Fargo is an iconic series that draws from the film made by the Coen Brothers to create a unique universe of psychosis, snow and American ruralism. Throughout its seasons, it has been presenting different characters and unique plots that have made it one of the most important series of recent times. But its season 5 points in a direction we didn’t expect.
Fargo season 5, as creator and showrunner Noah Hawley points out, has a very different influence than what you’d expect from a series like this: The Nightmare Before Christmas. Henry Sellick’s animated film devised by Tim Burton features many references in the series. From a season opener with the song This is Halloween to masks of the main character and many other iconic elements of the film. But what is the reason for this?
Nightmare before Fargo
Noah Hawley has stated in an interview that none of these choices are coincidental, but are due to a universe of his own that he has developed over the years:
“I love that movie. It’s a specific choice and I chose that movie because it’s a favorite in my house. My kids will grow up and see Fargo one day and it will be meaningful to them. We had to get Tim Burton’s blessing to do it, which is great.”
In addition, he believes that the parallels are greater, especially between the character of the Sheriff’s son and Jack, the protagonist of the film:
“There’s too much pressure on Gator and he’s always trying to live up to those expectations while, at the same time, deep down, with a different father, he would have been a gentle soul. Sins of the father. And whether Joe’s character is able to come out of the burden, and reject, the toxic of his heritage.”
Finally, he commented on the importance of Halloween and its aesthetics in the series:
“I knew I wanted to center [Dot’s] story around Hallowwen because of what it allows her in terms of defending her home and costumes, that she can literally wear bulletproof vests and have ‘zombie killers.’ And what it offers Roy when she realizes they can come after her wearing masks…and people don’t question things on Halloween.”
