Miller's Crossing
A Coen Brothers Film
Filmmakers Joel and Ethan Coen (Barton Fink, Fargo) create a complex and graphic vision of gangsterism set during Prohibition and featuring a riveting rouges' gallery of killers and con men.
Leo (Albert Finney), a likeable Irish gangster boss, rules an Eastern city along with Tom (Gabriel Byrne), his trusted lieutenant and counselor. But just as their authority is challenged by an Italian underboss (J.E. Freeman), Leo and Tom also fall for the same woman. Tom, caught in the jaws of a gangland power struggle, walks a deadly tightrope as he tries to control and manipulate its violent outcomes.
Member Reviews
Miller's Crossing - VeerdiCoquitlam
Not enough dead gangsters!!!
I rarely watch gangster movies, but this one sort of slipped in. I found this movie boring and it portrays this kind of vermin as if it is totally acceptable to have these kind of murdering creeps walking around and living long enough to grow old!! Although this movie is set in the past, there are still lots of real gangsters around, that still get away with all sorts of illegal acts, e.g.: the so-called Hells Angels (what a mis-nomer that is, of course there are no angels in Hell, satan's "helpers" are called demons!!!).
It is puzzling that so many people are interested in the life and criminial doings of gangsters and that so many movies are made, depicting these criminal creeps. There even was a TV series about modern day gangsters!! Very puzzling!! There has to be a way that law enforcement can just clean up these nests of vermin, but it never seems to happen for real.There’s Much to Admire - Stitch
Outstanding cinematography. Albert Finney who does gangster boss with panache though the accent is a bit of a puzzle. Jon Polito in a difficult supporting role...not easy to marry buffoonery with convincing menace. And Marcia Gay Harden saddled with a moll persona who delivers the only touch of humanity and makes it believable.
The Coens went on to fame on the far-out trail—but in their other work, there is invariably at least one person we can root for even in a loser cause. Not here. My gut reaction to these guys is, so what. Yes, it has my admiration for a finely crafted instrument but it has a cold heart. So for senior Coen fans, don’t expect much sympathetic identification with any of the characters.
The dialogue is clever but the lingo is just a mite affected. Thirties’ gangster movies seldom poured it on this heavy. Sound quality seems a bit off, although clenched jaw mumbles don’t help. Music’s mostly appropriate but the more than once its timing seemed naïve or obvious. Occasionally follow the action and enhance mood, don’t always preface it. Surprises get our attention.
I have not deliberately avoided the protagonist Tom Reagan, competently portrayed by his countryman Gabriel Byrne. Agreed his engaging personality is an effective contrast in this brutal environment. But in my opinion it’s unfortunate he was held to such a muted demeanor. Soulful stares only go so far; how about a mite of emotional output to up the sympathy quotient.
The political and police figures are presumably deliberate caricatures. The whole movie has this feel. But unlike in No Country or Fargo where excess is interlaced with very human characters and interactions, here a steady diet dissuaded this older viewer from really becoming involved. And possibly one reason for not a single nod from the Academy?
Put the kids to bed first. And to you fans, don’t send the Dane. It’s just one man’s opinion.The classic that is forgotten - Babster
I couldn't agree with the other review that this movie for some reason is not appreciated properly! The story is dark and a bit comic style, but that is the mood of the movie from all aspect, that's probably why some people just can't get into the mood of the movie. If you appreciate the art of movie making you will be blown away by its choice of lighting and dramatic portrait shots and movement... overall a very good movies, I started watching it with low expectation and I guess I was in the right mood for this movie.
Member Reviews
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Miller's Crossing - VeerdiCoquitlam
Not enough dead gangsters!!!
I rarely watch gangster movies, but this one sort of slipped in. I found this movie boring and it portrays this kind of vermin as if it is totally acceptable to have these kind of murdering creeps walking around and living ...There’s Much to Admire - Stitch
Outstanding cinematography. Albert Finney who does gangster boss with panache though the accent is a bit of a puzzle. Jon Polito in a difficult supporting role...not easy to marry buffoonery with convincing menace. And Marcia Gay Harden saddled with a moll ...The classic that is forgotten - Babster
I couldn't agree with the other review that this movie for some reason is not appreciated properly! The story is dark and a bit comic style, but that is the mood of the movie from all aspect, that's probably why some people just can't get into the mood of ...