In April 2014, FX introduced the first Fargo season to the public. This show quickly became popular - viewers appreciated the black humor of the scriptwriters and were glad to see famous actors in unexpected roles. What is remarkable about this project?
TV series author
The author and screenwriter of the first season of the television series-anthology was the American filmmaker Noah Hawley, who previously worked on the first season of "Bones". He received a proposal for the television adaptation of the Coen Brothers feature film "Fargo."
The creators of the original tape did not participate in the work on the new version. However, Joel and Ethan got acquainted with the script, and, considering it very promising, were allowed to use their names in the project. Even before watching the episodes, many viewers are wondering about the meaning of the expression “fargo”. This word has Anglo-Saxon origin, being the name of American geographical objects, surnames and so on.
Acting team
Even before the show, viewers knew that the credits of the first season of “Fargo” would be full of big names in the acting team. The main villain was portrayed by Hollywood actor Billy Bob Thornton, who brought a lot of details to the image of his character. Martin Freeman, in turn, perfectly got used to the role of the loser of Leicester.
The policeman who personally volunteered to investigate the mysterious crimes was played by Colin Hanks (son of Tom Hanks). Adam Goldberg was entrusted with the image of a member of the criminal gang "Fargo". The project also noted Keith Carredin, who represented in the image of the father of the assistant sheriff.
In the style of the Coen brothers
Hawley brilliantly managed to convey in her television show the style of the Coen brothers, whose films are usually full of ambiguous characters and abound in black humor. The series “Fargo” also has many unusual stories.
Here, viewers will be able to watch the throwings of a naive police chief who is unable to discern any obvious evidence; fearful policeman who understands that he really wants to become a postman; the religious owner of supermarkets, many years awaiting punishment for their financial victories; deaf-miserable misanthropic criminal and so on. However, many critics and viewers agree that the most memorable was the insurance agent Leicester - a loser who was played very well and very naturally by Martin Freeman. Looking at the hero of this Hollywood actor, it seems that he was simply created for the roles of such simpletons, and in this series his game reached an almost sky-high peak.
Awards and reviews from critics
Television critics praised the work of the creator of the project, and other Fargo participants (actors) were not left without attention. The show acquired Emmy awards for the most successful casting team, as well as directing. Then, in 2014, Fargo was named the best mini-series of the year. After Emmy, the anthology received two Golden Globes: Best Miniseries and Best Actor (Billy Bob Thornton). In turn, the popular web aggregator Rotten Tomatoes rated 97% for the first Fargo season. These indicators were more than convincing, and the reviewers themselves came to the conclusion that the project managed to preserve the style of the original picture, while demonstrating an extraordinary storyline, sparkling black humor, intrigue and vivid characters.
Following the first season
After the success of the first season, its creators immediately set to work on the second, and in the fall of 2015 presented the audience with a continuation of the anthology. The main roles were again given to famous actors: Kirsten Dunst, Jesse Plemons, Ted Denson, Patrick Wilson and Gene Smart. Television critics and viewers once again graciously accepted Fargo. This allowed him to claim an Emmy Award in 18 categories. A new series of shows narrated the events unfolding in the late 70s in South Dakota. This state was often discussed in the first season, and already familiar heroes appeared in its continuation, but this time at a younger age. The action focused on the young Lou Solverson and his wife Betsy.
The real story goes on
In November of that year, it became known that the FX channel intends to shoot the third season of the series, giving the main roles to such celebrities as Ewan McGregor and Carrie Coon. In the spring of 2017, viewers were able to evaluate new episodes. It is noteworthy that McGregor portrayed two heroes - siblings.
Events take place in 2010, and this made it possible to return some of the participants of previous seasons.
It is interesting that the original Coen Brothers film began with an overlaid text stating that the story taken once happened in reality, and the authors, satisfying the request of the survivors, decided to change their names. It was also reported that on the screen everything will be transmitted as it actually was. Such statements were only an extraordinary reception of the filmmakers, which was not true, and subsequently Noah Hawley used it in his anthology.