Brief Summary
This video analyzes the character of Lorne Malvo from the TV show Fargo, exploring his motivations, backstory, and the nature of his evil. It suggests that Malvo's behavior stems from a traumatic childhood where he was abandoned and possibly raised by wolves, leading him to adopt a predatory worldview. The analysis covers his methods of corrupting and tormenting others, his unique perspective on society, and his ultimate desire for a worthy challenge.
- Lorne Malvo's evil stems from a traumatic past, possibly being raised by wolves.
- He views the world through a predatory lens, emphasizing the roles of predator, prey, and the hunt.
- Malvo corrupts and torments others by exploiting their weaknesses and societal structures.
- He seeks a worthy challenge, desiring a battle with a predator of equal or greater strength.
- Malvo's character is compared to both a predatory animal and the devil, highlighting his animalistic behavior and inclination for evil.
Introduction
The video introduces Lauren Malvo from the TV show Fargo as a compelling villain, reminiscent of Anton Chigurh from the Cohen Brothers' film. The video aims to understand the origins of Malvo's character and his actions throughout the story. The host expresses his excitement about analyzing such a complex and intriguing character.
Who is Lauren Malvo?
Lauren Malvo is a highly skilled Hitman based out of Reno, Nevada, known for his cunning and intellect. Beyond his professional life, he engages in acts of corruption, murder, and torment for personal gratification. Examples include manipulating Lester Nygaard into becoming a killer, tormenting Stavros Milos, and psychologically affecting children. The video poses the question of why Lauren behaves in such a manner.
Lauren's Possible Backstory
Lauren Malvo is portrayed as an enigma, but a story he tells about a little boy raised in the woods hints at his possible backstory. This story, combined with his frequent use of animal-based allegories, suggests that Lauren may have been raised by wolves. He often uses animal analogies to explain human behavior, referencing gorillas, simians, and the Roman myth of Romulus and Remus. He criticizes "The Jungle Book" for its unrealistic portrayal of a boy raised by wolves.
Evidence Supporting the "Raised by Wolves" Theory
The video presents visual hints that support the theory of Lauren being raised by wolves. These include documentary footage of wolves in his black market contact's van and the appearance of a lone wolf near the cottage where Lauren meets his end. Additionally, the University of Nevada Reno's mascot being the wolf pack is mentioned as a possible nod to his character.
Historical Cases of Children Raised by Wolves
The video explores real-life cases of children raised by wolves to provide a basis for the theory about Lauren Malvo. Six examples are mentioned, including the Hessian wolf children and Dina Sanichar. The case of Marcos Rodriguez Pantoja of Spain is examined in detail, using information from Wikipedia. Marcos's story includes abuse, abandonment, survival with wolves, and eventual reintegration into society, though he always preferred the company of animals.
Applying Marcos's Story to Lauren Malvo
The video draws parallels between Marcos Rodriguez Pantoja's experiences and Lauren Malvo's character. It suggests that Lauren, like Marcos, may have suffered abuse and abandonment, but unlike Marcos, he was not successfully reintegrated into society. Lauren's intelligence and early language skills allowed him to adapt to life among predators, embracing the role of a predator himself. He views human society as suppressing the predatory aspects of human nature.
Lauren's Predatory Nature and Appearance
Lauren Malvo's predatory nature is reflected in his lifestyle and habits. He became a Hitman to fund his endeavors and navigate a dangerous world. His skinny appearance and minimal eating habits highlight his focus on survival and the thrill of the hunt rather than physical gratification. He "drinks the life force of others" through corruption and torment, recording these moments for later consumption.
Lauren's Lack of Emotion and the Thrill of the Hunt
Lauren rarely expresses outward joy, even when engaging in acts of corruption and torment. This is attributed to his psychopathic nature and stunted emotions. However, he lives for the thrill of the hunt and the fulfillment of his designs. Like a wolf, he doesn't necessarily derive pleasure from killing but does it out of necessity.
Lauren as a "Wolf in Sheep's Clothing"
Lauren is portrayed as a "wolf in sheep's clothing," capable of blending into society and adapting to various roles, such as a lawyer, pastor, and dentist. He can drop this facade instantly to reveal his true monstrous nature. People often comment on his dead, emotionless eyes, but it's his ability to switch between personas that is truly terrifying.
Lauren's Corrupting and Tormenting Nature
Lauren's primary enjoyment comes from corrupting and tormenting people. He exploits their weaknesses to make them go against their sensibilities. He understands human society and uses the system to his advantage. His corruption often leads to further torment for others, as seen in the cases of Lester Nygaard and others he manipulates. He collects tapes of people at their lowest points, capturing their torment.
Lauren's Methods of Causing Misery
Lauren's actions are geared towards causing misery, ruining people's perceptions of the world, and bringing down their spirits. He is also quick to murder anyone, displaying his skills as a deadly assassin. While he prefers to play with his victims beforehand, he is willing to kill when necessary, especially for revenge.
Lauren as the Devil vs. a Predatory Animal
The video addresses the comparison of Lauren to the devil, noting references in the story that support this interpretation. However, it argues that Lauren is more of a predatory animal with devilish inclinations, given his animalistic behavior and ways of thinking.
Lauren's Ending and Desire for a Challenge
Lauren's ending reveals his desire for a worthy challenge. He releases Mr. Wrench, one of the Hitmen sent to kill him, hoping he will seek revenge. Lauren is bored with being the top predator and seeks a battle that will offer him more than fleeting thrills. He wants to go out on his own terms, as illustrated by his story of a bear caught in a trap. In the end, he faces his death with stoicism, offering a smile to Gus, the predator he helped create.
Conclusion: Who Was Lauren Malvo?
Lauren Malvo was a man who endured abuse, abandonment, and a survival-of-the-fittest scenario, possibly among wolves. He adopted a worldview centered on predators, prey, and the hunt, aiming to become the most terrifying predator. He orchestrated death, suffering, and torment, driven by his experiences and desires. Despite any sympathy one might feel for his past, Lauren is ultimately a monster, a cunning and brutal animal.
