Working in Melbourne in 1996. I was looking around for something to do one night, and stumbled into a theatre with this film playing. Turned out to be one of my very favourites. Certainly my favourite Coen brothers. One of things not often pointed out about this film is the soundtrack. Curious Scandanvian sounds. I think it is supposed to evoke the Scandanvian heritage of this part of the US.
See it! You will enjoy it!
From the BBC Review:
"Frances McDormand is tremendously endearing as Marge Gunderson, a determined, keen-nosed cop who never gives up even though she is heavy with child, a characteristic that surely must be unique in the history of movie sleuthdom. The excellent Coen Brothers, Ethan who produces and Joel who directs, return to their chilly northern roots for this outstandingly quirky thriller which turns out to be an extremely engaging black comedy. The wintry settings are vivid, and make much of local idiosyncrasies. For instance, ordinary folk in Minnesota have an odd, sing-songy Swedish manner of speech, full of laconic sentences ending "Yah?" and the Coens have great fun with the dialogue. The plot concerns a slimy car salesman (William H Macy) who has hatched a ludicrous kidnap scheme in which his wife is supposed to be held to make her millionaire father cough up a ransom that will solve his money problems. "
Warning: There is some violence in this movie
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