Review: 'Miller's Crossing' the Truest Coen Brothers Concoction

Not discussed nearly enough within the Coen Brothers canon, their 1990 neo-noir "Miller's Crossing" has become the third of their works to enter The Criterion Collection, following "Blood Simple" and "Inside Llewyn Davis." It's a fitting trio, each in their own way embodying some distinct element of the Coen Bros signature, but "Miller's Crossing" feels like the truest concoction of their strongest skills and quirks. The crackling dialogue, the sinister noir elements, the memorable performances, the deft attention to detail -- it's all there in "Miller's Crossing," which follows Tom Reagan (Gabriel Byrne), a righthand man to Albert Finney's powerful crime boss. Rounded off with an exceptional ensemble that includes John Turturro and Marcia Gay Harden, stunning cinematography by Barry Sonnenfeld, and a transfixing score by Carter Burwell, this is a film that checks off every box.

Oh, and don't forget about the existentialism and moral queries, always a staple of the Joel and Ethan Coen brand. This pulpy mix of so many pleasurable things was born within the midst of writer's block, which included a three-week procrastination where the Coens decided to quickly write "Barton Fink" instead. It was a box office failure, but has clearly stood the test of time in its legacy. In 2005, Time chose the film as one of the 100 greatest films made since the inception of the periodical.

Fan of supplemental material? Well, I hope you like people talking!

Kidding aside, the bonus features -- while consisting solely of interviews/conversations and nothing more -- are still worth immersing yourself in for fascinating exchanges between the Coens, various actors, and members of production. Additionally, an essay by film critic Glenn Kenny within the interior booklet is well worth a read.

This Prohibition-era gangster drama, enriched by the Coen Bros' singular charm and eye for dark details of human nature, is now available on Criterion Blu-ray and ready to be added to your shelf.

"Miller's Crossing" is now available from Criterion Collection on Blu-ray for the suggested retail price of $31.96