Miller's Crossing at 35: The Coen Brothers' movie-nerd gangster fantasia

"Miller's Crossing," the Coen brothers' 1990 crime drama, has recently celebrated its 35th anniversary. The film, set in the 1930s, follows the story of a power struggle between rival Irish and Italian mob bosses, with a protagonist caught in the middle. Despite its critical acclaim and status as a cult classic, the movie failed to resonate with general audiences upon its initial release, sandwiched between the commercial successes of "Goodfellas" and "The Godfather Part III." The Coens' distinctive style, blending neo-noir elements with their signature dark humor and idiosyncratic characters, has cemented "Miller's Crossing" as a beloved example of their filmmaking prowess. The movie's intricate plot, striking visuals, and memorable performances by actors like Gabriel Byrne, John Turturro, and Albert Finney have contributed to its enduring legacy as a masterpiece of the gangster genre. While it may not have achieved mainstream popularity at the time, "Miller's Crossing" has since been recognized as a standout example of the Coens' unique cinematic vision and their ability to craft a deeply engrossing and stylish crime drama.