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Posted: 9/27/00

'Fargo' to be screened at A&M International Thursday Oct. 5

 

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Fargo, a film based on a series of 'true events', will be screened at Texas A&M International University on Thursday, Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. in Bullock Hall, room 101.

The screening, part of the University's "Manifestations of 'Noir" Fall Film Series, is free of charge and open to the public.

Film series organizers Dr. Sean Chadwell, assistant professor of English, and Dr. William Nichols, assistant professor of Spanish, invite all Laredoans to explore the intriguing theme of this American film.

Chadwell and Nichols noted that Fargo, "represents what some have called a 'film blanc'("white film"); in other words, the film shares thematic, narrative, or plot elements with film noir ("black film"), but the setting is in the brightly lit snow-covered north."

"Much like Insomnia, a film previously screened in the 'Noir series, Fargo diverges from the cinematic aspects of 'noir,' yet still manages to be quite dark in other ways," commented Chadwell.

Drs. Chadwell and Nichols will briefly introduce the film and profile its film noir/film blanc opposition before viewing. At the film's conclusion, an informal discussion will be held to answer questions and allow audience members to share their comments on the film.

The film is set in Fargo, North Dakota, with a meeting between Minnesota car salesman Jerry Lundegaard and two local criminals. Jerry hires the pair to kidnap his wife, and then ransom her for $80,000. When the ransom money is paid out, Jerry is supposed to receive a 50% share, together with the safe return of his wife.

With two such incompetent crooks, things are bound to go wrong, and the perpetrators soon leave a trail of dead bodies behind them. A local (and seriously pregnant) cop is given the task of investigating the murders, and it is only with an amazing twist of fate that she ends up on the right track. The movie mimics the usual "mischief gone wrong" story line applying a new twist.

The film is rated R for its violence and profanity, and stars William H. Macy, Steve Buscemi, Frances McDormand, Peter Stormare, and Harve Presnell. Fargo, which is based on non-fictional events, is the product of Joel and Ethan Coen, whose previous films include The Big Lebowski, Barton Fink, The Hudsucker Proxy, and several others.

"Interested viewers will be pleased to know that the story itself is compellingly, disturbingly twisted", stated Chadwell, "and on top of all this, Fargo is quite funny."

The free film series, which began on Sept. 7, will continue weekly at 7 p.m. in Bullock Hall room 101 through Nov. 30. The series schedule is as follows: October 12 - "Touch of Evil" (1958); October 19 - "L.A. Confidential"(1997); October 26 - "Double Indemnity" (1944); October 31 - "Body Heat" (1981); November 9 - "Rear Window" (1954); November 16 - "Tesis" (1996); and November 30 - "Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid" (1982).

For additional information on the Fall Film Series, "Manifestations of Noir,'" contact Dr. Chadwell at 326-2471 or schadwell@tamiu.edu or Dr. Nichols at 326-2610 or wnichols@tamiu.edu.


Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu