How we cite our quotes: All quotations are from Fargo.
Quote #1
This is a true story.
The events in this film took place in Minnesota in 1987.
At the request of the survivors, the names have been changed.
Out of respect for the dead, the rest has been told exactly as it occurred.
In fact, the movie is not a true story. It's basically a work of fiction even though there are some real-life crimes that inspired it. But, by claiming that it's true, the Coens naturally change the way we approach the movie.
Quote #2
CARL: Keep it still back there, lady, or else we're gonna have to, ya know, to shoot ya.
Carl's threat is made oddly self-conscious when he throws in the little "ya know." He's improvising. Again, not exactly the smooth criminal we're used to seeing in movies. He doesn't seem the murderous type, more a small-time crook who gets mixed up with a seriously murderous type.
Quote #3
JERRY: This was supposed to be a no-rough-stuff type deal.
Jerry can't believe these idiot criminals are messing things up. We can't believe that Jerry thought this could ever be a no-rough-stuff type deal. It's the stereotypically Minnesotan idea that everything will turn out okay—but turned on its head because of the bizarre nature of the situation.