How we cite our quotes: All quotations are from Fargo.
Quote #1
[SNOW EVERYWHERE]
This snowy, barren, endless landscape that opens and permeates the film is the image of Minnesota the Coens want to leave us with. Having grown up there, they know it well. As we mentioned in our "Symbols" section, they describe it as like Siberia, but with more family restaurants. The locals are smart—they're bundled up against the cold in oversized parkas and fur hoods. Carl and Gaear don't have that protection. They're outsiders and don't know the weather or aren't smart enough to deal with it. The desolate white landscapes give the film an eerie feeling. No wonder Marge and Norm like to cozy up under the covers.
Quote #2
GAEAR: We stop at Pancakes House.
CARL: What are ya nuts? We had pancakes for breakfast. I want to go somewhere I can get a shot and a beer, and a steak, maybe. No more f***in' pancakes, c'mon man. C'mon man! Okay here's an idea. We'll stop outside of Brainerd. I know a place there we can get laid. What do ya think?"
When you're in the North Country, eating pancakes is a classic move—just like Paul Bunyan did. This hulking sociopath having a hankering for pancakes is one of the absurdist elements that the Coens throw in.
Quote #3
JERRY: Brainerd?
MARGE: Yah. Yah. Home of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox.
This is Brainerd's claim to fame, hosting a famous American tall tale. It's a small place, but this helps give it some kind of folkloric distinction. We also see evidence of the North Country in Marge's "yah." You'll hear tons of them.