Review of Miller's Crossing (1990) by Ivan M — 03 May 2012
Joel & Ethan Coen's "Miller's Crossing" is an amazing film that has grown on me hugely upon repeated viewings. The first time I saw it, I didn't like it hugely when compared to their other work.
Now, it just may be my all time favourite Coen Brothers film. It is 1929. Leo (Albert Finney) and Johnny Caspar (Jon Polito) are rival gang leaders. Caspar wants to kill Bernie (John Torturro) for ruining his bets, and Leo won't allow it because he is in love with Bernie's sister, Verna (Marcia Gay Harden).
Little does he know that his right hand man, Tom (Gabriel Byrne) is having an affair with Verna behind Leo's back. When war is waged between Leo and Caspar, Tom is forced to pick sides and construct an intricate plan apparently to save his own skin.
Caspar's right hand man, the Dane (J.E. Freeman) is beginning to become wise to Tom's plan and gets even more agressive when Tom questions the loyalty of his lover, Mink (Steve Buscemi). I am sure anyone who hasn't seen the film will have passed out by now, but trust me, it's not as complex as it sounds.
It's shot beautifully and the acting is some of the best I've seen. The writing is a fantastic echoe of the Film Noirs and gangster pictures from years gone by. It's thrilling but not at all melodramatic or overdone.
Carter Burwell's score is flawless, and the mix of drama, action, humour and romance makes for an amazing filmic experience. Just great.
This review of Miller's Crossing (1990) was written by Ivan M on 03 May 2012.
Miller's Crossing has generally received very positive reviews.
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