Jerry Lundergaard is a failed business man, arranges to have his wife kidnapped for ransom, and defrauds a bank. Jerry’s vocabulary, full of “heck’s” and “geez’s”, barely mask the horror and tendency to take his word on his intentions. Marge Gunderson’s character is a smart woman who is “carrying quite a load.” She is a pregnant, married, detective living a simple life. She catches everyone off guard by braving the cold to investigate the crime scene, while everyone stayed indoors. She also impresses her audience by remarking what happened during the crime and correcting the other detective. But, she doesn’t possess the sense of urgency to save lives. If her character would’ve noticed Jerry’s suspicious actions the first time meeting with him then a couple lives would have maybe been saved.

The movie allows the viewer to appreciate multiple viewings. This forces the movie-watcher to recognize characters and the events going on in different ways.

Although I have never been to Minnesota, it’s clear that the ways and customs the Coen’s paint of this outlying society gets attacked in Fargo. Food and cars were both examples used throughout the film to show the cheap culture at that time. Almost everyone is driving around in the same car, and its crazy how often the movie portrays people eating.