MILLER'S CROSSING
A film review by Evelyn C. Leeper
Copyright 1991 Evelyn C. Leeper
Since the movie reviews are normally handled by the more hirsute member of the Leeper Consortium, it is rare indeed that I take pen in hand (or in this case, keyboard in lap) to review a film. But circumstances compel me to do so for MILLER'S CROSSING. What circumstances? Well, if I don't, you won't know to drop everything and go see this movie.
Of course, for many of you, just the statement that this is another movie from Joel and Ethan Cohn (RAISING ARIZONA, BLOOD SIMPLE) is enough. And if I say Albert Finney is in it, that will drag a few more of you down to your local cinema (or not-so-local cinema--this film is not exactly in what might be termed wide release). But if that isn't enough, how about the following:
- Excellent acting, especially by Gabriel Byrne (as Tom Regan) and Joe Polito (as Joe Caspar).
- Wonderful cinematography by Barry Sonnenfield
- Beautiful Irish-inspired score by Carter Burwell, including the most perfect rendition of "Danny Boy" I have ever heard (special screen credit was given to tenor William Preston Robertson for this).
- Well-written script by Joel Cohn.
Regarding the script, you should be warned: buy your popcorn and make your rest stops *before* the film starts. If you leave the theater, even for five minutes, you will never figure out what's going on when you get back. This is a very dense plot, and much of what is important about the relationships between the various people is given in "toss-away" lines. This, of course, is a lot like real life, where people generally do not say, "Well, ever since Tom passed Bill over for that promotion, Bill has had it in for Tom," but rather things like, "You shouldn't be surprised at what Bill did; after all, remember that promotion."
Unfortunately, this film has come and gone in most areas (or, more likely, not come at all). Luckily, this means that it will probably be on videocassette in a few months. While the wide screen is better for the appreciation of the technical details in this film, the ability to pause, play back, and in general analyze the script may make up for that loss. This is a definite "must-see" film.
Evelyn C. Leeper | +1 908-957-2070 | att!mtgzy!ecl or ecl@mtgzy.att.com .
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