Review of Miller's Crossing (1990) by Brian Y — 24 Jan 2011

I really do not understand high score for this movie. It didnt do much for me, even though im a big fan of gangster movies. They say this is the best after Godfather, well I can tell you this, difference between these two can be measured in centuries. Big difference...not even close.

Good acting performance by Gabriel Byrne. The rest of the cast sleepwalks.

Budget was 14 million and gross 5 million...hmm?....not much.

Can NOT be serious gangster movie with only 14 body counts in total, come on!

Although, shooting scenes were great, considering its 1990 movie.

Incorrect - In the scene where Leo uses the Thompson sub-machine gun he should have had to reload at least 6 times. He did none.

The Dane calls Tom, "Einstein", for being so smart. However this film is set in the the 1930s, when the real Einstein hadn't done anything noteworthy to the general public yet in those years.

Tom is playing a game between two mafia bosses, now it seems like its either he is not sure about his loyalty or being super smart and already had this plan figured out from the very start. Mixed opinions there. Not believable.

Tom didnt want to kill Bernie because he is a brother of a girl who he sleeps with, and I understand that, its a moral logic, but at the end he kills him afterall, what happened to caring if girl which he loves will hate him for the rest of his life? He did care before. Hm....weird?

Few fighting scenes, where next scene Tom's face doesnt have bruises. Makeup artist was off sick?

Some scenes were just silly, no seriousness to gangster style.

Seems like script was written how the movie goes along. Felt bored at some points by empty conversation scenes and drama pauses.

No suspense feeling at all.

Both mafia bosses are played soft and kind of dumb. Not really appropriate presentation of mafia boss.

What was the hidden agenda with Tom's hat? His dream also? Millers crossing?

Through the first half was difficult to catch up with all the character's names thrown in your face.

There was no chemistry between the girl and Tom.

Anyhow, some bits were entertaining, suppose to be intellectual gangster movie but for me just felt like dragging and dry. The film didnt manage to keep me interested throughout, at all. Sorry, but I just don't think Miller's Crossing is all that good.

P.S. I will probably get slaughtered for this review but I feel brave and free to tell my opinion.