Miller's Crossing (1990)

Strong period piece

With a bit of tightening-up, this powerful period piece could be even stronger. I'm merely suggesting some editing out of a few unnecessary bits and shortening of some rather lengthy scenes.
That said, this film features a complicated plot, a superb cast, quite a bit of gangster/Prohibition era violence, beatings and shoot-outs, great music, and beautiful photography by Barry Sonnenfeld, who went on to become a director not long afterwards. The Coens did not fare well with this at the box office, as it places many demands on the audience, but it is worth seeing at home if you have the patience to pay attention to it and stick with it.
Gabriel Byrne is riveting as the troubled and put-upon main character, while the very emotional John Turturro proves that no one is better than he is at begging for his life.
And if you like hats, well, you will be in hat heaven!
September 1, 2008

Runnin things. It ain't all gravy.

A highly stylized and satisfying version of the 1930's underworld. A chesslike plot melodramticaly propels characters. The scene where Leo defends an attack on his house with a Thompson sub machine gun is one of my favorite action scenes of all time. September 1, 2008

Excellent!

Another Coen Brothers movie that surpasses all expectations. Gabriel Byrne, John Turturro, Albert Finney, Steve Buscemi, and Marcia Gay Harden perform exceptionally. It is a disturbing and suspenseful drama that flows along effortlessly and catches the viewer up in a way that he is gripping the seat he is sitting on. This movie brings you into the Coen Brothers' minds and shows you how much immeasurable creativity they have.

A definite choice for Coen Brothers' fans as well as for fans of suspense. August 12, 2008

ALL WEEPY

I thought I might go all weepy at the beauty of this film. Albert Finney,
as Leo is a glorious stand-out--somehow I knew he would have on spats-- and his "come out blazing" scene is glorious. John Turturro is right on as a sniveling weasel, but Gabriel Byrne as Tom is a dream. All the way through the movie, I was wondering, is Tom planning all this, or is he ad libing as the needs of self preservation present themselves. I did not really know until the last scene. What a beautifully done movie. If you did not "catch it" then, you should "catch it" now. You will not be disappointed. August 5, 2008

Miller's Crossing - a Coen Classic

Enchanting, haunting, unnerving and just good ole Coen Brothers' dialogue. Beautiful photography by Barry Sonnenfeld and great acting all around. This movie not surprisingly becomes more enjoyable with every viewing and is definitely worth owning! July 11, 2008

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