10 Gripping Neo-Noirs You Must See Before You Die
8. Fargo
The Coen Brothers have an impressive portfolio, to put it mildly, and one of their greatest works is undoubtedly 1996's crime caper Fargo. Spawning a successful anthology series almost 20 years after its release, the film is a dark but somehow hilariously farcical cat-and-mouse thriller surrounding some of the most preposterously-named characters imaginable.
Set in the chilly climes of Minnesota (and not Fargo very much at all, interestingly enough), the film centres on the machinations of Jerry Lundergaard, a deceitful and utterly incompetent auto dealer. Jerry has his own wife kidnapped in order to surreptitiously extort the ransom money from his father in law, but owing to the two kidnappers' similarly bungling nature, they leave a trail of destruction which is picked up by heavily pregnant police chief Marge Gunderson.
Fargo's bizarre mix of extremely dark events and quirky, deadpan humour make for a film with a unique and memorable tone. With most characters presenting the region's trademark "Minnesota Nice" demeanour, all cordial agreements, head nods and quiet self-effacement, the film's moments of violence and primarily nihilistic message are balanced by a much-needed warmth. You'll laugh a lot, but you'll feel guilty for it.