Filmmakers Joel and Ethan Coen have produced a number of superb films over the years, including one of my top 20 favorites “Fargo.” The 1990 neo-noir black comedy “Miller’s Crossing” was one of their earlier pieces.
Dialogue plays out in a Fargo-like way with tight scenes mastered by a handful of great actors and a setting that marvels the eye with its intrigue.
All that said, “Miller’s Crossing” sputters through from start to finish, its superficial beauty unable to make up for its dull plot. It’s like a gorgeous and architecturally sound lakeside estate that taunts you to enter and then disappoints once inside.
I liked the concept of New York City based Irish mobsters in the 1920s (who wouldn’t?). But aside from one mention of the crime capo being a Mick, the film had no Irish infusion whatsoever.
Gabriel Byrne plays Tom Reagan, the right hand man in an Irish clan. Byrne is a phenomenal actor, co-starring in another of my all time favorites “The Usual Suspects.” 
In “Miller’s Crossing,” Byrne plays a slick talking criminal and ladies man who resorts to violence when need be. Byrne is a great and underrated actor who delivers on point with every role he takes.
Tom works for crime boss Leo O’Bannon (Albert Finney) who turns in a solid performance as well. The crux of the issue occurs when Tom has an affair with the bosses girl Verna (Marcia Gay Harden), a good actress who’s challenged with the one-dimensional role.
The rest of the movie plays out in a dry and sloppy format as Tom leaves his Irish crew in the aftermath of the affair coming to light, and goes to work for a rival Italian gang led by Johnny Caspar (played by great character actor Jon Polito).
Though filled with violence, the movie is glacial in pacing, and flat in overall script – perhaps a testament to the then inexperienced Coen Brothers writing. Flash forward 23 years and find the Coen Brothers mastering dialogue with “Inside Llewyn Davis” and you’ll notice the stark contrast.
Byrne and Finney notwithstanding, the best performance in the movie belongs to John Turturro. As slimy bookie Bernie Bernbaum, Turturro produces a once in a lifetime performance. Whenever Bernie is on screen, its a must watch. Turturro’s bio states he has appeared in over 60 films. I’m not sure I can recall another but his appearance in “Miller’s Crossing” has me interested. He’s simply a great performer.
Like “Fargo,” I loved the visuals. The 1920s layout is great, and one particularly excellent execution scene that takes place in the frigid back woods is one of the best you will see, and displays the talents of both Byrne and Turturro to the fullest.
The action is a mixture of dark comedy and gratuitous shooting with a host of comical and over the top deaths and brutal bouts of fisticuffs scattered throughout. A funny scene depicts hitmen attempting to kill Leo and the ensuing gun battle will leave you in stitches.
I think he biggest failure is that it doesn’t stick with one theme or another. If it had been a serious film from jump, okay. The actors involved are so good they could carry that type of movie.
Had it been a comical bloodbath in the mold of “Kill Bill” or “Desperado” that would have worked too – just shorten it a touch and let the bullets fly.
“Miller’s Crossing” is a well acted and well shot movie that’s a tough on the boring side.
by – Matt Christopher
