1996 – Fargo

By Ryan Haley | March 27, 2025

Movie of the Year: 1996

Fargo (feat. iFanboy’s Josh Flanagan)

Is Fargo (1996) Really a True Story? This week on Movie of the Year, our panel of film obsessives takes a deep dive into the Coen Brothers’ legendary crime thriller, Fargo (1996). From its bleak, snow-covered landscapes to its uniquely offbeat characters, Fargo is a film that has stood the test of time. But does it have what it takes to be crowned the best movie of the year? Tune in as we dissect this darkly comedic masterpiece.

The Genre of Fargo (1996): Crime, Comedy, or Both?

One of Fargo (1996)‘s greatest strengths is its ability to seamlessly blend genres. Is it a crime thriller? A dark comedy? A neo-noir? The film walks the tightrope between tension and absurdity, crafting a world where violent criminals, desperate schemes, and Minnesota Nice collide in unforgettable ways. Our hosts explore how Fargo defies genre conventions and why this unique blend makes it such a compelling film.

For more discussions on genre-bending movies, check out our deep dive into The Big Lebowski or No Country for Old Men.

The Setting of Fargo (1996): More Than Just Snow

Fargo (1996) isn’t just a movie—it’s an immersive experience of the American Midwest. Despite its title, most of the film unfolds in Minnesota, capturing the distinct speech patterns, mannerisms, and cold, barren beauty of the region. We discuss how the Coen Brothers use the setting as a character itself, influencing the tone, the story, and even the humor. Would Fargo be the same film without its chilling, small-town backdrop? We break it all down.

For more insights on film settings, read our analysis of There Will Be Blood.

Is Fargo (1996) a True Story? The Real vs. the Fictional

From the opening title card claiming “This is a true story,” Fargo has left audiences debating its origins for nearly three decades. Is Fargo (1996) really based on actual events? Or was that just another Coen Brothers trick to pull us deeper into their world of deception? We uncover the truth behind the film’s inspiration and discuss how its true crime aesthetic enhances its mystique.

Want to learn more about real vs. fictionalized crime films? Check out our episode on Zodiac.

Special Guest: Josh Flanagan from iFanboy

Joining us this week is none other than Josh Flanagan from iFanboy! As a longtime film and comic book expert, Josh brings his signature wit and insight to the discussion. He shares his personal experience watching Fargo (1996) for the first time, his thoughts on the Coen Brothers’ unique storytelling, and how Fargo fits into the larger landscape of 1996 cinema.

For more of Josh’s takes on film and pop culture, visit iFanboy.

Does Fargo (1996) Deserve to Win Movie of the Year?

After breaking down the film’s genre-bending brilliance, its unforgettable setting, and the enduring mystery of its “true story” origins, we finally ask the big question: Does Fargo (1996) deserve the title of Movie of the Year? Listen in as we debate its legacy, compare it to other contenders from 1996, and ultimately decide whether Marge Gunderson’s world of crime and comedy is worthy of the top spot.

Subscribe now and join us for this deep-dive into Fargo (1996), a film that remains just as sharp, chilling, and darkly hilarious as it was in 1996.