Being a big fan of the Coen brothers, I was looking forward to watching “Miller’s Crossing” on DVD. But I guess I’m more of a fan of the quirky Coen brothers movies such as “Raising Arizona,” “Fargo,” “The Big Lebowski,” “Oh Brother, Where Art Thou” and “Burn After Reading.”
“Miller’s Crossing” is a modern take on the 1930s gangster film genre and probably is better than it seemed to me. There’s a lot of dialogue, a little action and about two hours of movie. It just seemed to drag in the middle. I don’t remember those old gangster movies going on that long, and there seemed to be a lot more action in the originals.
Having said all that, I have to admit, this movie has one of the best shoot-em-up scenes ever. Albert Finney’s character Leo is called “an artist with a Tommy Gun” and he proves it painting quite a picture with lead.
The movie was beautifully shot. The lighting, the color, everything visual was rich and moody just as one would expect, except in color. Barry Sonnenfeld as the director of photography did an exceptional job setting the look of this film. The DVD viewed had a special feature with Sonnenfeld that should not be missed.
With the caveat that this is a serious movie, heavy on dialogue and light on action, “Miller’s Crossing” is worth checking out just to see Ethan and Joel Coen’s take on this classic genre of movies. Those interested in cinematography will find even more to take in. If you’re looking for action, look to the past. (115 min.)
1990 - Rated R
Starring:
Gabriel Byrne
Marcia Gay Harden
John Turturro
Jon Polito
J.E. Freeman
Albert Finney
Mike Starr
Al Mancini
Richard Woods
Thomas Toner
Steve Buscemi
Mario Todisco
Olek Krupa
Michael Jeter
Lanny Flaherty
Directed by:
Joel Coen
Written by:
Joel Coen
Ethan Coen
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