The new Criterion Collection version of Miller’s Crossing blends classic noir fiction with Joel and Ethan Coen’s trademark sparkling dialogue, off-beat characters, and violent action. Here’s a summary:
“Gabriel Byrne brings a wry gravitas to the role of Tom Reagan, the quick-thinking right-hand man to a powerful crime boss (Albert Finney). Tom’s unflappable cool is tested when he begins offering his services to a rival outfit—setting off a cascade of betrayals, reprisals, and increasingly berserk violence. The Hopperesque visuals of cinematographer Barry Sonnenfeld, majestically elegiac score by Carter Burwell, and vivid supporting performances from John Turturro and Marcia Gay Harden come together in a slice of pulp perfection that crackles with sardonic wit while plumbing existential questions about free will and our own terrifying capacity for evil.”
Of course the real reason I bought Miller’s Crossing was the conversation between Megan Abbott and the Coen’s film noir and crime fiction. Great movie, great conversation! GRADE: A
DIRECTOR-APPROVED BLU-RAY SPECIAL EDITION FEATURES:
- 2K digital restoration, approved by director of photography Barry Sonnenfeld and filmmakers Joel and Ethan Coen, with new 5.1 surround soundtrack mix, presented in DTS-HD Master Audio
- New conversation between author Megan Abbott and the Coens about film noir and hard-boiled crime fiction
- New interview with actors Gabriel Byrne and John Turturro, moderated by Abbott
- Interviews from 1990 with Byrne, Turturro, and actors Marcia Gay Harden and Jon Polito
- New interviews with Sonnenfeld, composer Carter Burwell, music editor Todd Kasow, and production designer Dennis Gassner
- English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
- PLUS: An essay by film critic Glenn Kenny
New cover illustration by Patrick Leger
Great movie. Great performances. I especially like Jon Polito and Albert Finney.
Steve, you’re right about Jon Polito and Albert Finney. The Coen brothers hit it out of the park with MILLER’S CROSSING!
I know I saw the scene depicted by your photo but I don’t think I’ve seen the whole movie!
Bob, this new Criterion Collection Blu-ray is the version you should watch!
Although NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN is my favorite of the Coen’s films, this is certainly a great one, and one I haven’t seen in much too long. The fascinating interview with Megan Abbott is available on YouTube and there’s a link to it on Patti’s blog.
Michael, I’m with you on NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN, but MILLER’S CROSSING is right up there. The Megan Abbot interview on noir is classic!
I still like FARGO and BLOOD SIMPLE as well as the ones you mentioned.
I Love Fargo, Blood Simple, No Country For Old Men, O Brother Where Art Thou,?, Barton Fink and miller’s Crossing but my favorite Coen Brothers movie is The Big Lebowski.I must have watched it a dozen times.
Steve, a local theater plays THE BIG LEBOWSKI on their Big Screen every year.
Jeff, FARGO blew me away the first time I saw it! BLOOD SIMPLE is underrated.
Jackie is not a fan but I love BIG LEBOWSKI too. Of course, Bill Crider loved RAISING ARIZONA.
Jeff, I’m impressed that the Coen brothers innovate with every movie they make. No recycling!
I Love Fargo, Blood Simple, No Country For Old Men, O Brother Where Art Thou,?, Barton Fink and miller’s Crossing but my favorite Coen Brothers movie is The Big Lebowski.I must have watched it a dozen times.
A perfect clone of Hammett’s GLASS KEY!
Dan, I suspect you’re right!
I’m not a Coen brothers fan but I followed their work for the first 15 years or so until they got a bit too smugly clever for my taste and ended up seeming every bit like Robert Altman’s parody of them in THE PLAYER. That said, this is far and away my favorite work of theirs and a terrific film. Good script, solid direction and a great cast, particularly Finney who just owns every frame he’s in. Very happy to see this one get the Criterion treatment. Nice review, George.
Byron, thank you for your kind words! This Criterion Collection Blu-ray is first-rate and the extras make the package irresistible to those who love great movies!