It’s Symbolism, Doncha Know

Few movies have captured the spirit of culture like Fargo did for Minnesota. From the outsized flannels down to the lovably obnoxious patois, the Coen brothers’ masterpiece was a near-perfect portrait of Nowheresville life. The flick plays out like a news brief headline: A small town car salesman collaborates with two thugs to kidnap his wife, setting off a chain of murders across Minnesota. There’s ineffable small-mindedness (ransoming your wife to your father-in-law), stranger than fiction plot turns (innocent bystanders get capped), and enough gruesome violence to shock any gorehound (death by wood chipper). And anchoring the whole thing is Francis McDormand’s pregnant policewoman, Marge Gunderson. She’s the one rock of normalcy in the whole film — equal parts everywoman and super heroine.

Related Content

• Counting Down to New Times' Beerfest: John Linn Talks Craft Beer and Why It's Gaining Traction in South Florida
  March 20, 2012
• Cigar City Tasting Event is February 23 at Puccini's Pizza in Delray Beach
  February 16, 2012
• Five Beers for a Florida Winter
  January 12, 2012
• Confirmed: Treasure Trove to Shutter by Year's End
  November 29, 2011
• Dogfish Head Debuts Randall Jr. With Goofy Video: John Linn Explains What a Randall Does [VIDEO]
  April 17, 2012

More About

• Fargo (Movie)
• Marge Gunderson
• Coen Brothers
• John Linn
• Arts, Entertainment, and Media

Like this Story?

Sign up for the Events Newsletter: What's happening in town? From underground club nights to the biggest outdoor festivals, our top picks for the week's best events will always keep you in on the action.

Privacy Policy Cancel Continue

But Fargo’s more than just a disturbing look at small town life. There are some big messages at work there — from the dissolution of the nuclear family to our desensitization to tragedy. And that’s just the kind of meaty fare that Cinéma Vérité likes to gnaw on. The monthly film series searches for truth in film by viewing films both modern and classic, then discussing them in a group setting. Although Vérité is sponsored by CityChurch of Fort Lauderdale, a Presbyterian organization, the discussion applies to truth-seekers of all faiths. All you have to do is show up at 7 p.m. at Cinema Paradiso (503 S.E. Sixth St., Fort Lauderdale) with $5 in your pocket and a willingness to dig deeper into film. Call 954-525-FILM, or visit www.myspace.com/vivalacinema. JOHN LINN
Mon., Sept. 15, 7 p.m., 2008