Movie #63- "Miller's Crossing" (1990)

In looking at their film biography, I was amazed at how many of the Coen brothers films I've watched.  I have missed only three of their films; "The Ladykillers", "The Man Who Wasn't There" and "Miller's Crossing."  As with any director, you have your favorites... and not so favorites.  I would place "Miller's Crossing" in the middle in terms of appreciation, although it is a shame that the film doesn't receive greater mention with other Coen brothers works. 
"Miller's Crossing" is the Coen's homage to the gangster films of the 1930s and 1940s.  They aren't only interested in the style of the era, but "Miller's Crossing" also contains plenty of their sly, subtle humor.  It's the story of two rival gangsters ready to go to war.  Gabriel Byrne is caught in the middle.  Throughout the movie, his character is slapped, punched, slugged, or thrown down the stairs.  He receives an incredible amount of abuse, yet bounces back for the next scene with hardly a scratch.  You also get a couple scenes that have the classic Coen brothers touch to them.  One involves a boy, a dog, and a corpse, while the other arms Albert Finney with a never ending Thompson gun.
The Coen brothers rarely disappoint.  "Miller's Crossing" may get lost in the brilliance of their other work, but it's one worth visiting.

Rating: 7/10
Movies I've previously seen: 5
First time viewings: 58