It is really adorable how utterly enthusiastically they are just geeking out over how amazing the Coen Brothers are. And It makes me feel a little sad that Siskel died in the year 2000 before the Coen Bros even reach the halfway point of their career, which has continued for decades with amazing films year after year.
The ultimate study in humanity acting involving ticks, accents, and awkward personas. I've seen this movie a million times, mostly watching in the background while I edit photos. Just hearing the lines is enough. My second favorite film of all time after Pulp Fiction.
It came out in 1996. Assuming never doing anything except watching the movie on repeat, it is impossible to have watched it more than 134,000 times or so.
I noticed that neither mention Miller's Crossing, in their summary of the Cohen B rothers' films. Funny, that; it's a damn good film. Same for The Hudsucker Proxy.
@@furtherback6131 Here's my answer to your question: They taught me how to argue. Most of the time, they argued the merits and didn't stoop to personal insults. (I'm not talking about their talk show appearances, where they often insulted each other for laughs.)
The worst thing about these videos is morons stating their opinions as facts. He merely wanted to see him review it and you couldn't resist your man baby rage to attack him for liking the movie.
@@AsylumSaint well that is your opinion and you've a right to it. Imo No Country was about as good a best picture choice as there's been since at least Schindlers list. I prefer There Will Be Blood but if it had to lose to something, then No Country would be the film.
Gene Siskel reportedly tip-toed over to Roger Ebert when both were watching this film at a screening for the first time, and Siskel whispered to Ebert, “This is why I go to the movies.”
i like how they have so much trouble containing their enthusiasm in the little 60 second "opinion" part of the review they end up talking over one another with praises
Especially in the mid-90s, when the formula recycling and endless sequels really started to dominate- Fargo must've been a true relief. And it is one of my favorite movies of all time.
@@ZA1US LOL, best line in the movie for some reason, in my opinion! Maybe it's cuz you see him drive off right by the office while she's still sitting there. Had me rollin' with laughter.
bob bill The English Patient won Best Picture. Fargo won for screenplay. Other nominated films were Jerry Maguire and Secrets and Lies I think. Trainspotting, Sling Blade, Flirting with Disaster, People vs. Larry Flynt all came out
Neither of them mentioned the scene with Mike Yanagita. A lot of people seem to think that's an unnecessary subplot; even a BLAM. But once I figured out why that was in the movie, it came to me that it's an integral part. When Margie finds out later that Mike was lying to her, she realizes that he had the same tone, inflection, and big grin that Jerry had when she interviewed him that time. It then occurs to her that she better poke around Jerry a little bit more and not just take him at his word about the Ciera. And that's how she cracks the case, all thanks to Mike Yanagita.
Yeah, I think Ebert mentioned that scene when he was doing his best of the 90’s show with Martin Scorsese. I never realized how important that scene was until he pointed it out. I think Marge is a very trusting person, and doesn’t realize Jerry was full of it.
Thanks so much for your comment, because I didn’t get that connection and it’s quite a big deal. Going to rewatch the film by myself, so I can concentrate. The problem with watching Fargo with your spouse or family is somebody’s always asking, what does that mean, blah, blah. you get distracted. Thanks again Gspendlove☺️
I didn’t see this movie until 2013. I teach school, we had a snow day, and this was on the air. It basically opens with a vehicle driving through the snow. I thought, all right I’ll check this movie out now. I was blown away! It is now my favorite. I also miss Siskel and Ebert. They were flat out geniuses.
notgrillo collector/ gamer FARGO came at a time where the DGA (Directors Guild of America) rules forbade them from sharing director credit (only one person was allowed to get director credit at the time), due to which Joel and Ethan had to split the credits amongst them (Joel got the sole directing credit, while Ethan got the sole producing credit). The rule was changed in the early 2000's, with THE LADYKILLERS (2004) marking the first time they got joint directing and producing credits. If there's one consolation regarding NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN, it's the fact that it at least allowed them to win the Oscar together.
I feel ya. I watched No Country twice in theaters and I hardly ever do that. Coen Brothers movie have a way of feeling like 30min movies when they’re like 2 Hours long.
I brought the movie to my folks house in '97 and said "You gotta see this movie. It is so UNhollywood" My 67 yr old dad snarled, "What's FARGO?" Well, for the next 20 years afterward, he always tried to catch it on tv. We would be out some place and he would say to mom, "come on mother, let's go. Fargo is on at 7" I think he liked it...a lot.
Stuff like this is why I love the movies, if a relatively old man who’s pretty bitter about movies can love something then that’s the heart of movies right there
I always loved how the father-in-law never looks at Macy- a body language of total disgust and hatred, can't even bear to acknowledge his existence. Great detail.
They don't mention the music. It's amazing. Carter Burwell outdid himself with that score. It starts out simply, just plucking at a string instrument, then we hear that momentous percussion followed by a symphony. It captures perfectly the dreariness of a Minnesota winter, and the sadness of "a simple plan" gone horribly wrong.
@@psalm2764 I've been in Minnesota during the winter. It's plenty dreary. Gray skies, barely any wind, and cold enough so you'll lose your toes if you go outside without boots for more than two minutes. It's worse than when I lived in Caro, MI (right on the tip of the thumb), which is literally hell frozen over.
Agree with the boys on "Fargo". I've seen it half a dozen times and I always pick up something I didn't notice previously. Perfectly acted and written with wit and nuance. On my top ten list of all time. Sorry the boys are gone now. I miss their reviews. They had great chemistry together.
I don't think I ever heard either Siskel or Ebert speak so highly of any film they ever critiqued. That goes to show you how good of a film was _Fargo_ .
I know this was a year ago but could you please explain to me why people love Fargo so much? I’ve been watching a lot of critically acclaimed movies lately and this is the only one where I don’t understand the praise. This isn’t me insulting the movie but being genuinely curious what makes the film so loved.
@@whitesinnoh7094 I think the characterization, the dialogue, and the way it effectively blended dark humor with violence and satire. Personally I loved the flow of the movie as well as the photography (in the bleak frozen white tundra of Minnesota). Reminded me of another Coen brothers film _Raising Arizona_ which they captured effectively with all the desert flora and fauna. As you read through some of the YT comments you'll find similar opinions.
They went gaga over Shawshank Redemption as well, even though nobody saw it at the theaters and went home Oscar-less...Shawshank found a new life on video rentals and cable TV reruns...
I so badly wish they both could have seen No Country For Old Men! Or at least Gene who had long since passed. Roger might have seen it, but at that time he was really sick with his illness. I am so curious if they both would have had the same giddiness and love for No Country For Old Men. I think they probably would have but we will never know.
William H. Macy wanted the part so bad that after his audition he stalked the Coen brothers to New York, barged into their office, and said, "I'm afraid you're going to screw up this movie by casting someone else."
Travis Eddings it won Best Original Screenplay and Francis McDormand won Best Actress, but lost Best Picture to THE ENGLISH PATIENT (which is a very dull film)
There are many horrible horrible Oscar results and that is right up there as one of the worst. But everyone knows there is politics and money changing hands. I like the fact that Seinfeld shit all over the English patient one episode :)
The Coen brothers eventually got their due for NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN. It should be noted that back then (during the time of FARGO's release), DGA rules at the time forbade them from sharing Director credit, due to which they split the directing and producing credits amongst them (Joel got the directing credit, while Ethan got the producing credit). However, in the early 2000's the rule was changed and they shared credit starting from THE LADYKILLERS (2004). At the very least, when they finally got their due, they won together.
Well, Best Picture goes to the PRODUCERS, the financiers of the movie. The best movies CREATIVELY all won SCREENPLAY Oscars. Don't follow the money (Best Picture); follow the art (Best Screenplay) when you want to know which movies were best.
"Fargo" is as close to a perfect movie as any you can name; a true masterpiece. And now it's a franchise! (Kudos to Noah Hawley & his adherence to the original vision in the TV series. It's pretty close to perfect TV, too!)
As of today, 4/13/20, there have been 3 seasons of Hawley's "Fargo" on TV. All three were great. A 4th season has been produced and nearly wrapped. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has halted last minute edits, etc., known as the post production process. But at least we know that sometime in the future, we are in for another installment of this fabulous show.
For me personally, the closest film to perfection is One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest. And it isn't even my favorite movie. I just think it was executed extremely well.
I got ya covered. "Two Thumbs Up, Way Up for Fargo. A brilliant black comedy about a pregnant police chief trailing a couple of killers across the Midwest. It's a masterpiece." They usually do this at the end at their shows in a recap of the movies they reviewed on the show.
I have always considered "Fargo" the perfect movie for a few of the reasons Siskel and Ebert stated. "Stylistic Freedom" as Ebert mentions, it's got it's many comedic scenes, violent ones, dramatic etc.. Also i love that Siskel mentions how well the dialogue is used in this film and the characters are "real people". My favorite scene and good example of what Siskel meant by this is when the cop goes to talk to Mr. Mohra (his only scene) about a guy who "was going crazy out there by the lake". "Fargo" is easily in my top 10 all-time
Margie's character encounters every level of humanity in this film. From the vile and treacherous, to the extremely lonely, to pure good. It's amazing. All while being a pregnant police woman which works as a wonderful allegory for virtue.
I'll tell you which film got snubbed at the oscars in 1996; Dunston Checks In. BTW, this movie is an excellent gage as to realizing you're getting old, when you remember watching it 20 years ago. Still holds up beautifully.
thehumburger I loved Miller's Crossing as well. The scene where he begs for his life is classic. Back when this came out and I would try to get people into all the Coen films, Fargo was the most universally beloved. The Big Lebowski is usually second. Miller's is from a different place writing wise, imo.
I still think of Miller's Crossing as the best Coen movie. The script is razor sharp. I've watched it 15 times at least. I still find new stuff in it. PS - Hudsucker proxy is often overlooked. But it is a work of genius. One of the few movies I've ever bought. Clever cinema at its best!
Great movie. One of my all-time favorites right up there with L.A. Confidential, Pulp Fiction, The Pianist, The Nice Guys and The Good the Bad and the Ugly.
Fargo was a tough act to follow, so what did the Coen brothers do next? They made the Big Lebowski - one of the biggest cult classics in American cinema.
This is in the book 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die, and due to this I saw it. This is one of my all time favorites and I have seen it twice. It REALLY IS a masterpiece!
It's so fun to see Gene Siskel raving about a movie. And of course, Fargo is an amazing movie and also an amazing TV show. Billy Bob, Martin Freeman, Kirsten Dunst, Ted Danson, Ewan McGregor, David Thewlis.
I hated this movie when I first saw it. I found the avalanche of human banality and stupidity overwhelming and William H. Macy's character to be beneath contempt. (Crying for himself when he's arrested.) Then, as with another movie I first hated, I realized that it was a work of fiction and that it was brilliant and Frances McDormand's little monologue and the final shot at the end were sheer poetry.
Roger and Gene speak of all the perfect, small scenes in this movie. My fave is the Trucoat couple scene. And the guy shoveling in the street scene with the cop. And high school friend Mike scene in the Radisson. So many.
@@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823 It was such a great Minnesotan way (and I'm sure other places that repress feelings) to show his rage and frustration. He's so impotent in this situation he himself as set in motion. Love that scene.
I love this movie so much I sometimes get sad that I’ll never be able to see it for the first time ever again. There’s just something about it; it’s really special, so well made.
I remember watching their review in early 96. They were so hoping the Oscars would remember this movie because it came out around March 1996 when most Oscar bait films came out later in the year. Won Best Actress and Original Screenplay but John Fogerty's nemesis won the Irving G. Thalberg Award and Best Picture for "The English Patient" that year.
"and always at the middle of the movie is Frances McDormand; a mild mannered, friendly even chirpy police chief who doggedly figures everything out." Spoilers much, Roger?
Well it came out in 1996, so its easy to understand why everyone believed it was a true story. The Internet, TH-cam, 'social media' hasn't always been a thing.
Those are also my 2 favorite Coen brothers movies, though I'd give the nod to Fargo. And I think the 3 seasons of the Fargo series on FX by Noah Hawley are as good as the movie Fargo.
Still one of the great Oscar travesty’s, that Fargo lost Best Picture to The English Patient. Which is a fine film, but not in Fargo’s league! Fargo is an American Classic and tons the Best Film of 1996!
You know it's a good film when you are bantering back and forth with your buddy about which scene was the best. Oh there was... Yeah but there was also... Oh and who could forget...
This is one of their most memorable reviews ever for me. I saw it when it first aired and I still think of it to this day and I only saw it once. Until now. :P
As much fun as it is to watch these two tear down a lousy film it's even better when they talk up a great one. Two people who love films praising one of those movies that just make you love film.
Wow. It's too bad Siskel and Ebert aren't around to see the Cohen brothers recent movies. They both would've said the same about No Country For Old Men: "A masterpiece."
I saw this movie for the first time at a movie theater in Budapest in 1997 while I was traveling. Yes, I went to the movies while backpacking through Europe. The movie was in English with Hungarian subtitles. I still remember being amused when the audience laughed at a pun in the movie and I wondered how they translated it into Hungarian. It's still my favorite Coen Brothers movie to this day.
Its kind of tough watching their clips now knowing what happens to both of them. They were very good. Their reviews of Fargo and Shawshank got me into the theatre
I'm from here and I remember the outcry of Minnesotans calling into radio shows to complain about the accents in the movie--while having the accents in the movie. "Hey now, we don't sound like that."
The People dig "Fargo". In my opinion, "Blood Simple" is better, and "Raising Arizona" is in the top 5 funniest films ever made. I'm just sayin', I like Fargo, but in the Coen pantheon, it is just well executed- not genius.
The most Coen-esque QT film is Pulp Fiction, where he explores idea of fate, faith, and destiny. But instead of returning to that well, he keeps making high concept revenge fantasies.
It is really adorable how utterly enthusiastically they are just geeking out over how amazing the Coen Brothers are. And It makes me feel a little sad that Siskel died in the year 2000 before the Coen Bros even reach the halfway point of their career, which has continued for decades with amazing films year after year.
Had Gene lived to do the Best of 90's show, Fargo would've probably been on top.
1999 😢😢😢
Sister with special love for the deviant Coens
He would have loved "O Brother, Where Art Thou?". I know I did.
Well, you can find both of them giving a very lukewarm review to The Big Lebowski ...
It's funny how Siskel and Ebert are arguing (as they typically do) -- but over how GREAT this film is and WHY it is great. That's magic, people.
The ultimate study in humanity acting involving ticks, accents, and awkward personas. I've seen this movie a million times, mostly watching in the background while I edit photos. Just hearing the lines is enough. My second favorite film of all time after Pulp Fiction.
It came out in 1996. Assuming never doing anything except watching the movie on repeat, it is impossible to have watched it more than 134,000 times or so.
I miss these guys.
I agree. A fine film.
I noticed that neither mention Miller's Crossing, in their summary of the Cohen B rothers' films. Funny, that; it's a damn good film. Same for The Hudsucker Proxy.
I miss Siskel & Ebert. I grew up watching them in the 70's, 80's and 90's. They taught me so much about movies.
jim blake What did they teach you? Not meant ironically. Genuinely curious.
Watch Redlettermedia. It's exactly the same
Historians. Fans. Lovers of the art.
@@furtherback6131 Here's my answer to your question: They taught me how to argue. Most of the time, they argued the merits and didn't stoop to personal insults. (I'm not talking about their talk show appearances, where they often insulted each other for laughs.)
Miss them too. Saturday night at 5:00 in my town.
I wish Gene was still alive to review "No Country for old Men".
The worst thing about these videos is morons stating their opinions as facts. He merely wanted to see him review it and you couldn't resist your man baby rage to attack him for liking the movie.
@@AsylumSaint well that is your opinion and you've a right to it. Imo No Country was about as good a best picture choice as there's been since at least Schindlers list. I prefer There Will Be Blood but if it had to lose to something, then No Country would be the film.
@Verify Controversy or sees different merits off of the film then you.
Different opinions =/= blind, don't be so smug pal.
AsylumSaint what a ridiculous thing to say. Watch it again
AsylumSaint comparing No Country to The Departed? Come on dude. Watch it again
Gene Siskel reportedly tip-toed over to Roger Ebert when both were watching this film at a screening for the first time, and Siskel whispered to Ebert, “This is why I go to the movies.”
And Roger Ebert ended his review for Fargo by saying "Films like Fargo are why I love the movies".
Context? What?
I love apocryphal stories
@@robkeaton6143 I seriously doubt your skepticism, since Siskel just before his death said that Fargo was the last great movie he saw.
@@KOHF34 You seriously doubt my skepticism? What a bizarre thing to say
i like how they have so much trouble containing their enthusiasm in the little 60 second "opinion" part of the review they end up talking over one another with praises
Too bad Coen Brothers can't make a Star Wars film.
It’s honestly adorable, seeing how passionate they were about the prospect of a great film
Especially in the mid-90s, when the formula recycling and endless sequels really started to dominate- Fargo must've been a true relief. And it is one of my favorite movies of all time.
It was like an argument about who could think of more great things about the movie :P They both argued strong!
@@shack8110 OMG how awesome would that be?
I'm cooperating here...darn tootin'!!
Glenn Wilkinson The heck ya mean!???
He's fleeing the interview!
@@ZA1US LOL, best line in the movie for some reason, in my opinion! Maybe it's cuz you see him drive off right by the office while she's still sitting there. Had me rollin' with laughter.
@@Strazman only the simpsons have been able to pull that off again!
"You won't see a better film this year." Good call, Gene! So right!
link biff what even came out in 1996
bob bill The English Patient won Best Picture. Fargo won for screenplay. Other nominated films were Jerry Maguire and Secrets and Lies I think. Trainspotting, Sling Blade, Flirting with Disaster, People vs. Larry Flynt all came out
Clearly he hadn't seen Striptease yet.
link biff He was too right!
@@@richardduke7199 - Boy, I don't remember having seen Flirting With Disaster but all the other films you mention are better than The English Patient.
Neither of them mentioned the scene with Mike Yanagita. A lot of people seem to think that's an unnecessary subplot; even a BLAM. But once I figured out why that was in the movie, it came to me that it's an integral part. When Margie finds out later that Mike was lying to her, she realizes that he had the same tone, inflection, and big grin that Jerry had when she interviewed him that time. It then occurs to her that she better poke around Jerry a little bit more and not just take him at his word about the Ciera. And that's how she cracks the case, all thanks to Mike Yanagita.
@gspend - I hadn't heard that interpretation before. Did you just come up with it or had you heard it elsewhere?
@@DandyLion662a Combination of the two. Something Roger Ebert wrote, I think, and my own observation.
Yeah, I think Ebert mentioned that scene when he was doing his best of the 90’s show with Martin Scorsese. I never realized how important that scene was until he pointed it out. I think Marge is a very trusting person, and doesn’t realize Jerry was full of it.
That scene also reinforces Marge's dedication to her husband, which is emphasized throughout the film
Thanks so much for your comment, because I didn’t get that connection and it’s quite a big deal. Going to rewatch the film by myself, so I can concentrate. The problem with watching Fargo with your spouse or family is somebody’s always asking, what does that mean, blah, blah. you get distracted. Thanks again Gspendlove☺️
I didn’t see this movie until 2013. I teach school, we had a snow day, and this was on the air. It basically opens with a vehicle driving through the snow. I thought, all right I’ll check this movie out now. I was blown away! It is now my favorite. I also miss Siskel and Ebert. They were flat out geniuses.
Fargo was so perfectly constructed. Each shot was beautifully framed. I saw Fargo several times at the theater. I never do that.
Agree completely. Roger Deakins is the master. Combined with the Coens' talent, entirely off the charts.
should have won BEST Picture. Instead Coen Bros won for the lesser Old country .....
I don't agree that No Country For Old Men is a lesser film but I do agree Fargo should have been Best Picture over The English Patient
notgrillo collector/ gamer FARGO came at a time where the DGA (Directors Guild of America) rules forbade them from sharing director credit (only one person was allowed to get director credit at the time), due to which Joel and Ethan had to split the credits amongst them (Joel got the sole directing credit, while Ethan got the sole producing credit). The rule was changed in the early 2000's, with THE LADYKILLERS (2004) marking the first time they got joint directing and producing credits.
If there's one consolation regarding NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN, it's the fact that it at least allowed them to win the Oscar together.
I feel ya. I watched No Country twice in theaters and I hardly ever do that. Coen Brothers movie have a way of feeling like 30min movies when they’re like 2 Hours long.
I brought the movie to my folks house in '97 and said "You gotta see this movie. It is so UNhollywood" My 67 yr old dad snarled, "What's FARGO?" Well, for the next 20 years afterward, he always tried to catch it on tv. We would be out some place and he would say to mom, "come on mother, let's go. Fargo is on at 7"
I think he liked it...a lot.
@Barry Super That's fine, no movie was made for everyone
Haha my dad loves this movie too
Is you father Mike Pence? Calling your mother "Mother".
Is your dad Mike Pence?
Stuff like this is why I love the movies, if a relatively old man who’s pretty bitter about movies can love something then that’s the heart of movies right there
I always loved how the father-in-law never looks at Macy- a body language of total disgust and hatred, can't even bear to acknowledge his existence. Great detail.
The Father-In-Law was played by Harve Presnell. He was great in musicals back in the day and sang "They Call the Wind Mariah" in Paint Your Wagon.
He was also the father-in-law to Nicholas Cage in The Family Man. Owned a tire business.
Macy was a wuss. Dad was spot on.
Great observation.
@@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823 Jerry Lundegaard was a wuss. Macy did a fantastic job!
They don't mention the music. It's amazing. Carter Burwell outdid himself with that score. It starts out simply, just plucking at a string instrument, then we hear that momentous percussion followed by a symphony. It captures perfectly the dreariness of a Minnesota winter, and the sadness of "a simple plan" gone horribly wrong.
so right--------his score for Miller's Crossing is also a masterpiece
Carter Burwell is the Coens’ go-to, and for good reason. All his movie music is just fantastic.
Minnesota winters were never dreary. You got that wrong.
@@psalm2764 I've been in Minnesota during the winter. It's plenty dreary. Gray skies, barely any wind, and cold enough so you'll lose your toes if you go outside without boots for more than two minutes. It's worse than when I lived in Caro, MI (right on the tip of the thumb), which is literally hell frozen over.
@@gspendlove I was born and grew up and went to college there. Winters were beautiful.
He's fleeing the interview!
Agree with the boys on "Fargo". I've seen it half a dozen times and I always pick up something I didn't notice previously. Perfectly acted and written with wit and nuance. On my top ten list of all time. Sorry the boys are gone now. I miss their reviews. They had great chemistry together.
I don't think I ever heard either Siskel or Ebert speak so highly of any film they ever critiqued. That goes to show you how good of a film was _Fargo_ .
I know this was a year ago but could you please explain to me why people love Fargo so much? I’ve been watching a lot of critically acclaimed movies lately and this is the only one where I don’t understand the praise. This isn’t me insulting the movie but being genuinely curious what makes the film so loved.
@@whitesinnoh7094 I think the characterization, the dialogue, and the way it effectively blended dark humor with violence and satire. Personally I loved the flow of the movie as well as the photography (in the bleak frozen white tundra of Minnesota). Reminded me of another Coen brothers film _Raising Arizona_ which they captured effectively with all the desert flora and fauna. As you read through some of the YT comments you'll find similar opinions.
Watch their revue of Pulp Fiction. They went gaga over that film too.
They went gaga over Shawshank Redemption as well, even though nobody saw it at the theaters and went home Oscar-less...Shawshank found a new life on video rentals and cable TV reruns...
james stegall ‘Shawshank’ would up being the most rented video of 1995
They were so excited they almost started making out
Lol
Lmao
I wish they did
Damn I miss this show. It was not only great for cinephiles, it helped educate and elevate the movie-going public.
I would come in from playing outside when I was a kid to watch this show every week. Fundamental to my film education.
I so badly wish they both could have seen No Country For Old Men! Or at least Gene who had long since passed. Roger might have seen it, but at that time he was really sick with his illness. I am so curious if they both would have had the same giddiness and love for No Country For Old Men. I think they probably would have but we will never know.
Roger Ebert wrote a rave review for No Country For Old Men. I’m sure Gene Siskel would have loved it too.
We're not a bank Jerry.
Simon Randall what the heck were ya thinkin’?
But this is my deal here, see.
Talk to ol' Bill Diehl.
But he can go heck, one over prime?
William H. Macy gives the performance of a lifetime and should've received an Oscar nomination but once again the Academy got it wrong.
He did receive a nomination.
@@langdonalger9219 He lost to Cuba Gooding Jr. "Show me the money!" Ridiculous.
@@rickdesperlet's not forget Edward Norton that year
Macy should have won Best Actor, not Best Supporting Actor. The entire movie revolves around his character.
William H. Macy wanted the part so bad that after his audition he stalked the Coen brothers to New York, barged into their office, and said, "I'm afraid you're going to screw up this movie by casting someone else."
Marge Gunderson is my favorite original movie character. Her speech at the end ("I just don't understand it") slays.
She's a good cop, in both ways.
Fargo. One of my most beloved movies of all time. A masterpiece
Same here
Should have won the Oscar in 1996.
Travis Eddings it won Best Original Screenplay and Francis McDormand won Best Actress, but lost Best Picture to THE ENGLISH PATIENT (which is a very dull film)
WHitney H The English Patient won Best Picture. They also should've won best director.
There are many horrible horrible Oscar results and that is right up there as one of the worst. But everyone knows there is politics and money changing hands. I like the fact that Seinfeld shit all over the English patient one episode :)
The Coen brothers eventually got their due for NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN. It should be noted that back then (during the time of FARGO's release), DGA rules at the time forbade them from sharing Director credit, due to which they split the directing and producing credits amongst them (Joel got the directing credit, while Ethan got the producing credit). However, in the early 2000's the rule was changed and they shared credit starting from THE LADYKILLERS (2004). At the very least, when they finally got their due, they won together.
Well, Best Picture goes to the PRODUCERS, the financiers of the movie. The best movies CREATIVELY all won SCREENPLAY Oscars. Don't follow the money (Best Picture); follow the art (Best Screenplay) when you want to know which movies were best.
"Fargo" is as close to a perfect movie as any you can name; a true masterpiece. And now it's a franchise! (Kudos to Noah Hawley & his adherence to the original vision in the TV series. It's pretty close to perfect TV, too!)
As of today, 4/13/20, there have been 3 seasons of Hawley's "Fargo" on TV. All three were great. A 4th season has been produced and nearly wrapped. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has halted last minute edits, etc., known as the post production process. But at least we know that sometime in the future, we are in for another installment of this fabulous show.
For me personally, the closest film to perfection is One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest. And it isn't even my favorite movie. I just think it was executed extremely well.
you cut off the end so now i'll never know if they gave it thumbs up or thumbs down.
I got ya covered. "Two Thumbs Up, Way Up for Fargo. A brilliant black comedy about a pregnant police chief trailing a couple of killers across the Midwest. It's a masterpiece." They usually do this at the end at their shows in a recap of the movies they reviewed on the show.
@@mst3k3000 why are you responding to a 2 year old joke comment with a serious answer?
@@MarsofAritia Lighten up, Larry.
@@mst3k3000 I think it was a sarcastic joke, Jordan. 🤦🏻♂️
😅😅😅😅😅
“He’s fleein’ the interview!”
Watching "Fargo" always makes me hungry for pancakes. At a pancakes house.
Instant grits?
How do you like your grits, regular, creamy or al dente?
@@ubiquitousdiabolus "what is a grit?" lol
@@erikbaran7197 "no self respectin' southerner uses instant grits...i take pride in my grits"
"I'm full of hunger now, you know!"
I have always considered "Fargo" the perfect movie for a few of the reasons Siskel and Ebert stated. "Stylistic Freedom" as Ebert mentions, it's got it's many comedic scenes, violent ones, dramatic etc.. Also i love that Siskel mentions how well the dialogue is used in this film and the characters are "real people". My favorite scene and good example of what Siskel meant by this is when the cop goes to talk to Mr. Mohra (his only scene) about a guy who "was going crazy out there by the lake". "Fargo" is easily in my top 10 all-time
I still think it's a crime that the Academy Award for Best Picture went to "The English Patient" instead of "Fargo" that year.
Agree.The English Patient was so boring
This movie really is American cinema at its best.
So true
It is a absolutely perfect movie. And it might not even be the Coens' best.
Margie's character encounters every level of humanity in this film. From the vile and treacherous, to the extremely lonely, to pure good. It's amazing. All while being a pregnant police woman which works as a wonderful allegory for virtue.
She's a real special lady!
She's a good egg.
I'll tell you which film got snubbed at the oscars in 1996; Dunston Checks In.
BTW, this movie is an excellent gage as to realizing you're getting old, when you remember watching it 20 years ago. Still holds up beautifully.
losttribe3001
Haha
losttribe3001 😂
losttribe3001 does Dunston actually check in, in the movie? I don't want to watch it and be disappointed
Dunston doesn't actually check in.
The Cinematic Mind Genius!
He's fleein' the interview! He's fleein' the interview!
This was so perfectly cast. It's my absolute favorite move ever.
It’s in the library of congress for a reason. Top 5 greatest films ever.
"Based on a real life case." LOL.
Ikr 😂. They just lied about that in the movie to bring attention to it.
They didn't even mention Miller's Crossing which might have been the best Coen movie prior to Fargo.
thehumburger I loved Miller's Crossing as well. The scene where he begs for his life is classic. Back when this came out and I would try to get people into all the Coen films, Fargo was the most universally beloved. The Big Lebowski is usually second. Miller's is from a different place writing wise, imo.
Nope. That honor goes to The Hudsucker Proxy.
I still think of Miller's Crossing as the best Coen movie. The script is razor sharp. I've watched it 15 times at least. I still find new stuff in it. PS - Hudsucker proxy is often overlooked. But it is a work of genius. One of the few movies I've ever bought. Clever cinema at its best!
That's because this is a review for Fargo. It says so in the title.
Blood simple is even better than Fargo.
58 people fled the interview.
I'm writing this instead of thumb upping all of you. I agree and I can't tell you how many times I've watched it.
Great movie. One of my all-time favorites right up there with L.A. Confidential, Pulp Fiction, The Pianist, The Nice Guys and The Good the Bad and the Ugly.
Next to Pulp Fiction this was the BEST original script written in the 90s
When I bought the special addition on VHS it came with a snow globe of the murder scene in the snow, lol.
To get these two to agree was not rare, but to have both of them go this nuts over one film was like finding the big rock candy mountain.
Perfectly said
Fargo was a tough act to follow, so what did the Coen brothers do next?
They made the Big Lebowski - one of the biggest cult classics in American cinema.
Brilliant movie.
I believe Marge Gunderson is the best female character ever written in a movie.
OliviasAnimation oh ya?
She's right up there!
I love Francis McDormand with all my heart.
Another great part of Fargo is the music. Not a typical score at all. Beautiful and haunting.
This is in the book 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die, and due to this I saw it.
This is one of my all time favorites and I have seen it twice. It REALLY IS a masterpiece!
Twice is not enough, but cheers!
@@yak6896 I've seen it a 3rd time since my original comment. :)
the casting was brilliant - esp with buscemi and macy; marge too, her husband ... actually everyone. the grandpa his advisor ...
totally agree. fargo was a fantastic memorable film. i loved it, on the edge of my seat from start to finish
It's so fun to see Gene Siskel raving about a movie. And of course, Fargo is an amazing movie and also an amazing TV show. Billy Bob, Martin Freeman, Kirsten Dunst, Ted Danson, Ewan McGregor, David Thewlis.
I hated this movie when I first saw it. I found the avalanche of human banality and stupidity overwhelming and William H. Macy's character to be beneath contempt. (Crying for himself when he's arrested.)
Then, as with another movie I first hated, I realized that it was a work of fiction and that it was brilliant and Frances McDormand's little monologue and the final shot at the end were sheer poetry.
Roger and Gene speak of all the perfect, small scenes in this movie. My fave is the Trucoat couple scene. And the guy shoveling in the street scene with the cop. And high school friend Mike scene in the Radisson. So many.
I think of Jerry beating the car with the ice scraper EVERY winter. You could have that, the entire car covered in ice half a dozen times a season.
@@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823 It was such a great Minnesotan way (and I'm sure other places that repress feelings) to show his rage and frustration. He's so impotent in this situation he himself as set in motion. Love that scene.
The two hookers’ interview is comic bliss. Go Bears.
You know u have a classic when these two legendary critics are basically cutting each other off in a rush to praise this film.
I love this movie so much I sometimes get sad that I’ll never be able to see it for the first time ever again. There’s just something about it; it’s really special, so well made.
Even Ebert thought Fargo was a true story 🤣
I remember watching their review in early 96. They were so hoping the Oscars would remember this movie because it came out around March 1996 when most Oscar bait films came out later in the year. Won Best Actress and Original Screenplay but John Fogerty's nemesis won the Irving G. Thalberg Award and Best Picture for "The English Patient" that year.
"and always at the middle of the movie is Frances McDormand; a mild mannered, friendly even chirpy police chief who doggedly figures everything out."
Spoilers much, Roger?
They’re falling over themselves in praising this film....,so awesome
Well it came out in 1996, so its easy to understand why everyone believed it was a true story. The Internet, TH-cam, 'social media' hasn't always been a thing.
my second favorite coen brothers film, behind No Country for Old Men.
word on that...
Those are also my 2 favorite Coen brothers movies, though I'd give the nod to Fargo. And I think the 3 seasons of the Fargo series on FX by Noah Hawley are as good as the movie Fargo.
What is your third favourite?
GSK 82 probably raising Arizona
Jake Tibbs what's your least favourite of their films?
I'm not a huge Coen Brothers fan-think too much of their stuff is overrated. However, Fargo is one of my favorites.
The greatest thing about the movie is that the Coen Brothers convinced people it was a true story.
Siskel and Ebert must have been happy when 'Fargo' won two Academy Awards, right?
I admit ... the movie made the art work on Federal Duck Hunting stamps interesting ... that's very difficult to do in an action movie ...
Ha ha! Good point.
All fiction, not based on a real story, the brother’s lied, and raising Arizona is a horrible movie
Why can't Hollyweird just make good movies. Like the old days. Like this one.
Fargo is the perfect movie. It is an American masterpiece.
Still one of the great Oscar travesty’s, that Fargo lost Best Picture to The English Patient. Which is a fine film, but not in Fargo’s league! Fargo is an American Classic and tons the Best Film of 1996!
Elaine Benes was right about The English Patient.
Steve Buscemi is amazing.
Everyone in this is perfectly cast.
I give fargo 10 toes up.
We're not a bank Jerry
You know it's a good film when you are bantering back and forth with your buddy about which scene was the best. Oh there was... Yeah but there was also... Oh and who could forget...
This is one of their most memorable reviews ever for me. I saw it when it first aired and I still think of it to this day and I only saw it once. Until now. :P
Since Fargo, the Cohen brothers have made an equally great movie in Oh, Brother, Where Art Thou?
As much fun as it is to watch these two tear down a lousy film it's even better when they talk up a great one. Two people who love films praising one of those movies that just make you love film.
Wow. It's too bad Siskel and Ebert aren't around to see the Cohen brothers recent movies. They both would've said the same about No Country For Old Men: "A masterpiece."
I miss these guys.
I saw this movie for the first time at a movie theater in Budapest in 1997 while I was traveling. Yes, I went to the movies while backpacking through Europe. The movie was in English with Hungarian subtitles. I still remember being amused when the audience laughed at a pun in the movie and I wondered how they translated it into Hungarian. It's still my favorite Coen Brothers movie to this day.
Its kind of tough watching their clips now knowing what happens to both of them. They were very good. Their reviews of Fargo and Shawshank got me into the theatre
I moved to northern Minnesota in 2000.
People here say "that's not the way we talk"
but it is. The Cohen Bros. are from Minn.
I'm from here and I remember the outcry of Minnesotans calling into radio shows to complain about the accents in the movie--while having the accents in the movie. "Hey now, we don't sound like that."
I love how Ebert hung on to the detail of the son going to Mcdonalds to hang out with his friends. I always remembered that part too, for some reason.
It’s because it’s so honestly real and relatable that it gets under your skin.
You think they're drinking milkshakes? I can assure you they are not!
When Francis won the Oscar for her performance, I shouted out loud, "THERE IS A GOD!!!"
At least this film is shorter than "The English Patient". This is a 98 minute film and I love it.
I never actually saw the English Patient, but based on the seinfeld episode I would not enjoy it.
It was pretty bad. Skip The Engish Patient and watch Fargo again instead.
I never wanted a film to end so badly in my life as The English Patient.
This S&E review is what inspired me to watch Fargo. They professionally and respectfully reviewed films with detail but never spoilers! Miss them.
I miss this show- it was so fun to learn about what was in theaters from them.
Gunderson: "How would you describe him?" Hookers: "Funny lookin'."
They're not wrong. Lol.
"Fargo" is their Masterpiece and will never EVER be topped.
The People dig "Fargo". In my opinion, "Blood Simple" is better, and "Raising Arizona" is in the top 5 funniest films ever made. I'm just sayin', I like Fargo, but in the Coen pantheon, it is just well executed- not genius.
I think the Coens are better film makers then Tarantino. Love QT, but he’s one dimensional. The Coens do it all
The most Coen-esque QT film is Pulp Fiction, where he explores idea of fate, faith, and destiny. But instead of returning to that well, he keeps making high concept revenge fantasies.
Its such a masterpiece it wasnt often they loved a movie as much as this
Would it kill you to say something...great line