least he took more initiative.

[@ricemenarq6230]

MrMushroom123 All of William Macy's roles are like that.

[@Pat4ever.]

Jerry was a desperate, desperate character probably below pity. But he never tried to guilt trip anyone into having sex with them, nor lied about a REAL LIFE PERSON that he pretended to have married and been widowed to. And this is after he creeped the girl out and never left her alone (all the while being a struggling adult man who lives with his parents). Jerry's intention was NEVER to have his wife killed, only to get her father's money nonviolently. He's a total sleezeball, but Mike Yanagita is specifically supposed to be the most pathetic character in order to teach Marge a lesson and rethink the situation with Jerry.

[@laminage]

It is sad. I'm surprised that Linda Cooksey didn't call the Police and say he was harassing her. It reminds me of The Most Popular Kids who come back bloated, bald (not that there's anything wrong with that), and you hear that they had major problems, relationships, divorce, addiction, low jobs etc. Then the "Geeks" come back all successful, an amazing twist of fate.

[@QuiteHotBros]

Why has this guy never been in anything else?? He's amazing!

[@cinematicseth]

He's been in 60 other movies and t.v. shows, this is just his most well known role.

[@f2afinito983]

He was also in do the right thing , he goes off on the cops

[@bestbuds7334]

Steve Park used to be on In Living Color

[@ericanulph1980]

@@bestbuds7334 he was great on In Living Color

[@amina-pr8xt]

@@bestbuds7334 stephen park, who is korean canadian, has an user account here on youtube...He is a comedian

[@leighwise6514]

It's not a hug either. He squeezes her to the point where she has to say, "Easy there, easy there." Black comedy gold. Margie' eyes are so wide open from there it's just priceless.

[@LeonGotGrahams]

This man really woke up and put on a suit to appear more successful 😂

[@CyckOne]

LOL!

[@Rkenichi]

Oh yah, they're a good outfit!

[@missdee4927]

Lmao.

[@rud5101]

"M-mike Yanagita...?" "YEA!!!" "Well, yea... 'course I remember you...?" Marge's a terrible liar, but Mike is so self-absorbed he didn't even register it. In the same way, he clearly didn't realize that calling her unsolicited in the middle of the night was a big red flag. Yet Margie still gave him the benefit of the doubt and met up with him. Even after their lunch date goes horribly, it takes her friend telling her over the phone that Mike's whole dead wife story was also a complete lie for her to realize her flaw: she's way too polite and trusting, to the point of ignoring the alarm bells going off in her head. That realization is the impetus for her to go back and confront Jerry again, this time without letting him weasel his way out of answering her questions. The Mike subplot is integral to Margie's character arc throughout the movie.

[@MrPlow-jc4cr]

2:19 I love that little detail the actor shows, where he's subtly looking up the way people tend to do when concocting a bullshit story. Nice little touch for re-watch when the audience knows that he's making it all up.

[@rellman85]

What's really fascinating is trying to figure out why Marge decided to meet him, and what she was hoping to get out of it. It's a pretty interesting question that's, ultimately, a mystery.

[@CyckOne]

I always figured she was legitimately trying to be nice in looking up an old high school friend while she was away on working the case.

[@keldonmcfarland2969]

@@CyckOne I agree. She was slightly annoyed that he called so late at night, but she seemed genuinely happy to hear from an old HS friend. Mike is obviously intelligent and probably had lots of promise in HS. She probably wanted to see him and see how successful and well he became. Unfortunately, his life ended up in disappointment and he can't face reality-as he made up that gut wrenching story of his wife dying. It was a stupid lie to make up. Did he think that telling her about a mutual friend dying that Margie might do some digging?

[@janetkizer5956]

She was feeling just a little like her life was boring, and wondering what it would have been like if she had married someone else. I don't mean she was thinking of cheating on Norm, just curious. So after this, she realizes how lucky she is.

[@keldonmcfarland2969]

@@janetkizer5956 Wow! I don't think Marge would want to change anything in her life. She loves her job, loves her fellow officers, loves her home. I don't pick up on any discontent in her life. JMO

[@rud5101]

@@janetkizer5956 I don't think so. She seemed nonplussed about him calling her in the dead of night. I don't think she even recognized his name at first. In my view she agreed to have lunch just to be polite since she was already in town.

[@antidotelizard5855]

god i could puke it was that awkward

[@cousinbelladonna6558]

One of my favorite scenes of all time... it's just brilliant in every way

[@carlsbad9000]

The acting is amazing I've always loved this scene too.

[@blablaidontcarewhour]

I actually consider this one of the most important scenes in the movie. Had she never gone out to do dinner with him, she never would have gone back to interview Lundegard.

[@blueboyblue]

If you are not from Minnesota, you really do not get how dead on these accents are. Though of course, not everyone talks like that, but a lot do. It really reminds me of home.

[@elmagnificodep]

blueboyblue I grew up in Minneapolis. People don't talk like that. They might way up north by the range, but not in the Twin Cities.

[@blueboyblue]

+elmagnificodep - - I grew up in Minnesota (& Iowa), and people do have accents like that. Though, agreed, more so in rural areas, and lessening with each new generation.

[@EllieMoonbeam]

Some people in Wisconsin talk like this as well.

[@blueboyblue]

I think it depends on how many generations removed you are from you ancestral roots. My grandparents both immigrated. My paternal Grandmother as an adult, and my maternal grandmother as a child. So, I grew up around a lot of people who still spoke Norwegian.

[@EllieMoonbeam]

I do think that's part of it, but I'd guess it has more to do with general environment, as already mentioned in the convo. As in, rural vs city. Even if someone has a grandparent from Scandinavia, if they're going to school in a bigger city, chances are their accent will still mellow out compared to older relatives. Just the nature of hanging out with kids who don't have a strong accent. But either way that's cool you grew up around Norwegian, my grandmother is Norwegian as well. Have you ever been to Door County? It's a series of small coastal towns in WI that really harness/hold onto Scandinavian culture.

[@msminmichigan]

It's funny the attention to details they put in. In the 80's the Radisson was expanding in the midwest and was legit considered a classy hotel.

[@LessTrustMoreTruth]

Good point, they've expanded more to the lower end since then. Still, some locations, like in Chicago, are (or at least USED TO BE before the recent crime wave) pretty decent still.

[@jakethemuss3]

"Ya know it's the Radisson so it's pretty good."

[@3prettyvacant]

You know when people are discussing whether the Raddison is a 5 star hotel, things are going downhill....

[@MrShiffles]

I think there was a little bit of "Mike Yanagita" in all of us at one time or another...thats why this scene works

[@stevenrichards3699]

Yes, at one point in almost all of our lives, we have felt like Mike Yanagita. If you were never this low in your life, consider yourself lucky. Most people through age, divorce, death of a spouse, or sickness, end up like Mike.

[@b612bluffer7]

3:06 "Nooooooo", and then her face, totally lost it at this part

[@eugenedegeorge5084]

Frances McDormand's facial expressions are Priceless ,and I love the way she sucks on her drink. you can just see the tension there.

[@dinopass123]

This is one of my favorite and best scenes in all of film. I always loved it but never really understood its significance until years later after reading about it online and from smart posts like here on KZbin. I just thought it was fun but now understand it is critical to Marge continuing to learn about the true nature of people and not to trust what you hear- brilliant.

[@JustSomeCanadianGuy]

One of those scenes so great you forget you’re looking at two people acting.

[@mjohan3532]

Lol it turns out this guy lives with his parents and isn't an engineer

[@georgegraham9822]

M Johan Yeah, and he was never married, and his "wife" is alive and well. Leave it to the Coen brothers to think of something like that.

[@radioactivification]

lol like a typical Bernie voter?

[@ericanulph1980]

@@radioactivification yeah pretty much LOL

[@BigManPigMan628]

@@radioactivification I voted for Bernie, work in Silicon Valley as a Senior Software Engineer and probably paid more in taxes than you have ever made in your lifetime, so speak for yourself buddy.

[@radioactivification]

BigManPigMan sure, Jan

[@mmmfloorpie]

What an insight into human nature! Favourite part of the whole movie is when she has the reaction to Mike saying his wife died but then she has to pull back and smile at the waitress for delivering her drink!

[@TheMt45]

I don't have enough occasions in life to say, "you know, it's a Radison, so it's pretty good", but I still look for those occasions daily.

[@robtomben]

We can dream.

[@hubertz2]

I don’t think the scene’s function is to make her realise that people lie. It’s to underline the existential loneliness of many people in a world in which money, status and greed define relationships, and those who loose in that game remain with their parents

[@missdee4927]

No it was to make her double back to Jerry.

[@toopoable]

Steve Park is also in the Coen's "A Serious Man," pretty much unrecognizable. (His classic line: "Accept the mystery!")

[@gaguy1967]

I love the Minnesota nice accent on a Japanese guy

[@uniteatonce35]

LOL me too,

[@arlaur]

The song playing in the background is a piano version of Blood Sweat & Tears' "Sometimes in Winter."

[@CAJman01]

+Ari Shagal Would love to hear the full track of this, Steve Katz is a terrific songwriter and the lounge piano interpretation was fantastic.

[@johnnrobin]

That Asian actor's been in everything. Do the Right Thing, Falling Down.

[@gorgolyt]

Ya, I think there are more movies than that though.

[@nongthip]

23 years on, this movie is still so re-watchably great. This often misunderstood awkward scene with Mike Yanagita obviously had viewers thinking WTF, but gave Margie a wake-up, that some of the most seemingly friendly happy people are hiding some seriously dark sh*t. Hence the re-visit to Jerry.

[@MeneTekelUpharsin]

This was the funniest scene in the movie because it was done so well. I actually felt kinda bad for Mike.

[@jayg5650]

Best scene in the movie, and one of the greatest in cinema. The guy is a wolf in sheep’s clothing, and this was a pivotal moment that put her on notice about her first meeting with Jerry.

[@destructionman1]

As awkward as he is, dudes sure got balls for going after the happily-married, pregnant cop in broad daylight while she's investigating a murder.

[@mlc2005]

I also wondered about the relevance of this scene the first time I watched Fargo, but I now realize how ingenious it is. As others have said, after this meeting, Marge finds out that Mike was lying the entire time just to manipulate her (When told by a friend on the phone, Marge responds in astonishment: "wow, that's a surprise") In other words, it reminded her that people can be lying, cruel and manipulative to get what they want. This led her to re-investigate Jerry, which solved the crimes.

[@jgfunk]

The crew and the rest of the cast had to have applauded after the scene was shot. I mean seriously it is cringingly good.

[@rlynn6658]

When I think of not budging an inch, I think of this scene, when he tries to sit right next to her. She doesn't instinctively yield space to the man like we are taught in society. It stands out because it's rare. She takes up her own space.

[@mikimiyazaki]

No she just knew something wasn't right and he was being creepy.

[@adamlane7454]

Just as she starts absorbing and comprehending 19 tons of lies and deceit. "Thats a surprise". I love this movie even more as time passes.

[@invisibot6]

I assume the coen brothers somehow knew some Japanese guy with a North Dakota accent and couldn't help themselves but had to create this scene just for that.

[@jessekuchinski1172]

I always think of Mike when I respond with "ohhh pretty good"

[@blademaster21212]

i always liked ya SO MUCH

[@gustavolimon432]

As clumsy and simple this scene might look, IMO it's one of cinema's best written scenes of all time.

[@UncannyValleyVideos]

2:20. That's brilliant acting. He looks like he's trying to get his story right.

[@GraveyardPoet]

And the Academy Award for most awkward scene goes to Mike Yanagita. Fargo will always be my favorite Coen brothers film, alongside Big Lebowski and True Grit. This scene always makes me lmfao.

[@84benfiquista]

that is a very sad and pathetic man

[@laminage]

Yeah, but can you imagine how hard it must of been for him. He may have come from an environment where sky high demands and standards were the norm. It's like going from Class Valedictorian to going to your Class Reunion and instead of Bragging about your Fortune 500 Company or Job, you admit you're a Warehouse Supervisor not that there's anything wrong with that but it would surprise alot of people.

[@ricemenarq6230]

***** That's what's gonna happen to guys listening to Bruno Mars 20 years from now.

[@dewanmdurnto3592]

@@ricemenarq6230 hajajahahahahaa

[@aidanteall7186]

This is so well acted by the two of them. Even though I know they're just acting I still feel horrible watching this lol

[@TonyMontana-go2oc]

Keep coming back to this- one of the saddest scenes in any movie. Upsets me every time. What a deeply lonely, desperate guy Mike is.

[@Natedawg38]

The way he says nooooo like he's blown it is fucking hilarious. Hang in there champ you're doing great!

[@robertoclemente5512]

I ALWAYS LIKEDYA SOO MACH

[@phototristan]

The scene takes on a whole new dimension when you later realize that he has never actually been married and lives with his parents.

[@vksasdgaming9472]

It is not pathetic - it is tragic. Especially if it is not of his own choice.

[@gmr7494]

Whenever I feel like a loser, I watch this

[@JSandusky69]

I love this scene. Thanks for posting it.

[@deenad3562]

He has a comedic background, how on earth did he do this without laughing?!

[@grgl140]

This scene is so uncomfortable, that's why its brilliant!

[@winternow2242]

He's been suffering, especially since he bought a new Oldsmobile, and gotten scammed.

[@Paperbagman555]

2:26 the way Margie says ‘no!!’ followed by the polite waiter interaction, so funny. The Coen’s have so many great little details sprinkled in their scenes

[@tchrisou812]

That man is a brilliant actor, the nuance is astounding.

[@mr.g3588]

As per the Marge one night stand fantasy theories, I disagree. The Coens clearly established Marge’s feelings straight away when the guy hugged her, they didn’t want to sully her pristine character in the film. Also notice how Mike is explaining how he lost his “wife”, and than 1 second later he has a huge smile on his face talking about Marge. The subtle intricate details in this movie are amazing.

[@STONESGAM]

I don't think she was going to possibly cheat on her husband if things would have went better and he was some smooth operator. I think she just wanted to look her best for an old high school male classmate. She is married and pregnant. I think she was just an overly honest, polite, straightforward person working in a smaller town and starts to realize that many other people don't operate the way she does and have ulterior motives. I think she just met Mike because she didn't want to be impolite and wanted to believe that he was just an old high school classmate who wanted to catch up over lunch. She handles the awkward situation is well as she can.

[@TheTheobear]

Possibly one of the best movies ever - certainly a classic. The acting in this sequence is absolutely seamless and heartbreaking that it never fails to have me in absolute tears of laughter.