Fargo (1996)

Brief Intro

Fargo (1996), directed by Joel and Ethan Coen, is a dark comedy crime film that masterfully blends humor, violence, and a keen observation of human nature. Set in the frozen landscapes of Minnesota and North Dakota, the film revolves around a botched kidnapping plot that spirals out of control, leading to a series of murders and a quirky investigation led by the highly pregnant police chief, Marge Gunderson. The film is renowned for its distinctive dialogue, memorable characters, and the Coen brothers’ unique storytelling style.

Literary Devices Used in Fargo

The Coen brothers employ a variety of literary devices in Fargo to enrich the narrative and deepen the audience’s engagement with the story. Here’s a look at ten such devices, illustrated with specific scenes:

Irony

Movie Scene	Device Example
Jerry Lundegaard’s initial calm demeanor contrasted with his escalating desperation.	Dramatic irony where the audience knows the kidnapping plan will fail disastrously.
Marge’s cheerful disposition while investigating gruesome crimes.	Situational irony highlighting the contrast between her demeanor and the seriousness of the crimes.

Symbolism

Movie Scene	Device Example
The endless snow-covered landscapes.	Symbolizes the cold, indifferent nature of the world and the characters’ moral ambiguity.
The wood chipper scene.	Symbolizes the brutal and chaotic nature of the crime.

Foreshadowing

Movie Scene	Device Example
Gaear’s silent, menacing presence.	Foreshadows his eventual violent outbursts.
Jerry’s nervous behavior in the dealership.	Hints at his deeper involvement in the crime.

Dark Comedy

Movie Scene	Device Example
Carl’s rant about paying for parking.	Highlights the absurdity and triviality amidst serious criminal acts.
Marge’s casual conversation about breakfast with her husband.	Provides a humorous contrast to her police work.

Dialect and Vernacular

Movie Scene	Device Example
Marge’s “Yah, you betcha” and other local phrases.	Establishes the regional setting and character authenticity.
Local residents’ unique speech patterns.	Enhances the film’s cultural atmosphere.

Juxtaposition

Movie Scene	Device Example
The peaceful, snow-covered landscape vs. the violent crimes.	Highlights the stark contrast between appearance and reality.
Marge’s domestic life vs. her professional life.	Emphasizes the duality of her character.

Black Humor

Movie Scene	Device Example
The absurdity of the ransom plot.	Shows the comedic side of criminal incompetence.
Carl’s exasperation with the kidnapping mess.	Highlights the ridiculousness of the situation.

Motif

Movie Scene	Device Example
The recurring use of the phrase “Yah, sure.”	Reinforces the regional flavor and character attitudes.
Frequent shots of the desolate winter landscape.	Enhances the film’s mood and themes.

Allusion

Movie Scene	Device Example
The title “Fargo” itself.	Alludes to the broader regional identity and setting.
References to true crime stories.	Adds a layer of realism and authenticity to the narrative.

Tragicomedy

Movie Scene	Device Example
The bungled kidnapping leading to unexpected violence.	Blends tragic and comedic elements to underscore the film’s tone.
Marge’s final conversation with Gaear.	Combines pathos and absurdity, reflecting the film’s overall style.

Character Analysis Through Literary Devices

Character Studies

Device	Explanation
Symbolism	Jerry Lundegaard’s cheap suit symbolizes his moral corruption and desperation.
Irony	Marge Gunderson’s cheerful and naive appearance contrasts with her sharp investigative skills, creating a rich, multi-dimensional character.
Juxtaposition	Gaear Grimsrud’s silence against Carl Showalter’s incessant talking highlights their differing approaches to crime and personality traits.

Character Dynamics

The relationships between characters are crucial to the narrative and themes of Fargo. Let’s explore these dynamics:

Device	Explanation
Foreshadowing	The strained relationship between Jerry and his father-in-law foreshadows the disastrous consequences of Jerry’s actions.
Symbolism	Marge and Norm’s loving relationship symbolizes the normalcy and stability that contrasts sharply with the chaos of the crime plot.

Thematic Analysis

In Fargo, several major themes are highlighted through the use of literary devices. Here’s a detailed look at these themes and how they are underscored by specific devices:

Greed and Desperation

Device	Explanation
Irony	Jerry’s desperate acts to gain financial stability lead to his complete ruin.
Symbolism	The ransom money buried in the snow represents the futility and impermanence of material greed.

The Banality of Evil

Device	Explanation
Juxtaposition	Ordinary characters involved in extraordinary crimes show how evil can manifest in everyday life.
Black Humor	The trivial conversations amidst serious criminal activity emphasize the ordinariness of evil actions.

Moral Ambiguity

Device	Explanation
Dialect and Vernacular	Characters’ casual use of local vernacular while discussing serious crimes reflects their moral ambiguity.
Motif	The recurring bleak, snowy landscape underscores the pervasive sense of moral uncertainty.

Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices

The visual and sound design of Fargo significantly complements its literary devices. Here’s how:

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Irony	Cinematography	The wide, empty shots of the landscape juxtapose the film’s intense, personal conflicts.
Symbolism	Sound Design	The eerie silence of the snowy scenes heightens the symbolic emptiness and isolation.

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Foreshadowing	Lighting	Dimly lit scenes foreshadow the dark events to come.
Juxtaposition	Costume Design	The contrast between Marge’s everyday clothing and the severity of her job highlights the device.

Key Scene Analysis

Let’s dive into key scenes that significantly utilize literary and cinematic techniques. Links to YouTube clips will enhance the experience:

Scene 1: The Opening Scene

Watch Scene Breakdown: This scene sets the tone for the film with its stark, snowy landscape and minimalist music. The sense of isolation and bleakness is immediately established, foreshadowing the film’s exploration of moral ambiguity and the banal nature of evil.

Scene 2: Marge’s Investigation

Watch Scene Breakdown: Marge’s cheerful demeanor while investigating the crime scene contrasts with the gruesome reality, highlighting the film’s use of irony and dark humor. The dialogue and Marge’s interactions reveal her sharpness and depth as a character.

Conclusion

To wrap up, here’s an interactive multiple-choice quiz to test your understanding of the literary devices used in Fargo:

Quiz:

1. What literary device is prominently used when Marge’s cheerful demeanor contrasts with her serious job?
   • A) Irony
   • B) Symbolism
   • C) Foreshadowing
2. Which device is employed through the endless snowy landscapes in the film?
   • A) Motif
   • B) Allusion
   • C) Black Humor
3. How does the film use dark comedy?
   • A) Through humorous dialogues in serious situations
   • B) By showing violent scenes in a comedic light
   • C) Both A and B
4. What does Jerry Lundegaard’s cheap suit symbolize?
   • A) His financial status
   • B) His moral corruption
   • C) His regional identity
5. Which cinematic technique enhances the symbolism of the film’s setting?
   • A) Lighting
   • B) Sound Design
   • C) Costume Design

Answers: 1-A, 2-A, 3-C, 4-B, 5-B