Miller's Crossing [Blu-ray] [1990]

This is a different kind of gangster flick. It is an intelligent foray into the world of the roaring twenties and the corruption and speakeasies engendered by Prohibition. This money making turf is zealously guarded by rival crime bosses: Leo, masterfully played by Albert Finney, and Johnny Caspar, well played by Jon Polito. Tom Reagan, beautiful played by the darkly smoldering Gabriel Byrne, is Leo's main man. Unfortunately for him, he is feeling the noose around his neck tighten, as he owes some big gambling debts that he is unable to pay. Moreover, he is head over heels in love with Verna, played with hard edged, sexual intensity by Marcia Gay Harden, who just happens to be Leo's main squeeze. Moreover, Verna's bookmaker brother, Bernie Bernbaum, played with smarmy abandon by John Turturro, has a contract on his life and is on the run. When Tom finds himself helping Bernie, he soon discovers that no good deed goes unpunished. All this makes life very complicated and difficult for Tom. At times, it is difficult to ascertain who the good guys and the bad guys really are, or for whom they really work, as they all seem to march to the beat of a different drummer. There is more to what is going on than initially meets the eye. Make no mistake, this is a multi-faceted movie that works well on many levels. As with all Coen brothers' films, there is an underlay of sly humor that permeates the film. The dialogue is sharp and evocative of another time, as it is laden with Prohibition era slang, and its stacatto delivery is most effective. The characters all walk the walk and talk the talk. The performances by the entire cast are stellar. Look for Steve Buscemi in the small role of Mink, and do not blink or you will miss Frances McDormand's performance as Johnny Caspar's secretary. All in all, this is an excellent film and another feather in the collective cap of the Coen brothers.

What you see in Miller's Crossing is not what you get, believe me. This film belongs to Gabriel Byrne who plays Tom Reagan. Tom is a hero, anti-hero, maybe, in this gangster film. The Coen Bros, those wonderful film guys, have written and directed this film. You can tell from the very beginning when this marvelous music overpowers you that a Coen film is here. Tom Reagan is an assistant of sorts to Leo, played by Albert Finney. Leo is the crime boss, and the entire city revolves around him. Both Tom and Leo have an affinity for Verna, played by Marsha Gay Harden, though Leo is at first not aware of this. Jon Polito who plays Johnny Caspar, Leo's opposite. John has a thing for "business ethics.", which makes me laugh when you see his temper and his antics. One of the most interesting characters is Bernie Bernbaum, played by John Turrtora. A weasel loved by his sister, Verna, and for whom everything falls apart. The action is violent, beatings a plenty, gunfights a plenty, lots of booze, some sex, but nothing seen. A Coen film must be seen.

I saw this title on sale and couldn’t resist! So many great films have come from the Coen Brothers but this movie inparticular has often been ignored. Miller’s Crossing is their most under rated film. Hands down. This film noir period piece is rife with crisp dialogue, sumptuous cinematography, stylish costumes and incredible performances. The story deliberately unfolds in a taught, thrilling manner which concludes with an unexpected and completely satisfiying ending. Funny, it is not. Maybe that’s why Miller’s Crossong isn’t mentioned as one of the Coen Brothers best. However, if you’re in the mood for an incredibly crafted original cinematic experience then by all means pop this blu-ray in. A must own for any Coen Brothers completist!

When the Italian Mafia threatens to kill a crooked bookie (John Turturro), Irish mob boss Leo O'Bannon (Albert Finney) refuses to allow it, chiefly because he's dating the bookie's sister, crafty gun moll Verna Bernbaum (Marcia Gay Harden). Leo's right-hand man, Tom Reagan (Gabriel Byrne), is also seeing Verna on the sly, and when he's found out is obliged to switch sides, going to work for the Italian mob amidst a dramatically escalating gang war over liquor distribution

When the Italian Mafia threatens to kill a crooked bookie (John Turturro), Irish mob boss Leo O'Bannon (Albert Finney) refuses to allow it, chiefly because he's dating the bookie's sister, crafty gun moll Verna Bernbaum (Marcia Gay Harden). Leo's right-hand man, Tom Reagan (Gabriel Byrne), is also seeing Verna on the sly, and when he's found out is obliged to switch sides, going to work for the Italian mob amidst a dramatically escalating gang war over liquor distribution.

A great early Coen Brothers film, highly stylized,with many twists and turns. Excellent Barry Sonnenfeld cinematography. This disc had a nice special feature interview with Sonnenfeld. Great over the top performances by Polito and Turtoro. Well worth watching again if you saw it 30 years ago. Plus this was in the bargain bin for $3.99

I believe the Coen Brothers are one of the greatest pairs of filmmakers out there. Miller's Crossing was there endeavor to make a Gangster Flick and it is a success. A great ensemble cast does tremendous work with a unique take on Mob Life. A must see for any fan of the Coen Brothers.

This third film by the Coen brothers is one of their best. Great acting by Finney, Byrne, Turturro, Harden and many others, and excellent cinematography by Sonnenfeld make this a gangster classic.