The Rewatchables

‘Fargo’ With Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Kyle Brandt

March 10, 2026

Key Takeaways Copied to clipboard!

  • The consensus among the hosts in this segment of *The Rewatchables* episode ‘Fargo’ With Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Kyle Brandt is that the film *Fargo* is a near-perfect movie due to its tight 98-minute runtime, genre versatility (terrifying, hilarious, romantic, violent), and flawless execution across script, cinematography, and performance. 
  • Frances McDormand's character, Marge Gunderson, is highlighted as a career-making performance, notable for not appearing until 34 minutes into the film, a significant directorial flex. 
  • The discussion emphasizes the Coen Brothers' recurring themes, such as everyday people in crazy situations, the attraction to large sums of money, and their unique ability to blend high comedy with deep trauma in scenes involving violence. 
  • The Coen Brothers' meticulous writing is highlighted by the precise, almost verbatim scripting of dialogue, even for minor characters like the escorts, which contributed to the film's unique tone. 
  • The film's depiction of 1996 Midwest life, characterized by regional accents, harsh weather, and specific cultural details like scraping windshields and communal buffets, felt culturally distant to viewers at the time. 
  • Steve Buscemi's performance as Carl Showalter is celebrated as a career-defining role, showcasing his ability to portray a character who escalates from clumsy criminal to psychopathic menace. 
  • The Coen Brothers' films, including *Fargo*, are praised for their tight screenwriting, with nearly all their theatrical releases running under two hours, making them highly rewatchable. 
  • The casting in *Fargo* is highlighted as a key strength, featuring actors who look like 'real human beings' rather than those chosen primarily for social media following. 
  • The discussion touched upon several unanswerable questions about the plot, including Jerry's underlying financial trouble and the practicalities of the criminals' actions, such as burying the money and failing to remove license plate tags. 

Segments

Initial Praise and Perfect Movie Thesis
Copied to clipboard!
(00:02:43)
  • Key Takeaway: Fargo is declared a perfect movie because it successfully blends terrifying, hilarious, romantic, and violent genres within a tight 98-minute runtime.
  • Summary: The film is lauded for having five essential tools for cinematic greatness: outstanding performances, music, cinematography, and script. Its runtime is noted as being exceptionally tight, adhering closely to the 100-minute ideal for a perfect movie structure. The movie is also compared favorably to No Country for Old Men as a 1A/1B Coen Brothers masterpiece.
Marge’s Delayed Introduction
Copied to clipboard!
(00:08:13)
  • Key Takeaway: Frances McDormand’s character, Marge Gunderson, wins Best Actress despite not appearing until 34 minutes into the film, showcasing a major directorial flex.
  • Summary: The hosts note the unusual structure of waiting a third of the way through the movie to introduce the eventual Oscar-winning lead. This delay is seen as necessary because the initial segment establishes the crime before Marge enters the investigation. The scene where Marge meets her high school acquaintance, Mike, is thematically important as it relates to the facades people maintain.
Coen Brothers Thematic Analysis
Copied to clipboard!
(00:11:06)
  • Key Takeaway: A core Coen Brothers theme is the idea that evil and crime are not confined to traditional noir settings but can emerge anywhere, even in mundane locations like snowy Minnesota.
  • Summary: The directors frequently utilize the dramatic conceit of a kidnapping/case of money as a stress test for all characters involved. Common themes include everyday people in crazy situations and evil starting with the dumbest possible individuals. The film’s opening title card, stating the story is true except for the names, reinforces the theme that such events can happen anywhere.
Violence, Humor, and Influence
Copied to clipboard!
(00:13:35)
  • Key Takeaway: The Coen Brothers’ unique style of shooting violence confronts the viewer simultaneously with high comedy and deep trauma, influencing subsequent shows like Barry and The Sopranos.
  • Summary: The hosts point to scenes like the state trooper incident as examples of this blend, where the action is both funny and scary. The film’s DNA is evident in later works that mix dark comedy with crime. The casual nature of violence, such as the ticket agent being shot after a simple request, is cited as uniquely effective.
Analysis of Jerry Lundegaard’s Character
Copied to clipboard!
(00:19:12)
  • Key Takeaway: Joel Coen found William H. Macy’s character fascinating for his absolute incapacity to project consequences, building a pyramid without considering its eventual crumbling.
  • Summary: Jerry Lundegaard exemplifies the true crime subject who cannot gain perspective, constantly applying band-aids to gaping wounds without caring for his family. Macy’s performance is considered career-defining, especially following his run in Air Force One and Boogie Nights. His character’s idiocy is highlighted by his clumsy attempt to call off the abduction after setting it in motion.
Steve Buscemi and Frances McDormand Performances
Copied to clipboard!
(00:22:49)
  • Key Takeaway: Steve Buscemi’s performance as Carl Showalter is considered his best movie role, and Frances McDormand’s Marge Gunderson is a career-defining performance that established her as an elite, selective actress.
  • Summary: The hosts note that the Coens originally wrote the role for Buscemi, who delivers a performance adjacent to his Reservoir Dogs persona. McDormand is recognized for having a rare status where any new project she undertakes immediately commands attention, despite taking long gaps between films.
Roger Deakins’ Cinematography
Copied to clipboard!
(00:35:15)
  • Key Takeaway: Roger Deakins’ cinematography is praised, particularly his use of overwhelming whiteness in the snowscapes, which contributes to the feeling that the viewer is on another planet.
  • Summary: Deakins was reportedly furious when the sun appeared during shooting, as he intended the entire film to maintain a specific, cold visual tone. The visual contrast between the pervasive white environment and the final, bloody red of the wood chipper scene is noted as a genius visual device. The film was shot using an Aeroflex 35 BL4 camera.
Rewatchable Scenes and Memorabilia
Copied to clipboard!
(00:44:18)
  • Key Takeaway: The King of Clubs bar scenes are highly rewatchable for their authentic depiction of a North Dakota dive bar, complete with constant smoking and empty beer bottles.
  • Summary: The bar scenes are memorable for the casual acceptance of smoking indoors and the background details showing the characters’ heavy drinking. A special VHS release included a snow globe containing a dead body, which was an extremely sought-after collectible item upon release.
Jerry’s Abduction Plan Clumsiness
Copied to clipboard!
(00:47:10)
  • Key Takeaway: Jerry Lundegaard’s immediate attempt to cancel the kidnapping mirrors the relatable frustration of trying to cancel an Amazon order after it has already shipped.
  • Summary: Jerry’s plan is deemed clumsy and idiotic, especially his immediate attempt to call off the felony abduction upon realizing the complexity. This panic is compared to the common experience of trying to cancel an online order that has already been processed and shipped. The sequence of his subsequent actions, including flipping out and rehearsing the phone call, is noted as being perfectly sequenced.
Midwest Living and Ice Scraping
Copied to clipboard!
(00:47:58)
  • Key Takeaway: The recurring detail of characters scraping ice off their car windshields is cited as an authentic, relatable element of Midwest living depicted in Fargo.
  • Summary: The necessity for Marge to jump-start her car and the subsequent scraping of ice highlights authentic Midwest living details. Jerry’s repeated action of scraping ice upon entering rooms is a relatable annoyance for viewers. This mundane detail contrasts sharply with the surrounding criminal activity.
Unexpected Murder and Headshots
Copied to clipboard!
(00:48:32)
  • Key Takeaway: The Coen Brothers utilize abrupt, unexpected murders, often featuring graphic headshots, as a signature stylistic element in Fargo.
  • Summary: The killing of two innocent bystanders following the murder of the police officer is highlighted as a shocking moment. The discussion notes the Coens’ penchant for graphic headshots, which immediately stop the viewer in their tracks. A brief debate ensues regarding the realistic physics of a close-range gunshot to the head.
Marge Interviewing Escorts
Copied to clipboard!
(00:49:18)
  • Key Takeaway: Marge Gunderson’s interview with the two escorts, focusing on the client’s lack of circumcision and funny appearance, showcases the Coens’ precise scriptwriting.
  • Summary: Marge’s interview with the escorts, where they describe the client as ‘funny looking’ and ’not circumcised,’ is cited as a fantastic scene. Frances McDormand confirmed that the dialogue, including punctuation, was written exactly as intended by the Coen Brothers. This highlights the actors’ realization that the script was specifically tailored for them.
Accents and 1996 Cultural Distance
Copied to clipboard!
(00:50:16)
  • Key Takeaway: The film’s distinct regional accents made the setting feel culturally distant in 1996, a feeling largely absent today due to the internet’s ability to instantly bridge geographical knowledge gaps.
  • Summary: The accents in Fargo were crucial to how the movie was consumed in 1996, making the Minnesota/North Dakota setting feel culturally remote. In the 70s, 80s, and 90s, TV and movies were the primary sources for understanding distant regions like San Diego or Denver. Today, social media allows instant research into local details, diminishing that sense of cultural isolation.
Buscemi’s Escalating Performance
Copied to clipboard!
(00:52:09)
  • Key Takeaway: Steve Buscemi’s performance as Carl reaches a 10/10 peak intensity in his final scenes, transitioning from a desperate criminal to a fully unhinged psychopath.
  • Summary: Buscemi’s acting is praised for reaching a 10 out of 10 level in his final moments, particularly the phone call after being beaten and his confrontation when Wade arrives. He transforms into a ‘crazed dog’ delivering threats like ‘I’m going to kill you.’ His career is noted for consistently playing scumbags, though Carl is considered one of his toughest roles.
Most ‘Fargo’ People Ranking
Copied to clipboard!
(00:53:31)
  • Key Takeaway: Police Officer Lou is ranked as the single most ‘Fargo’ person in Fargo due to his accent and adherence to protocol, such as bringing coffee to Norm.
  • Summary: A list of the five most ‘Fargo’ people based on accent and demeanor is presented, including Jerry’s manager, the diner cashier, and ‘driveway guy.’ Lou, the officer with Marge, is ultimately ranked number one for embodying the local character perfectly. His interaction with Norm, bringing coffee and asking about the panions, solidifies his top spot.
Wood Chipper Scene and Fleeting Life
Copied to clipboard!
(00:54:47)
  • Key Takeaway: The abruptness of Carl’s death via the wood chipper emphasizes the movie’s theme of how fleeting life is, where a character followed closely can be eliminated instantly.
  • Summary: The wood chipper scene is described as an ‘all-time axe to the head’ moment that shocks the audience. Marge, the pregnant hero, is shown creeping around, and the sudden, violent deaths underscore the pointlessness of Carl’s struggle. The film suggests that life is fleeting, and anyone can be eliminated unexpectedly.
Marge and Jerry’s Second Interview
Copied to clipboard!
(00:55:41)
  • Key Takeaway: Marge Gunderson’s rare display of anger, telling Jerry he has ’no call to get snippy with me,’ is a powerful moment of steely authority.
  • Summary: The second interview scene between Marge and Jerry is highlighted for its unbelievable acting from both leads. Jerry’s defensive ‘Ma’am, I answered your question’ contrasts with Marge’s controlled fury when he gets snippy. Her reaction, including kicking an outside line on the phone, is noted as the only time she gets truly angry.
Mike Yanagita Scene Dynamics
Copied to clipboard!
(00:56:11)
  • Key Takeaway: Mike Yanagita’s scene is considered a favorite for its tension, established by the initial hug and his overly familiar greeting, signaling immediate danger.
  • Summary: Mike Yanagita’s scene is cited as a favorite, particularly the moment he greets Marge and Norm with ‘Oh, you look great,’ which signals a ‘Mayday’ situation. The entire interaction is tense, and the scene is noted for its outstanding filmmaking quality. Scorsese also reportedly loved this scene, praising the actor’s emotional delivery.
Triple Homicide and Carl’s Turn
Copied to clipboard!
(00:56:40)
  • Key Takeaway: The triple homicide on the highway is a filmmaking highlight, showcasing Carl’s sudden, inexplicable snap into murderous violence after being passive.
  • Summary: The highway murder sequence is praised for its outstanding filmmaking, especially the shots of the two witnesses driving by slowly. Carl, who had been comatose, suddenly snaps and kills three people for seemingly no reason while driving for the first time with the gun. This moment solidifies his transformation into a Satan-like figure.
1987 vs. 1996 Cultural Markers
Copied to clipboard!
(00:57:43)
  • Key Takeaway: A White Snake poster featuring Tawny Kitaen in Scotty Lundegaard’s room dates the film to 1987, despite the movie being set in 1996, while the film’s claim of being true was effective due to the pre-internet era.
  • Summary: The presence of a White Snake poster (specifically the self-titled album cover from March 1987) places a detail in the wrong year for the 1996 setting. The 1996 marker is the film’s successful use of the ’true story’ premise, which audiences couldn’t easily research via microfiche or the internet. The film’s massive 10x return on its modest budget is also noted as a 1996 business dream.
Carl’s Escalating Insults and Death
Copied to clipboard!
(01:02:17)
  • Key Takeaway: None
  • Summary: Carl is described as being consistently funny looking, a running joke written into the script. His date with the escort to a Jose Feliciano concert is highlighted as a bizarre, memorable moment. The scene where he threatens Jerry and his family, ending with Jerry’s ‘real good then’ response, showcases Carl’s extreme menace.
Marge and Norm’s Eating Habits
Copied to clipboard!
(01:03:16)
  • Key Takeaway: Marge and Norm’s relationship is primarily shown through them lying in bed or consuming massive amounts of food at buffets, illustrating their simple, grounded life.
  • Summary: Marge and Norm’s interactions are almost exclusively limited to eating or being in bed, suggesting a deep, non-verbal connection. Their lunch at the buffet, where Marge is heavily pregnant and they consume multiple large plates of high-calorie food like chicken fricassee and Swedish meatballs, is an incredible scene. This contrasts sharply with the violence, showing the ‘Good Hang’ side of the film.
Father-in-Law’s Coldness to Jerry
Copied to clipboard!
(01:05:39)
  • Key Takeaway: The father-in-law’s line, ‘Gene and Scotty never have to worry,’ delivered just before he murders Jerry, is cited as the coldest line in the movie, demonstrating his hatred for his son-in-law.
  • Summary: The dynamic between the wealthy father-in-law and the despised son-in-law, Jerry, is a key element. The father-in-law’s statement about his sons never worrying is immediately followed by him slashing Jerry’s throat. This scene underscores how deeply Jerry is hated by his own family.
Minnesota Snapshot Details
Copied to clipboard!
(01:06:42)
  • Key Takeaway: The film provides a rich snapshot of Minnesota culture, including the Paul Bunyan statue, college hockey, and the importance of ’true coat’ for car maintenance.
  • Summary: The conversation lists cultural touchstones like the Paul Bunyan statue, crap bars, and the necessity of ’true coat’ for vehicles in winter. The scene where the car dealer tries to slip the ’true coat’ charge onto Jerry is noted as a verbatim anecdote from Ethan Coen. The accent phrase ‘you’re darn tootin’’ is also highlighted as a perfect linguistic detail.
Carl’s Inexplicable Pancake Obsession
Copied to clipboard!
(01:21:33)
  • Key Takeaway: Carl Showalter’s decision to eat a second full stack of pancakes in one day is deemed the most inexplicable and insane act in the film, surpassing even his violence.
  • Summary: Carl’s request for a second pancake meal in the same day is presented as truly lunatic behavior, even for a criminal. The Coen Brothers reportedly kept the line ‘Pancake’s house’ instead of ‘Pancakes House’ to emphasize Carl’s craziness. This indulgence is seen as inexplicable compared to his self-preservation motives.
Casting ‘What Ifs’ and Ripple Effects
Copied to clipboard!
(01:23:33)
  • Key Takeaway: The existence of an unaired 1997 Fargo pilot starring Edie Falco as Marge Gunderson potentially prevented The Sopranos from becoming the greatest show of all time by keeping Falco from playing Carmela.
  • Summary: A 1997 pilot starring Edie Falco as Marge, directed by Kathy Bates, was filmed but not picked up, creating a major ‘what if’ scenario. If picked up, Falco would not have been available for The Sopranos, which the hosts argue would prevent that show from achieving its legendary status without her. This ripple effect might also mean the Fargo TV series by Noah Hawley would not exist.
William H. Macy Casting History
Copied to clipboard!
(01:25:40)
  • Key Takeaway: William H. Macy secured the role of Jerry Lundegaard only after Bill Pullman, who was considered too handsome for the part, dropped out due to a scheduling conflict.
  • Summary: Bill Pullman was originally slated to play Jerry Lundegaard but backed out due to scheduling conflicts, leading to Macy’s casting after extensive auditions. The hosts agree that Pullman, being too dashing, would not have fit the pathetic nature of the character as well as Macy did. Richard Jenkins was also considered for the role.
Actor Dialogue Lines
Copied to clipboard!
(01:32:59)
  • Key Takeaway: Peter Stormare’s character, Gaear Grimsrud, has only 18 lines of dialogue in Fargo.
  • Summary: Peter Stormare’s character, Gaear, has only 18 lines of dialogue, often speaking only one thing at a time. Much of his dialogue occurs during the pancake conversation. This minimal dialogue contrasts with the ‘machine-like killer’ persona.
Film’s Minnesota Reception
Copied to clipboard!
(01:33:19)
  • Key Takeaway: Ohio Governor John Kasich dedicated three pages in his book to describing his hatred for Fargo.
  • Summary: Ohio Governor John Kasich expressed strong dislike for the film in his book, Stand for Something: The Battle for America’s Soul. The hosts speculate he disliked the depiction of a small town in America. The phrase ‘Minnesota, yeah’ appears 179 times in the script.
Filming Locations Update
Copied to clipboard!
(01:33:36)
  • Key Takeaway: The Paul Bunyan statue built for the film was dismantled, and Wade’s car dealership is now a Best Buy.
  • Summary: The Paul Bunyan statue erected for the film was dismantled after production. Wade’s car dealership location in Richfield, Minnesota, is currently occupied by a Best Buy. The King of Clubs bar in Northeast Minneapolis was demolished in 2003 and replaced with low-income housing.
Marge and Norm Backstory
Copied to clipboard!
(01:33:55)
  • Key Takeaway: Marge and Norm met while working on the police force, and Norm quit to become a painter when they married.
  • Summary: Joel Coen and Frances McDormand conceived a backstory where Marge and Norm met on the police force. Norm quit his job upon marriage to pursue painting, which includes painting the three-cent stamps. They likely attended high school together, based on a character’s comment.
Apex Mountain Choices
Copied to clipboard!
(01:34:37)
  • Key Takeaway: Swedish meatballs (tied to IKEA) and GMAC financing were suggested as ‘Apex Mountain’ moments related to the film’s themes.
  • Summary: Swedish meatballs were nominated as an ‘Apex Mountain’ moment, referencing IKEA’s cafe experience. GMAC financing was also suggested as a relevant cultural touchstone. The pronunciation of the Coen Brothers’ name was debated, settling on ‘Cone Brothers’ over ‘Cohen Brothers’.
Actor Career Peaks
Copied to clipboard!
(01:35:12)
  • Key Takeaway: Steve Buscemi’s apex was arguably The Sopranos due to the significance of his directing and acting role there, despite his Golden Globe win for Boardwalk Empire.
  • Summary: Frances McDormand’s career is viewed as intentionally designed not to have a single apex, with Three Billboards being a high point of attention. Steve Buscemi’s peak is debated between his Boardwalk Empire Golden Globe and his highly impactful, guest-directing role in The Sopranos. William H. Macy’s career was building toward his Boogie Nights performance.
Minnesota Sports Mentions
Copied to clipboard!
(01:35:30)
  • Key Takeaway: The Minnesota World Series wins of 1987 or 1991 and the 1998 Vikings team featuring Randy Moss were cited as major Minnesota sports moments.
  • Summary: The 1987 or 1991 World Series wins featuring Kirby Puckett were brought up as significant Minnesota sports memories. The 1998 Vikings team, in Randy Moss’s rookie year with Randall Cunningham, was called ‘unbelievable’ for reaching the title game. Kevin Garnett winning a first-round playoff series was also mentioned.
Title Origin Discussion
Copied to clipboard!
(01:37:02)
  • Key Takeaway: The Coen Brothers chose the title Fargo over Brainerd simply because ‘Fargo sounds much cooler.’
  • Summary: Most of the film’s action takes place in Minnesota, not Fargo, North Dakota. The Coen Brothers confirmed they preferred the sound of ‘Fargo’ over ‘Brainerd.’ They admitted their motivation for plot elements was often simply liking the concept, such as the kidnapping.
Peter Stormare’s Post-Fargo Career
Copied to clipboard!
(01:37:26)
  • Key Takeaway: Peter Stormare immediately followed Fargo by filming The Lost World: Jurassic Park with Steven Spielberg.
  • Summary: Peter Stormare’s career trajectory after Fargo was rapid, moving directly into filming The Lost World with Steven Spielberg six months later. His iconic smoking scene in Ghostbusters (as Ray Stantz) was recalled for the way he held the cigarette.
Facial Disfigurement Scenes
Copied to clipboard!
(01:38:02)
  • Key Takeaway: The segment identified disfiguring facial wounds in Freeway, The Dark Knight, and Breaking Bad as comparable to the implied injuries in Fargo.
  • Summary: Reese Witherspoon shooting Kiefer Sutherland in the face in Freeway was cited as an example of a character being ‘Fargoed.’ Aaron Eckhart’s Two-Face in The Dark Knight and Gus Fring’s half-melted face in Breaking Bad were also included in the category of in-movie disfiguring facial wounds.
Tom Hanks Casting Hypotheticals
Copied to clipboard!
(01:38:37)
  • Key Takeaway: Tom Hanks could have plausibly played multiple roles in Fargo, including Jerry Lundegaard, and would have been an interesting, dark choice for Gaear Grimsrud.
  • Summary: The hosts agreed Tom Hanks could have played Jerry Lundegaard, the dead body shoveler, and potentially even Gaear Grimsrud. They noted that audiences have never seen ‘dark Hanks’ to the level required for the villain roles. Hanks’ role in Road to Perdition was cited as his closest venture into playing a killer.
Modern Technology Impact
Copied to clipboard!
(01:39:40)
  • Key Takeaway: Modern technology like Ring cameras and cell phone pings would have solved the Fargo case within five minutes.
  • Summary: The hosts agreed that modern technology would ruin the plot of Fargo quickly due to Ring cameras, cell phone tracking, and texting. They noted that Marge’s investigation at the state trooper scene would have immediately involved the FBI and many more officers, contrary to the two cops shown due to the cold weather.
Unwanted Minnesota Details
Copied to clipboard!
(01:40:21)
  • Key Takeaway: A major point of contention was the unlikelihood that the criminal Carl Showalter would be uncircumcised, given he is a white guy from the Midwest.
  • Summary: Suggestions for additions included a Kirby Puckett poster in Scotty’s room and the London Guards having a dog. The hosts strongly debated the likelihood of Carl being uncircumcised, concluding there was ’no fucking way’ given his background.
Jerry’s Unanswered Motives
Copied to clipboard!
(01:41:37)
  • Key Takeaway: Jerry’s need for $300,000, despite only needing $75,000 for the initial kidnapping payment, remains an unanswerable question.
  • Summary: The father-in-law not connecting the dots was cited as an unanswerable question. Jerry needed $300,000 when the kidnappers only asked for $1 million total, suggesting he was in deeper trouble. The Coens confirmed they intentionally left the source of Jerry’s debt ambiguous.
Criminals’ Driving Time
Copied to clipboard!
(01:43:08)
  • Key Takeaway: The criminals’ decision to stay overnight in a hotel between Fargo and Minneapolis, despite the drive being only four hours, seemed excessive.
  • Summary: The drive from Fargo to Minneapolis is only about four hours, making the decision to get a hotel and share a bed with Gaear seem unnecessary. The criminals endured miserable conditions, including Gaear smoking constantly in the car, which the hosts called a ‘personal assault.’
Fargo TV Series Connection
Copied to clipboard!
(01:44:06)
  • Key Takeaway: The first season of the Fargo TV series addresses what happened to the buried money from the film.
  • Summary: The Fargo TV series is considered Prestige TV, and the first season specifically deals with the fate of the buried money. Ted Danson reportedly plays Marge’s father or grandfather in the series. The hosts admitted they had not watched the TV series.
Guest Caster Choices
Copied to clipboard!
(01:45:27)
  • Key Takeaway: Mike Yanagita, the character who hits on Marge at the diner, would be the best hypothetical guest to replace a host.
  • Summary: Mike Yanagita, who was drinking Dewers at the Radisson, was suggested as a strong hypothetical guest due to his awkwardness. The hosts also considered Carl Showalter making an appearance on First Take due to his non-debating nature. Frances McDormand won the Oscar for her role as Marge.
Marge’s Pregnancy Purpose
Copied to clipboard!
(01:48:29)
  • Key Takeaway: Marge’s pregnancy in the film symbolizes a ‘cradle of new life in a world that’s got so much death.’
  • Summary: The hosts addressed the question of why Marge was pregnant, suggesting it represented new life amidst the film’s pervasive death. They also debated the feasibility of disposing of bodies using a wood chipper, concluding it was possible with high-grade machinery.
Criminal Incompetence Analysis
Copied to clipboard!
(01:49:28)
  • Key Takeaway: Carl Showalter’s failure to remove his license plate tags early on is a critical, stupid mistake that unravels the entire crime.
  • Summary: Carl’s decision not to remove the license plate tags is highlighted as a fundamental criminal error that would have been fixed immediately by modern police work. His constant talking and revealing plans to escorts are also cited as major flaws. The initial payment to the escorts was only $20,000 each.
Gaear Grimsrud’s Life
Copied to clipboard!
(01:50:44)
  • Key Takeaway: Gaear Grimsrud likely spent his time before the kidnapping smoking three packs a day, drinking eight beers nightly, and working as a part-time snow plow driver.
  • Summary: The hosts speculated on Gaear’s life prior to the kidnapping, suggesting heavy smoking and drinking habits. Shep Brown’s relationship with Carl is confusing, but Shep likely disliked Carl because Carl talks too much, unlike the quiet, violent nature of Gaear and Shep.
Memorabilia and Fashion
Copied to clipboard!
(01:52:31)
  • Key Takeaway: Carl Showalter’s driving gloves, complete with open knuckles, are a notable fashion item from the film.
  • Summary: The hosts expressed interest in owning the police jackets with fur hoods worn by Marge and Lou. Carl’s driving gloves are noted as a stylish accessory, possibly stemming from a time before power steering. Gustafson Motors signs were also mentioned as desirable memorabilia.
Life Lessons and Character Flaws
Copied to clipboard!
(01:53:49)
  • Key Takeaway: The primary life lesson from Fargo is that ‘There’s more to life than a little money,’ while the worst life advice is for characters like Mike Yanagita to ‘shoot your shot’ with women.
  • Summary: Mike Yanagita’s mistake was approaching Linda Cooksey at the hotel after she had already expressed excitement about a potential rendezvous. The hosts noted that Mike likely had liquid confidence from drinking Dewers at the Radisson. Marge’s pregnancy is seen as a positive counterpoint to the film’s violence.
Best Double Feature
Copied to clipboard!
(01:54:57)
  • Key Takeaway: The ultimate Coen Brothers crime trilogy double feature is Raising Arizona, Fargo, and No Country for Old Men.
  • Summary: The suggested double feature was No Country for Old Men and 8mm (which Kyle strongly liked). Bill suggested a triple feature of Raising Arizona, Fargo, and No Country for Old Men, checking in with the Coen Brothers every decade. The hosts agreed that Marge Gunderson was once the face of Minnesota before figures like Randy Moss and KG.
Craig Horlbeck’s Take
Copied to clipboard!
(01:56:51)
  • Key Takeaway: Craig Horlbeck argues that the Coen Brothers’ consistently tight, sub-110-minute films prove that modern screenwriting is dead.
  • Summary: Craig Horlbeck noted that only No Country for Old Men (2:02) exceeds two hours for the Coens, with Fargo being 98 minutes. He praised the casting of ‘real people’ like John Carroll Lynch and Peter Stormare, contrasting it with modern casting based on social media followers. He cited the motel sex scene followed by watching The Tonight Show as one of cinema’s funniest moments.
CR Month Wrap-up
Copied to clipboard!
(01:59:50)
  • Key Takeaway: The next episode of CR Month will cover Eddie and the Cruisers, and the month will conclude with L.A. Confidential.
  • Summary: The hosts confirmed they have three movies mapped out for the remainder of CR Month, ending with L.A. Confidential. Next week’s film will be Eddie and the Cruisers, which recently became available for viewing. The episode concludes with sponsor reads for Feed Healthcare and Wharton’s people management course.