Movie Review: Miller’s Crossing
Tom Reagan is the right-hand man and hired gun of Prohibition-era Irish mob leader Leo. Tom sees Leo as a father figure and is loyal to Leo above all other things. The Irish mob runs the city, paying off cops to bust up the rival mob’s drinking establishments. When Leo and a rival mob leader Johnny Caspar feud fight for control over the city, a love triangle develops with Leo’s girl Verna, betting debts are called in, deception and double crosses ensue, and Tom’s loyalty to Leo is challenged.
When I discovered there was a Coen brothers movie I hadn’t seen yet I quickly rented it. Miller’s Crossing is a Film Noir in the style of 30′s gangster movies, and one of the best Coen films I’ve seen. Of the many Coen brothers films I have seen, this is now at the top of my list along with The Big Lebowski and Fargo. The film noir camera work and period costumes and settings are remarkable.
This is a classic film that deserves accolades. The cinematography is stunning, Joel and Ethan Coen’s screenplay is fascinating, the period costuming and sets are exceptional, and the pacing and acting are top notch. The cast is uniformly excellent, with standout performances by Gabriel Byrne, Marcia Gay Harden, and Albert Finney. If you haven’t seen Miller’s Crossing be sure to place it on your must see list.
1990. Directed by the Coen Brothers. Starring Gabriel Byrne, Albert Finney, Marcia Gay Harden, Jon Polito, John Turturro, and Steve Buscemi.
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