Miller's Crossing (1990) *****
Miller's Crossing (1990), only Joel and Ethan Coen's third film, is a masterpiece (and they've made more than a few). For me, it only gets better with each viewing. It boggles the mind that audiences were gifted another (completely different) gangster masterpiece with Scorsese's (much more well known and loved) GoodFellas (review) the same year.
But I'm not comparing—the two films couldn't be more dissimilar. For one thing, Miller's Crossing takes place in 1929, during Prohibition. More importantly, the Coen's distill gangster and noir elements down to their essence, add their trademark humor, and airtight, cyclical dialogue, delivered pitch perfectly (and in some cases in cartoonishly caricatured manner) by a flawless cast (down to the smallest role). Then they shoot the whole thing (along with cinematographer and future director Barry Sonnenfeld) so effortlessly and stylishly that it's impossible not to be stupefied and endlessly entertained.
Miller's Crossing is a tale of power, loyalty, double crosses, and love (or lack thereof). It's grim, brilliantly paced, hilarious, and unforgettable. What's the rumpus? Look in your heart; this film won't give you the high hat.
But I'm not comparing—the two films couldn't be more dissimilar. For one thing, Miller's Crossing takes place in 1929, during Prohibition. More importantly, the Coen's distill gangster and noir elements down to their essence, add their trademark humor, and airtight, cyclical dialogue, delivered pitch perfectly (and in some cases in cartoonishly caricatured manner) by a flawless cast (down to the smallest role). Then they shoot the whole thing (along with cinematographer and future director Barry Sonnenfeld) so effortlessly and stylishly that it's impossible not to be stupefied and endlessly entertained.
Miller's Crossing is a tale of power, loyalty, double crosses, and love (or lack thereof). It's grim, brilliantly paced, hilarious, and unforgettable. What's the rumpus? Look in your heart; this film won't give you the high hat.
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