Miller’s Crossing is a 1990 crime film directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. The film follows a 1920s-era gangster named Tom Reagan, who is caught in the middle of a war between two rival gangs. Reagan must navigate through a maze of deception and betrayal as he attempts to outsmart both gangs and come out on top. The film is visually stunning, with beautiful cinematography that captures the gritty underworld of prohibition-era America. The Coen brothers deliver another masterclass in storytelling, crafting a gripping and suspenseful tale of crime and redemption.
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Review
Miller’s Crossing: An Epic Tale of Betrayal and Redemption
There are moments in life that make us feel like we are living in a movie. The kind of movie that is so well done it makes you want to watch it over and over again, finding new details every time. That’s what “Miller’s Crossing” is all about. A crime drama set in the prohibition era, the Coen Brothers’ masterpiece tells the story of Tom Reagan (Gabriel Byrne), a loyal adviser to mob boss Leo O’Bannon (Albert Finney). Tom finds himself caught up in a web of lies and betrayal when he falls for Leo’s girlfriend Verna Bernbaum (Marcia Gay Harden).
The film starts with an iconic scene where Tom confronts Bernie Bernbaum (John Turturro) over his gambling debts. The dialogue, as always with the Coen Brothers, is sharp and humming with wit. Bernie insults Tom by calling him “Shantytown”, which prompts this response from Tom: “I’d like to say I’m sorry about your brother. I’d like to say it was all a mistake, but I can’t”. It sets the tone for what will follow: a webbing of lies that tangle everybody into its web.
The plot thickens when Leo gets involved with another mob boss named Johnny Caspar (Jon Polito). Leo makes a deal with Johnny that interferes with his own interests. This leads to a series of events where everyone is trying to outsmart each other while keeping their loyalties intact.
One of the most remarkable things about “Miller’s Crossing” is how it blends humor and violence. It’s one of those movies where you can be laughing at one moment and cringing at the next. Like when Mink (Steve Buscemi) gets shot in the head while singing his favorite tune or when Eddie Dane (J.E Freeman) gets his fingers chopped off by Tom.
But what makes this movie so outstanding is the acting. Gabriel Byrne as Tom Reagan gives a masterful performance, portraying a character that is both charming and dangerous. Albert Finney as Leo O’Bannon is equally stunning, showing us a man who is both powerful and vulnerable. And then there’s Marcia Gay Harden as Verna Bernbaum, who brings depth to a character that could have easily been just another femme fatale.
It’s worth noting that “Miller’s Crossing” was not a box office success when it was released in 1990. But over time, it has gained a cult following and is now considered one of the Coen Brothers’ best works. It also has one of the most incredible soundtracks ever made, with music by Carter Burwell that perfectly captures the tone of the film.
Another thing that stands out about “Miller’s Crossing” is its cinematography. The movie was shot by Barry Sonnenfeld, who would later go on to direct films like “Men in Black” and “Get Shorty”. Sonnenfeld’s use of light and shadow creates an atmosphere that is both moody and dreamlike.
The film received critical acclaim upon release, but only received two award nominations for Best Director (Joel Coen) and Best Actor (Finney) at the New York Film Critics Circle Awards. It may not have won any major awards at the time, but it has stood the test of time as one of the greatest crime dramas ever made.
In conclusion, “Miller’s Crossing” is a tour de force in storytelling. It’s a movie that rewards those who pay attention to the details and understand its intricate plot. But even if you’re not into crime dramas, you can appreciate it for its humor, acting, soundtrack or cinematography. It’s an epic tale of betrayal and redemption that will stay with you long after you’ve watched it. As Maya Angelou once said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” “Miller’s Crossing” is definitely one of those movies that will make you feel a lot of things.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 115
- Release : 1990-09-21
- Genre : Drama, Thriller, Crime
- Cast : Gabriel Byrne as Tom Reagan, Albert Finney as Liam ‘Leo’ O’Bannon, Jon Polito as Johnny Caspar, Marcia Gay Harden as Verna Bernbaum, John Turturro as Bernie Bernbaum
- Crew : Nancy Haigh as Set Decoration, Joel Coen as Screenplay, Joel Coen as Director, Ethan Coen as Screenplay, Ethan Coen as Director
- Popularity 15.139
- Budget : $14,000,000
- Revenue : $5,080,409
- Company : Circle Films, 20th Century Fox
- Summary : Set in 1929, a political boss and his advisor have a parting of the ways when they both fall for the same woman.
- Tagline : Up is down, black is white, and nothing is what it seems.
