fargo

Oh, Yah, You’re Darn Tootin’!

fargo
MOVIESTORE COLLECTION | PHOTO COURTESY
The Midwest inspired dark comedy ‘Fargo’ celebrates its 20th anniversary.

The classic movie “Fargo” returned to its namesake Thursday.

Starring William H. Macy, Steve Buscemi and Frances McDormand, “Fargo” depicts the story of a kidnapping, murders, and the cop who uncovers the truth of it all.

“Fargo” combines the grittiness of crime with comedic accents, lighthearted banter and good old Midwest manners, making it one of the best dark comedies in decades.

Especially to the people of Fargo, the film’s namesake, it holds a special place in the city’s heart.

To commemorate its 20th anniversary, the Fargo Theatre hosted the movie, the wood chipper and plenty of “Fargo”-themed fun.

Before the showing, the iconic wood chipper was on display outside the theater, allowing patrons, shoppers and locals alike to take their picture with it. The wood chipper is usually on display at the Fargo-Moorhead Convention and Visitors Bureau, but it was brought downtown for the special event.

At 7:30 p.m., the lights dimmed and the film began. The two hour-long movie enraptured the audience, ranging from first-time viewers to long-time fans.

After the movie finished, the audience cheered, and the festivities only continued.

Prairie Public hosted an accent contest, where fans called in with their best Minnesotan accents and said their favorite lines of the film.

A post-movie discussion was held, entitled “We Don’t Talk Like That” discussing the accents of the film and its harmful effects on Midwest stereotypes. Producers Todd Melby and Diane Richard were the featured speakers for the evening.

To top it all off, there were free bars, a door prize and “Fargo” merchandise for sale at the theater.

The movie’s legacy continues to this day. Nearly 20 years after the Coen Brother’s popular release, the television channel FX created the TV series “Fargo,” which, to many viewers, offers a more accurate representation of life up North.

“Fargo” remains, since its creation, a remarkable film that will always hold a special place in this city, even if it does mostly take place in Minnesota.

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