Miller's Crossing is by far the best film by the Cohen brothers, and Gabriel Byrne's role in it is one of the most enduring of his career. You did a wonderful review and critique of the film. Well done!
This and Barton Fink have always been my favourites. This movie definitely put Byrne on the map, it’s a beautifully crafted and subtle performance in a movie full of incredible actors like John Turturro, Albee Finney and Marcia Gay Harden. Glad you enjoyed the video, thanks for the great comment.
I've seen this movie 50 times. 'I make you a good offer and you give me the high hat.' 'Will Verna stop going on slow carriage rides through the park with you when she finds out Bernie is dead?' 'But not you smart guys. Give me a big guy. They break every time.' 'He's holed up at Whiskey Nicks. Son of a bitch wont go belly up.' 'Go ahead and run, sweetheart. I'll track down all you whores.' 'Spin her Eddie!' 'Maybe we can have tea together.' 'Do you want a pillow for your head?' 'Go Volstead.' 'Dick and Daniel. Are you sure? You don't look so good.' 'He likes you. Said we don't have to break any of your legs.' 'Did they shoot your horse Tom?' 'If there's any justice.' 'Where's me hat?' 'The silliest thing in the world is a man chasing his hat.' 'Drop dead!' 'Not here, in the woods, like a dumb animal.' 'I know, you didn't kill me.' 'But what have I done for you lately?'
I grew up near Albany, NY, a rust belt city where Miller's Crossing may as well have been set. Albany was so corrupt they didn't allow the prohibition mob in. When they tried, a police sergeant shot Jack "Legs" Diamond to death in his hotel bed. The copper was promoted to captain and later chief. Dan Patrick O'Connell ordered that hit (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_P._O%27Connell), he was a former bartender like Leo, and he ran the Democrat political machine there for 65 years. The Coen brothers bring that world to life and boil it down to the greed and loyalties so intense even the system's chief designer has difficulty surviving it. Watching Tommy Regan work through the calculus step by step is a revelation and ultimately a joy. Only the Coen brothers, who in addition to old film expertise like you'd expect must be steeped in local histories and period dialogue, could possibly have made this film. I suspect they've read all the works of William Kennedy, a newspaper man and Pulitzer Prize winning novelist who ran down all the dive bar stories, rumors and the ins and outs of how politics were pushed through up on the Empire State's Capitol Hill.
One of my top five. I would, however, politely disagree with your interpretation of Tom. Although we are led to believe Tom is not in control of his fate, along with the other characters, he always, ultimately is. The drama that unfolds is entirely of his making. The great irony is that he must appear to betray Leo in order to save him. And irony of ironies, having 'queered' things with Leo, at the end, he can't return. Tom does have a heart and his heart is with Leo, even more than Verna. The look of longing at the end, I interpret, is not for having lost Verna but for having to sacrifice his friendship with Leo. As a character, throughout the film, Tom doesn't have an arc of development. Few of the characters do. He's merely revealed to us over the course of the film for who he is. Like his hat, he doesn't change and at the end of the film (metaphorically), he doesn't go chasing after it, because nothing would be more foolish.
This is a really good breakdown. I really liked your observation of his hat not changing, perhaps his fear of losing his hat shows Tom’s fear of revealing himself. Thanks again for the invite full comment, l would love to hear your thoughts on my other videos.
I have to agree with this interpretation. Tom neither changes, nor changes loyalty. He only takes on the apperance of someone who's changed, in order to save his friend Leo, and eliminate both of their enemies. To me Tom doesn't really seem in love with Verna either, she's just someone attractive that he can share a bed with. So maybe all his machinations is his atonement for the original betrayal of sleeping with his friend's fiance.
You're right that Yojimbo is the cinematic origin of the 'two gangs, one town' plot, but Kurosawa took the premise from Dashiell Hammett's novel 'Red Harvest', and the Leo/Tom relationship is taken from Hammett's 'The Glass Key', so I think it's more accurate to place Hammett as the primary influence over Kurosawa.
"All art comes from Art." ...there are few influences as potent as Dashiell Hammett and Akira Kurosawa, but the Coens have made this film something entirely its own, something original. A masterpiece.
@@beverlykandraceffinger3764 I don't think we have the same definition for 'original', though I agree it is a unique blend of influences, and I guess if anything is original it's the combination of existing things. But that's literally everything so it's a non-statement. The movie is great but it's too early in their career to call it a masterwork, they don't really get to that level of confidence until 'No Country...'. I get that you really love this movie, but your whole comment boils down to the non statement of 'art is art', ok...and? Even the Coens would tell you they borrowed a lot from Hammett.
I tip my hat to you Sir on a finely tailored piece of film analysis stitched together with elegant references and comparisons. The man with no heart is a brilliant framing device bringing further clarity and fresh perspective to this Coen brother classic.
Haven't seen it yet!? Miller's Crossing is my hands down, all-time favorite movie! Above and Beyond The Godfather or Casablanca, both of which I love. I had the privilege of discussing this film with Gabriel Byrne personally at a film festival. It was one of the highlights of my life. I ran across this video accidentally but thoroughly enjoyed it. Beautiful insight and wonderful prose. I'll be checking out more of your work, thank you.
Thanks, I don't think I've seen a better, more accurate summary of the storytelling underpinnings of a great movie - pretty much reflects my sentiments to a tee, but articulated much better than I've ever been able to. Kudos!
@@nelsonx5326 don’t hold back, that’s what it’s there for. Plenty more on the way so please keep an eye out and maybe subscribe if you haven’t already.
This was great. I love this movie and have seen it many, many times . . . and yet, this critique has helped me understand the emotional side of the movie . . . which in this case is Tommy's arc. Thank you!
Great editing and timing as always, very nice character traits you have, adding a very distinct signature to your work with on going themes. Very impressed again! An excellent film I'll be revisiting soon! Thanks again!
Yojimbo borrows heavily from Dahsiell Hammett's The Glass Key and Red Harvest (the title of the Cohen's Blood Simple is taken from a line in Red Harvest, btw). And watch the hat - it's a symbol of Tom's self-respect (for instance, the Dane tosses it after Tom vomits. And Leo pointedly throws it back to him at the end of the scene where he confesses to sleeping with Verna).
I always found Tommy enigmatic and his motivations ambiguous. Struck me as something of a nihilist. Great take on the humiliation factor! Other than that I can’t see any other clear motivation and I’m not even sure he loves anyone. You give his actions more deliberate logic than I ever have done. I always feel like he is kinda winging it. Though I can’t argue with that analysis of his killing of Bernie...it’s like he is taking back control for himself. If anything that’s what I think this film is about...control of both oneself and people around you and dignity / ethics
Melt Music he’s a hard one to pin down and there’s definitely a bit of reactionary behaviour. But something about the ending reframed it for me, the way he watches them leave. I feel like he catches on halfway through and it becomes about him letting go of the nihilism. It what makes the film great the plot and characters are so complex that it evolves.
Been meaning to read it for years. Will finally get around to it this year. It’s amazing the cycle of influences the west inspires east and vice versa. Kurosawa was influenced by the likes of John Ford and Shakespeare then goes on to influence an entire generation of American filmmakers.
It's an amazingly circular thing - Hammett's Red Harvest is a gangster novel, Hammett's first book-length work. Yojimbo is very much based on it; Fistful of Dollars is obviously the same; then later you get Bruce Willis in Last Man Standing and you're full circle again ...
Whoever did this video, go it all 180 degrees wrong. When Tom Reagan loses his hat, he's losing his head because of his heart. When he pulls his hat down onto his head at the end of the movie, it's because he's regained his head, and is no longer ruled by his heart. We live in a world now of young men who have been feminized and who see what they believe, rather than believe what they see.
Miller's Crossing is by far the best film by the Cohen brothers, and Gabriel Byrne's role in it is one of the most enduring of his career. You did a wonderful review and critique of the film. Well done!
This and Barton Fink have always been my favourites. This movie definitely put Byrne on the map, it’s a beautifully crafted and subtle performance in a movie full of incredible actors like John Turturro, Albee Finney and Marcia Gay Harden. Glad you enjoyed the video, thanks for the great comment.
@@MovieBirthdays And it's right up there with Double Indemnity for snappy noir dialogue.
@@babylonian.captivity it definitely captures that era through the dialogue.
I totally agree with you about it being their best ... very professional , polished , not quirky .
This movie is a masterpiece. It is near perfect. Everything weaves together perfect in the end. 'What's the rumpus?'
It’s definitely one of my favourite Coen brothers movie and in many ways one of their most definitive.
I've seen this movie 50 times.
'I make you a good offer and you give me the high hat.'
'Will Verna stop going on slow carriage rides through the park with you when she finds out Bernie is dead?'
'But not you smart guys. Give me a big guy. They break every time.'
'He's holed up at Whiskey Nicks. Son of a bitch wont go belly up.'
'Go ahead and run, sweetheart. I'll track down all you whores.'
'Spin her Eddie!'
'Maybe we can have tea together.'
'Do you want a pillow for your head?'
'Go Volstead.'
'Dick and Daniel. Are you sure? You don't look so good.'
'He likes you. Said we don't have to break any of your legs.'
'Did they shoot your horse Tom?' 'If there's any justice.'
'Where's me hat?'
'The silliest thing in the world is a man chasing his hat.'
'Drop dead!'
'Not here, in the woods, like a dumb animal.'
'I know, you didn't kill me.' 'But what have I done for you lately?'
I grew up near Albany, NY, a rust belt city where Miller's Crossing may as well have been set. Albany was so corrupt they didn't allow the prohibition mob in. When they tried, a police sergeant shot Jack "Legs" Diamond to death in his hotel bed. The copper was promoted to captain and later chief. Dan Patrick O'Connell ordered that hit (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_P._O%27Connell), he was a former bartender like Leo, and he ran the Democrat political machine there for 65 years. The Coen brothers bring that world to life and boil it down to the greed and loyalties so intense even the system's chief designer has difficulty surviving it. Watching Tommy Regan work through the calculus step by step is a revelation and ultimately a joy. Only the Coen brothers, who in addition to old film expertise like you'd expect must be steeped in local histories and period dialogue, could possibly have made this film. I suspect they've read all the works of William Kennedy, a newspaper man and Pulitzer Prize winning novelist who ran down all the dive bar stories, rumors and the ins and outs of how politics were pushed through up on the Empire State's Capitol Hill.
This is my favourite Coens film and it’s in my top 10 of all time
One of my all-time favorite films and a wonderful critique of it and perfect analysis
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it.
Tommy knew what he was doing. He did it all for Leo.
Now entering the Criterion Collection. Very well deserved.
Indeed, it tends to get forgotten amongst the other Coen brothers movies so hopefully that will give it more exposure.
One of my top five. I would, however, politely disagree with your interpretation of Tom.
Although we are led to believe Tom is not in control of his fate, along with the other characters, he always, ultimately is.
The drama that unfolds is entirely of his making.
The great irony is that he must appear to betray Leo in order to save him.
And irony of ironies, having 'queered' things with Leo, at the end, he can't return.
Tom does have a heart and his heart is with Leo, even more than Verna. The look of longing at the end, I interpret, is not for having lost Verna but for having to sacrifice his friendship with Leo.
As a character, throughout the film, Tom doesn't have an arc of development. Few of the characters do. He's merely revealed to us over the course of the film for who he is.
Like his hat, he doesn't change and at the end of the film (metaphorically), he doesn't go chasing after it, because nothing would be more foolish.
This is a really good breakdown. I really liked your observation of his hat not changing, perhaps his fear of losing his hat shows Tom’s fear of revealing himself. Thanks again for the invite full comment, l would love to hear your thoughts on my other videos.
I have to agree with this interpretation. Tom neither changes, nor changes loyalty. He only takes on the apperance of someone who's changed, in order to save his friend Leo, and eliminate both of their enemies. To me Tom doesn't really seem in love with Verna either, she's just someone attractive that he can share a bed with. So maybe all his machinations is his atonement for the original betrayal of sleeping with his friend's fiance.
Said it once, enjoy repeating it, it’s my all-time favorite movie!👍
👍
Watched your take on Miller's Crossing and Seven on my wife's PC and Iwas blown away by how in depth your analysis was.
Thanks a lot, they’re both great movies with lots of interesting layers. Glad you enjoyed the videos.
It's possible with this film to really get into the character of Tony and feel the tension and fear that pervades his existence.
Best explanation of my favorite move, that I've ever heard!
That last scene of Tommy 💔
Great pacing, editing, narration and overall idea in your videos. Miller's Crossing laid the ground for so much of what de Coens would eventually do.
Thanks a lot. I agree I think Miller’s Crossing is where the style and tone of the Coens really came together.
Favorite Coen film!
@@michellelekas211 Me, too. The "Danny Boy" scene, I think, is one of the best scenes in the history of film: Positively brilliant!
Far and away, best gangster film, hands down in every category, for the life of me I can’t understand why TCM doesn’t have it
What a fantastic analysis!
Thank you
You're right that Yojimbo is the cinematic origin of the 'two gangs, one town' plot, but Kurosawa took the premise from Dashiell Hammett's novel 'Red Harvest', and the Leo/Tom relationship is taken from Hammett's 'The Glass Key', so I think it's more accurate to place Hammett as the primary influence over Kurosawa.
"All art comes from Art." ...there are few influences as potent as Dashiell Hammett and Akira Kurosawa, but the Coens have made this film something entirely its own, something original. A masterpiece.
@@beverlykandraceffinger3764 I don't think we have the same definition for 'original', though I agree it is a unique blend of influences, and I guess if anything is original it's the combination of existing things. But that's literally everything so it's a non-statement. The movie is great but it's too early in their career to call it a masterwork, they don't really get to that level of confidence until 'No Country...'. I get that you really love this movie, but your whole comment boils down to the non statement of 'art is art', ok...and? Even the Coens would tell you they borrowed a lot from Hammett.
I tip my hat to you Sir on a finely tailored piece of film analysis stitched together with elegant references and comparisons. The man with no heart is a brilliant framing device bringing further clarity and fresh perspective to this Coen brother classic.
Lonely Stick of Dynamite thanks, glad you liked it. This film never gets old and there’s a lot going on under the surface.
I don't know if it's their best because there are so many wonderful Coen films but I love it.
It’s definitely up there. I always loved Barton Fink too, but very hard to decide my favourite.
Really love your channel concept man, haven’t seen Miller’s Crossing yet but after watching this analysis I think I’ll need to soon haha
Vignesh Ramesh thanks so much. Definitely check out Miller’s Crossing and let me know what you think.
Haven't seen it yet!? Miller's Crossing is my hands down, all-time favorite movie! Above and Beyond The Godfather or Casablanca, both of which I love. I had the privilege of discussing this film with Gabriel Byrne personally at a film festival. It was one of the highlights of my life.
I ran across this video accidentally but thoroughly enjoyed it. Beautiful insight and wonderful prose. I'll be checking out more of your work, thank you.
Thanks, I don't think I've seen a better, more accurate summary of the storytelling underpinnings of a great movie - pretty much reflects my sentiments to a tee, but articulated much better than I've ever been able to. Kudos!
Thanks so much, on occasion viewers have found my take on this movie a little bit divisive. It just adds to the pleasure of watching the movie again.
Holy cow! You're right. His heart broke.
I take my heart to the massage parlor every 6 months or so for a tune up.
🤣
@@MovieBirthdays
I'm semi binge watching you today. You choose the coolest movies.
@@nelsonx5326 don’t hold back, that’s what it’s there for. Plenty more on the way so please keep an eye out and maybe subscribe if you haven’t already.
Excellent analysis of such an underrated movie.
Thank you 👍
Thanks for your kind comment, I’m glad you enjoyed the video.
This was great. I love this movie and have seen it many, many times . . . and yet, this critique has helped me understand the emotional side of the movie . . . which in this case is Tommy's arc. Thank you!
Thanks so much. The movie has a beautiful well crafted surface, but the real craft is in beneath on its characters. Glad you enjoyed the video.
Lets not forget Dashiell Hammett's "Red Harvest"...
Indeed.
wow. That's a great analysis.
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it.
favorite all time movie
You have good taste. Definitely up there as one the best.
Great editing and timing as always, very nice character traits you have, adding a very distinct signature to your work with on going themes. Very impressed again! An excellent film I'll be revisiting soon! Thanks again!
Great analysis. Pointed out things I hadn't seen and showed the greatness that came before. One of my favs of all time. Thanks
Thanks a lot, glad you enjoyed the video.
I don't know...maybe you tell where the schmatte is ??
Yojimbo borrows heavily from Dahsiell Hammett's The Glass Key and Red Harvest (the title of the Cohen's Blood Simple is taken from a line in Red Harvest, btw).
And watch the hat - it's a symbol of Tom's self-respect (for instance, the Dane tosses it after Tom vomits. And Leo pointedly throws it back to him at the end of the scene where he confesses to sleeping with Verna).
the shmada they come the shmada they go one and all.
Brilliant
Thanks, glad you enjoyed the video.
Who loved Miller's crossing more than Fargo,no country for old men,The big lebowski
I definitely do, it’s this and Barton Fink for me.
Me: It's this, then Fargo, then No Country..., then Blood Simple, then Barton Fink
@@michellelekas211 agreed, that’s pretty much the top 5 from the Coens with a special mention to Raising Arizona.
Me
Miller’s Crossing, Big Lebowski, No Country, Fargo and The Man Who Wasn’t There
I always found Tommy enigmatic and his motivations ambiguous. Struck me as something of a nihilist. Great take on the humiliation factor! Other than that I can’t see any other clear motivation and I’m not even sure he loves anyone. You give his actions more deliberate logic than I ever have done. I always feel like he is kinda winging it. Though I can’t argue with that analysis of his killing of Bernie...it’s like he is taking back control for himself. If anything that’s what I think this film is about...control of both oneself and people around you and dignity / ethics
Melt Music he’s a hard one to pin down and there’s definitely a bit of reactionary behaviour. But something about the ending reframed it for me, the way he watches them leave. I feel like he catches on halfway through and it becomes about him letting go of the nihilism. It what makes the film great the plot and characters are so complex that it evolves.
He loves Leo
Yojimbo was based on Dashiell Hammett's Red Harvest, which was also an influence on Miller's Crossing.
Been meaning to read it for years. Will finally get around to it this year. It’s amazing the cycle of influences the west inspires east and vice versa. Kurosawa was influenced by the likes of John Ford and Shakespeare then goes on to influence an entire generation of American filmmakers.
@@MovieBirthdays Totally agree. If you can get hold of Red Harvest and The Glass Key, I promise you'll have a blast reading them.
@@neonatalpenguin I have Red Harvest, I’ll hunt down a copy of The Glass Key.
It's an amazingly circular thing - Hammett's Red Harvest is a gangster novel, Hammett's first book-length work. Yojimbo is very much based on it; Fistful of Dollars is obviously the same; then later you get Bruce Willis in Last Man Standing and you're full circle again ...
@@russfitzgerald A cycle of influence.
Tom is the most machiavellian of all the gangster movies.
Best movie ever made. The Godfather pt 1, Shawshank Redemption, The Good The Bad & The Ugly all take a backseat to it
It’s definitely up there.
Whoever did this video, go it all 180 degrees wrong. When Tom Reagan loses his hat, he's losing his head because of his heart. When he pulls his hat down onto his head at the end of the movie, it's because he's regained his head, and is no longer ruled by his heart. We live in a world now of young men who have been feminized and who see what they believe, rather than believe what they see.
That’s a great interpretation, a film can have many different interpretations of course.