The Coen Brothers are well-known for their quirky and unique flicks, and that certainly includes characters that are memorable, hilarious, and one-of-a-kind. Of course, behind the humor is a plot that is often about crime or chaos, and it takes some pretty spectacular characters to figure it all out.
When it comes to female leads and secondary characters, the Coen brothers don’t hold back. These directors have always had some powerful women shine in their films. Often, these ladies even manage to steal the show and become iconic.
Ed (Raising Arizona, 1987)
The always interesting Nicolas Cage and Holly Hunter star together as H.I. McDunnough and Ed, a couple that is trying to get pregnant. Raising Arizona follows a simple couple who kidnaps a baby from a rich family – all to start their own.
They’re not the smartest pair, but they’re full of love, and do everything they can to escape the chaos that follows them. Ed is a tough cookie, and she’s also a police officer who is more than capable of handling herself and won’t let anyone take her baby.
Verna (Miller’s Crossing, 1990)
Miller’s Crossing is a 1990 crime drama, and Verna (Marcia Gay Harden) is in the middle of a complicated mob affair. This gang flick is definitely more of a serious criminal story for these directors.
During the Prohibition-era, warring mobs are trying to keep the peace, and Verna is playing both sides on the romance angle. She is definitely a woman who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to go get it.
Jean (Inside Llewyn Davis, 2013)
This music drama stars Oscar Isaac, Adam Driver, and Carey Mulligan – who plays Jean. Inside Llewyn Davis follows a young (and broke) singer in 1961, who hops couches while trying to make it big.
Jean is the wife of his best friend and the one who must deal with him when he crashes on their couch. She’s fierce, independent, and unafraid to share her thoughts. Plus, there’s a lot of drama to be had considering the past she has with Llewyn.
Marva Munson (The Ladykillers, 2004)
The Ladykillers is probably one of the most outrageous (and debatable) films from these directors and has Tom Hanks at the forefront. A group of guys try to rob a casino, but an old, sharp, and religious landlady isn’t having it.
After the guys decide they must kill her, Marva Munson (Irma P. Hall) is much harder to manipulate and murder than they ever thought. She’s tough, just, and unwilling to give up.
Amy Archer (The Hudsucker Proxy, 1994)
This comedy-drama stars Tim Robbins, Paul Newman, and Jennifer Jason Leigh. Leigh plays Amy Archer, who is a tough reporter that tries to uncover foul play at Hudsucker Industries – a stock company.
The stock scam continues, with a business graduate as the friendly face of it all, but Amy Archer is the brilliant and tough gal to ruin it all.
Maude Lebowski (The Big Lebowski, 1998)
The Big Lebowski has bowling, crime, kidnapping, and expensive rugs, and it also has Maude Lebowski (Julianne Moore), a sexually open, elegant, wealthy woman.
With Jeff Bridges as The Dude, there are many mishaps and confusion, that all make for a crazy and outrageous story. However, Maude never wavers and is independent with a good head on her shoulders. Plus – she’s tough as nails.
Marylin (Intolerable Cruelty, 2003)
A divorce lawyer (George Clooney) is faced with a couple where the wife wants to take all her ex’s money to be financially independent. After losing the case, Marylin (Catherina Zeta-Jones) is bent on revenge.
Intolerable Cruelty has schemes, romance, and two intelligent leads, and this deceptive and entertaining flick is definitely headed by a powerful female character.
Abby (Blood Simple, 1984)
Blood Simple is the first film released by the Coen brothers, and it’s definitely still one of the most intense, entertaining, and totally unique. Frances McDormand shines as Abby, who navigates a world of her ex, a private investigator, and her new lover.
Of course, nothing is simple, and lines cross in ways that keep the characters confused and the viewers on the edges of their seats. Abby, however, is always on the ball and doesn’t need any man to protect her.
Mattie Ross (True Grit, 2010)
Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld) is the youngest on this list but certainly deserves the silver medal for the strongest female character. True Grit is a western featuring a feisty and smart young woman with a goal, and the men she hires to follow her along her journey.
With comedy, crime, a manhunt, and lots of bickering, Matt Damon and Jeff Bridges also join the cast and create a hilarious adventure. Mattie Ross is not about to let her age or gender let these men treat her any differently, and she’s the toughest of them all.
Marge Gunderson (Fargo, 1996)
If there’s anything that says a strong woman, it’s a pregnant female police officer that basically single-handedly solves a murder and theft case. Fargo is one of the most memorable and loved movies from these directors, and Marge Gunderson (Frances McDormand) might just be their most famous character.
With total chaos, a crime gone wrong, and characters that aren’t so great at keeping themselves off the radar, Marge Gunderson is the only one that can keep it all straight, and her kind heart and sharp wit definitely let her get the best of them all.
