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Fargo (1996)

My Film 101 class recently screened the film Fargo, as it represents one of the great classics in film history. Fargo epitomizes the film Blanc category, as it is the direct opposite of the typical film noirs of the past. There is no femme fatale character; instead there is a naïve and very innocent wife who is victimized and eventually suffers a tragic ending. This is quite opposing to the Film Noir’s femme fatale that is dangerous, sexual, devious, and manipulative. Instead of a “hard-boiled” detective, there is Marge Gunderson, the very optimistic and moral police chief working the case. All of the scenes are consistently lit high key to emphasize the light atmosphere of the film, contrasting film noir’s low-key lit scenes filled with shadows and dark corners that stress its dark outlook. The ending of the film suggests a moral outlook and a somewhat happy ending as one family (Marge Gunderson’s) has a very optimistic future to look forward to (Very different than the typical ending of the film noir that concludes with a dark ending to match its dark content). Joel and Ethan Coen did a remarkable job of combining dark and serious content with comedic antics. It is rare to find yourself laughing during such cruel and malicious scenes, but somehow Joe and Ethan Coen were successful. For example, when Jean Lundegaard finally gets out of the kidnappers’ car, she desperately tries to escape. However, the black bag fastened over her head prevents her from seeing absolutely anything, and results in her clumsy running in circles aided by frequent falling, (alluding to the headless chicken act). The combination of lighting, Jean’s ridiculous screaming, the kidnapper’s laughing, and music all create a comedic scene although the content is truly horrible. Overall, I think the Coens did a fantastic job combining juxtaposing aspects to create a very entertaining result.

"What I Hear"

“What I hear”

Sitting in central park on East 103^rd street

Initially laying in the grass in central park on the Upper East Side, all I heard were the lawn mowers and hedge clippers that were unfortunately maintaining the field the same time that I sat down. These soundmarks of central park are frequently heard in any field or landscaped area. However, after sitting silently and listening for about 5 minutes, I started to become attuned to the myriad of other sounds that served as keynotes in the background. These keynotes usually go unnoticed, as if immune to their mundane nature. However, with the incentive of this blog, I began to notice the hum of a far off jet plane. I noted the occasional chirping of birds that even outshined the landscape machinery. Being in New York City, one becomes extremely used to the sounds of people, talking, walking, singing, running, etc. However, when in the park you experience a peaceful atmosphere lacking the abundance of people. Therefore, I found myself being particularly attuned to the sounds that one single runner would make jogging by, which is extremely different than the usual sounds of hundreds of people. Over the machinery, I could make out his faded footsteps against the pavement. Two women power walking talked amongst themselves, producing a keynote of vocal tones that went from a low, serious chatter, to a high shrieking of laughter. Two men walked by, one holding a boom box. The music, intended to be a sound signal to attract attention, became another keynote as it was washed out by the lawnmowers. All of the sounds I hear contributed together to create one single atmosphere. Typically, I would have recognized the atmosphere alone, without pinpointing each individual sound. It was interesting to dissect the entire myriad of tones instead of grouping then together into one vague sound.