Rating of
2.5/4
Miller's Crossing review
Daniel Corleone - wrote on 08/14/11
Tom Regan (Gabriel Byrne) is affiliated with a Mafioso named Leo O’Bannon (Albert Finney). Leo’s rival Johnny Caspar (Jon Polito) plans of eliminating Leo’s bookie Bernie (John Turturro). Bernie’s sister Verna, has a relationship with Leo but has an affair with Tom. Leo and Tom had a major conflict so he sides with Caspar. Johnny Caspar’s right hand Eddie Dane does his best to prove that Tom is a fake. In the end, only one man will prevail from the war. Some interesting quotes from the picture: Tom – “Nobody knows anybody. Not that well.” Johnny Caspar – “You double-cross once - where's it all end?” Bernie – “I'm praying to you! Look in your heart.” Eddie Dane – “Up is down, black is white.”
The casting was precise, talented performances were brought out from each character, notably Finney and Byrne. Its cinematography was dazzling and screenplay/plot was compelling, despite some of the confusion in the beginning for the character development, was efficient. There were good scenes where Leo had to defend himself, Tommy going into the woods trying to search for the dead body, ending Bernie’s life. The soundtrack was epic-like and chilling since the subjects were about betrayal and the mafia. A minute qualm I had was the real basis for the hatred between the 2 crime bosses. The film only manages to focus on Regan’s tracks and methodical thinking. If only some aspects of the picture were improved: the history of the two could have been more emphasized and a better pace of the story telling was a bit dragging and the names were thrown around a lot with having any history in the beginning of the film. In my discernment, if these were only enhanced, it could have easily been one of the more memorable noir/gangster movies created.
Recent Comments
FSUNoles27TS - wrote on 01/10/13 at 11:11 AM CT
Miller's Crossing Review comment
I agree. It needed something to bring it to the next level. I didn't feel the hatred between the two leaders and gangs enough. Great Review.
