Sunday, May 4, 2008
Regionalism
The Coen Borthers, like no other director that I have seen, make use of the regional and cultural setting of their films. The plot of Fargo could have taken place in any number of locations, however the Minnesota setting accentuates this plot. As Minneapolis natives, they are quite aware of the cultural tendencies of their home state. This is most obviously apparent with the Scandinavian linguistics, but culture also propels many of the characters on a much more personal level. This is seen in characters such as Marge as well as the much more minor Mike Yanagita. No Country for Old Men would be unimaginable in any location outside of the Southwest. Texas drawls, desert motels and border drug runners make the film what it is. All of these markers of regionalism are highlighted by the cinematic style of the Coen Borthers.
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2 comments:
I agree with you that the setting is an essential part of any Coen brothers film. Almost to the point that it's another character itself! The Coen's clearly put much care into the location of their films. You made a good point that these films probably could not take place in any other setting. I think this fully ingages the viewer into the story and makes it more believable.
To me, Fargo was just proof that even super evil dudes sound ridiculous with that accent. I would have a hard time taking anyone serious if he put a gun to my head and said "hey, ya hoser, gimme yer wallet, eh?"
um. yeah. the settings are good. I just thought it interesting that they chose to pick on southwestern hicks in raising Arizona. wouldn't it have been more interesting to see that kind of crime committed by some rich ass white folks from Connecticut? i think so...
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