Introduction
The 1996 crime drama Fargo is an American classic, praised for its dark humor and unique storyline. Directed by Joel and Ethan Coen, the film follows the story of Jerry Lundegaard (William H. Macy) who hires two criminals to kidnap his wife in order to extort money from his wealthy father-in-law. Despite its dark subject matter, the movie has become one of the most beloved films of all time, earning seven Academy Award nominations and winning two Oscars.
In this article, we will be exploring the various locations used in the making of Fargo. From the sets and filming sites to the real-life places that inspired the story, we will take a tour of the places the characters visited in the movie. We will also uncover the secrets of the sets and locations, as well as trace the footsteps of the characters in Fargo and revisit the iconic locations from the movie. Finally, we will discover the real locations behind the scenes of Fargo and find out more about the history of these places.
Exploring the Locations Used in the Making of Fargo
Fargo was filmed primarily in Minnesota, although some parts were shot in North Dakota. The Coen brothers wanted to capture the essence of the Midwest, so they chose locations that would best represent the region. “We wanted to make a movie that was set in the Midwest but that had a certain other-worldliness to it,” said Ethan Coen. “That’s why we chose to shoot it in Minnesota, which has a very specific feel, with its vast open spaces and wide skies.”
The movie was filmed on location in several towns and cities across Minnesota, including Minneapolis, St. Paul, Brainerd, Anoka, and Duluth. The production team also took advantage of the region’s natural beauty, shooting scenes in rural areas as well as at scenic lakes, forests, and fields.
Showcasing the Iconic Locations in the Movie
Fargo features some of the most iconic locations in the movie. One of the most memorable locations is the woodchipper scene, which was filmed at a farm near Brainerd, Minnesota. The scene was filmed at night, in the middle of a snowstorm, to give it a surreal feel. Another iconic location is the scene where Marge Gunderson (Frances McDormand) visits the motel room where Jerry Lundegaard stays. This scene was filmed at the Radisson Blu hotel in downtown Minneapolis.
The movie also showcases the small town of Anoka, which was used for some of the outdoor scenes. Anoka is a historic town located about 20 miles north of Minneapolis. It has a population of around 18,000 people and is known for its picturesque streets, quaint shops, and Victorian homes.
A Tour Through the Filming Sites of Fargo
Fans of the movie can take a tour of the filming sites of Fargo. The tour begins in Minneapolis, where many of the interior scenes were filmed. The tour then moves to St. Paul for the exterior shots, including the famous woodchipper scene. After that, the tour continues to Anoka and Brainerd, where more of the outdoor scenes were shot. The tour ends in Duluth, where the final scenes of the movie were filmed.
The tour provides an inside look at the locations used in the making of the movie, as well as a chance to relive the journey of the characters in Fargo. Fans can visit the same places the characters did, from the diner where Marge Gunderson first meets Carl Showalter (Steve Buscemi) to the bar where Jerry Lundegaard attempts to buy a gun.
Behind-the-Scenes Look at Where Fargo Was Shot
The making of Fargo was a complex process, involving hundreds of crew members and dozens of locations. Behind the scenes, the filmmakers had to find a way to create the perfect backdrop for each scene. To do this, they enlisted the help of local experts who could provide them with information about the area and suggest possible filming sites. For example, when the filmmakers needed to find a place to shoot the woodchipper scene, they consulted with a local logger who recommended a nearby farm.
In addition to traditional locations, the production team also made use of studio sets to recreate certain scenes. For example, the motel room where Jerry Lundegaard stays was actually an elaborate set built inside a hotel in Minneapolis. The set featured authentic period furniture, wallpaper, and accessories to make it look like a real motel room from the mid-1980s.
Tracing the Footsteps of the Characters in Fargo
Another way to explore the locations of Fargo is to trace the footsteps of the characters in the movie. Fans can follow the journey of the characters from Minneapolis to Brainerd and then to Anoka. Along the way, they can visit the places the characters visited, such as the diner, the motel, and the bar. They can also explore the rural areas where some of the outdoor scenes were filmed, such as the forest and the lake.
By tracing the footsteps of the characters, fans can get a better understanding of the story and appreciate the unique locations used to bring the movie to life. They can also experience firsthand the journey taken by the characters and gain a deeper appreciation for the movie.
Revisiting the Iconic Locations from the Movie Fargo
Fargo features some of the most iconic locations in the movie. From the woodchipper scene to the motel room where Jerry Lundegaard stays, these locations have become part of the movie’s legacy. Fans can revisit these locations and gain a deeper appreciation for the movie by seeing the places where the story unfolded.
At the same time, fans can explore the significance of each location and how it contributes to the overall narrative. For example, the woodchipper scene is an important moment in the movie, as it marks the beginning of the downward spiral for Jerry Lundegaard. By visiting this location, fans can gain a deeper understanding of the story and appreciate the impact of the scene.
Discovering the Real Locations Behind the Scenes of Fargo
Finally, fans can also discover the real locations behind the scenes of Fargo. While some of the locations used in the movie are fictional, others are based on actual places. For example, the Anoka County Courthouse, which appears in the movie, is a real courthouse located in Anoka, Minnesota. Fans can visit the courthouse and explore its history and architecture.
Furthermore, fans can also explore the real-life places that inspired the story. The Coen brothers drew inspiration from the stories they heard while growing up in Minnesota, as well as from their own experiences living in the state. By visiting these places, fans can gain a better understanding of the movie and the culture that shaped it.
Conclusion
Fargo is an American classic that has earned its place in film history. Through this article, we explored the various locations used in the making of the movie, from the sets and filming sites to the real-life places that inspired the story. We uncovered the secrets of the sets and locations, traced the footsteps of the characters in Fargo, and revisited the iconic locations from the movie. Finally, we discovered the real locations behind the scenes of Fargo and found out more about the history of these places.
If you’re a fan of the movie Fargo, then this article should have provided you with some insight into the locations used in the making of the movie. We encourage you to explore these locations and experience firsthand the journey of the characters in the movie.
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