preliminary tasks

Fargo – Analysis

The first shot of the scene consists of an over-the-shoulder shot from the back of the car of the police officers as they turn up in front of the gate of what seems to be a large farm. As the car drives through the farm we get an idea of the mise-en-scene of the clip. The car indicates to us that the clip is set around the 1980s on a cold winter’s day somewhere in the United states. Many different shots of the car from various different angles are used, giving off the sensation that there are many eyes focusing on the officer’s car. As they pull up and get out of the car, the men on the farm do not greet them, they are asked for their weapons straight away, giving the officers a very unwelcomed vibe. The farmers are all armed and are wearing very heavy clothing. As the woman walks out onto her porch and greets the local police officer, he seems extremely nervous and anxious. The way she is on a higher level than the officer, along with the use of an over-the-shoulder shot looking down on the officer, gives the audience the impression that she has the power in the situation. The woman asks how the officer’s mother is, reinforcing her power and knowledge over the local area. The officer from out of state however, doesn’t seem anxious at all, if not, he feels he’s the one in charge due to him being in the police force. One of the woman’s sons walks onto the porch and stands behind the woman, once again giving off the impression that she has the power in the situation. The tension rises between the family and the officers and the non-diegetic sound adds on to the tension between them. Another family member turns up to the farm, a low angle shot is used of his boots as he exits the car, giving off the impression of an alpha male. It almost appears as though the local police officer is getting picked on and controlled by this man, until the other officer steps in. The man seems confused by the officer’s behaviour and gets aggressive towards him, which increases the tension even more along with the use of closeups of the heads of the two men . There is a significant difference in uniform between the two officers. The one from out of town seems more professional and well trained compared to the local officer. 

The tension is broken when the eye contact between two men stops along with the non-diegetic sound and the brother orders that the situation stops and that the family get back into the house. The local officer seems relieved and in a rush to go, although the other officer doesn’t seem phased and is left with the look of curiosity on his face.

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