Miller's Crossing (1990)

This is a sublime Prohibition-era gangster saga that is a magnificent display of compelling acting, spellbinding storytelling and fine film-making. It is a dark-hued, richly operatic mood piece focused on the friendship between Albert Finney and Gabriel Byrne and the bloody mob war that erupts over the same woman, with Byrne outstanding as the cool calculating catalyst.

The film works as both a crime thriller and an ironic commentary on the genre, with fast witty dialogue and intricate plotting around a Prohibition-era gang war. It is also a tribute to 1930s crime literature and films, composed as variations on themes of friendship, character and ethics, and is quite wonderful.

The critic sees Miller's Crossing as the Coens' nearest approach to a classic literary tale, with its gangster trappings serving as a MacGuffin for a Shakespearean story of friendship, character and ethics. Gabriel Byrne's enigmatic Tom is singled out as the contradictory heart of the film, complemented by warm visuals and graceful camerawork that make it one of their most accessible works.

The film is weightless and without much point, a stylized exercise in old gangster movie conventions that fails to engage beyond its pop art references.

A chilly, stylish gangster film that is remote and light on substance despite its luscious look and strong performances, especially Albert Finney's.

Substance is here in spades along with the twisted, brilliantly controlled style; outstanding performances from Byrne, Finney and Harden bring the characters to life.

The critic calls it classic Coen Bros and praises the stylish direction, inventive pulp language, and strong ensemble performances. Some reservations are noted about the opacity of the central character.