Miller's Crossing Review | Mob Movie Monday with Michael Franzese 

"I'm talking about friendship. I'm talking about character. I'm talking about... ethics." -Johnny Caspar Again, one of the best opening lines in any movie. Because this, at its heart, is what the movie is about.

Albert Finney took over the role of Leo with two days before filming was scheduled to start after the original actor slated for the role suddenly died. The Coen brothers got on the phone to Finney , who was in England at the time, They FedExed him the script and he was on a plane headed to the US. He's learning his lines on the plane. As soon as he touched down, in the US he was in the makeup chair. A great actor, to be missed. RIP sir,.

One of my favorite "crime" films of all time. I knew a real "caddymaster" (back in the 60's) who was an early clone of Jon Polito. I just love the "old time" dialog. Especially the use of the phrase "sick twist". I watch this film at least once year...on St. Patric's Day.

Monday recommendations- "Thief", "Straight Time", "Long Good Friday", and "Mesrine".

Just finishing my book about the old days on Carroll St, plus many other locations in Bklyn. enjoyed the video today.

Awesome review Michael

Not my favourite Coen brothers movie.....as cliché as it may be that would probably be The Big Lebowski (curious to know what Michael would think of that one even though it really isn't a Mob movie)....but still, it's a pretty enjoyable movie.

It's a heck of a lot like Casablanca and Humphrey Bogart's character....except rougher. Coen Brothers got a lot of inspiration from films like The Long Goodbye starring Elliot Gould as Phillip Marlowe. This film including The Big Sleep with Humphrey is their basis for the Big Lebowski. Where Polito makes a cameo as a private detective.

This video is epic I’ve only recently subbed to this channel and Miller’s Crossing is my one of my favorite mob films and easily a top 3 Coen Bros film.

Twist a pigs ear, watch em squeal! One of my absolute favorite films of all time!

Hey Mike, I love these Mob Movie Mondays as well as your other content. I would love to see you do one on John Dillinger in Public Enemies (2009).

'Millers Crossing' is one of the most overlooked films that I can think of. It's perfectly executed from start to finish. The Coen Bros made a truly "Coen-esque" Mob Movie. Full of dark humor, great detail, incredible dialog and it's full of great homages to the old gangster genre. Beautifully filmed as well. Redemption isn't something the Coen Bros are necessarily interested in. They explore deeper themes and socio-political/economic issues... But never heavy handed or biased. Which is 100% why it works. They don't preach, they explore and allow for moral ambiguity

Look into your heart... I love that scene with Gabe and John.

The Cohen brothers are great filmakers, if you want to see a hilarious movie please check out their flick: Raising Arizona.

Michael god bless you and your family.

Hey Michael, I’ll be interested in hearing your review of, “The Offer” which is the story of the making of “The Godfather” I’m sure you’ll have a great take on it. “The Offer” does not come out until 4/28/2022, but it’s a film I’ve been looking forward too and would love to hear your review of it whenever you happen to watch it.

It's miller time ! Great job brother as usual. God bless !! 🙏🙏🍷🍷

It’s as much a satire of gangster movies as it is a full fledged gangster film. A Coen Bros classic. A Top 3 Coen Bros film imo. The other two being The Big Lebowski and No Country For Old Men. One of the most amazing things about the film was that the protagonist was probably the weakest character physically speaking. He was always getting beat up. But he used his intelligence to outsmart people. Also, the toughest character in the movie was gay- The Dane. Dane, Mink and Bernie were in a lowkey love triangle. Every one knew it but downplayed it. Something unheard of in movies like this, at least at that time.

Glad you did this one, enjoyed it

Review Mikey and Nicky! John Cassavetes and Peter Falk a great story of betrayal!

I liked the hat metaphor "theres nothing more foolish than a man chasing his hat".

I've asked you several times Michael. Watch the Indy Movie "Amongst Friends". It's a really good movie. Federal Hill is another good movie

Great stuff. Keep up the good work.

Michael If you are looking for a great classic tv series to review from years ago that had a lot of famous actors and involved the mob in Chicago along with a police crime unit, then review Crime story

When are you going to review Mean Streets?

Thank you

Hey mike like your analysis on this movie, you can't trust everyone there's always a judas some where.. Once upon a time in a American coming up soon i hope. Love your work

Great job Michael!

Have you looked into the dixie mafia? Was or is it a thing? Is it ran like one of the 5 families?

Michael has been hitting the gym look at those biceps

You said you didn't want to give away the plot but then you did. Still, a terrific review.

Still waiting to hear your take on Elvis. Did Paul Castellano have a contract on Elvis at the time of his demise or disappearance?

I can't believe you are reacting to this , this is a great film . I watched it once but didn't really like it but give it another go and I understood and appreciated it . Gabriel Bryne is an amazing actor .

Verna: "I like Leo, he's sweet and he's honest." Tom: "Well I guess it's true what they say...that opposites attract." Peerless voibiage.

"...I'm not going to tell you the whole story..." Ah well, great movie even with the full script recap.

“Look in your heart.” “What heart?” One of the greatest lines in film of all time.

Can you review Serpico for fun sometime...???

Review State of Grace with Gary Oldman and Sean Penn next please Michael, such an underrated mob movie.

Literally my favourite Gangster film. I love the symbolism of the hat and how its a very simple thing but it is really effective as a signifier for pride. Being Irish and knowing the history of that period I can't help but feel that there's a subtle un-acknowledged dimension in that Tom and likely Leo were formerly involved in the Irish revolution in the 20s, and that experience of having lived through this great movement, having a cause, that then ended with dissapontment, compromise and a bitter civil war is a big part of what informs their characters. Its what makes Tom a bitter cynical man who drowns his feelings with alcohol. Its why he's fundamentally a tragic character.

I'm going to disagree a bit. Tom was loyal to Leo, business wise, and admitted he was having an affair with Verna to trigger the public beat down by Leo so he could get in with Casper, to bring down Casper's organization. Leo even asks him if he did that at the end and Tom blows it off.

this was overshadowed being released around the same time as Goodfellas, but it's an excellent movie. the cinematography is incredible too. loved it. but you do need to not have distractions around you to fully appreciate it. switch the phone off sit back and enjoy this one if you haven't seen it folks.

I will check this movie out ASAP

The most gangster thing Michael ever did is what he is doing now. Turning you're life around is very gangster. The penitentiary is full of remorseful ppl.

Millers Crossing ranks up there with Road to Perdition in it's style and tone. Gabriel Byrne was top notch as a down but not out fixer. My favorite boss almost ever- Albert Finny was also awesome. THIS was one of those movies that I could easily watch as a TV series. The best line ever- It's gettin' so a businessman can't expect no return from a fixed fight. Now, if you can't trust a fix, what can you trust? For a good return, you gotta go bettin' on chance - and then you're back with anarchy, right back in the jungle.- Johnny Casper

Such a great movie! The Coens Bros. never made a bad movie. Miller's Crossing is one of my favorite movies of theirs, next to Big Lebowski and Bloodsimple.

Mr. Franzese Will You Do A Mob Movie Review On A Movie Called American Me Starring Edward James Olmos And William Forsythe

The one movie extremely overlooked by Goodfellas released the same year, the Cohen Brothers are gems!!!! Please do Heat (1995) and Year of the Dragon (1985) for the future!

Reminds me of Sergio Leone's "Fistful of Dollars", which was a remake of "Yojimbo". About a thug playing 2 gangs against each other. Love the Coen Bros style. The cinematography is always top notch.

Really glad you reviewed this! This is one of my favorite Cohen films (with blood simple and the big Lebowski) Albert Finney was great he’s also the original Hercule Poiroit in the 1974 murder on the orient express

I love it that you are talking about this. Not much being said about this movie, but definitely has always been a connection between government/law enforcement and organized crime, and in my opinion, the government is more corrupt. And sadly, yes, it's in the church. You are 100% correct - it's because we are in a fallen world! Great video as always Michael! God bless you and yours!

Since you reviewed Kill The Irishman and Miller's Crossing, I was hoping you would review State Of Grace. I would like to hear more of your insight on The Westies and you said you knew Jimmy Coonan personally, and Ed Harris' character was loosely based on Jimmy Coonan.

Mr. Franzese, I understand that your former life is a serious subject that should addressed seriously. However, have you ever considered the movie “Oscar”, starring Sylvester Stallone among others, for your Mob Movie Monday? I believe it was a stage play that was adapted and filmed as a movie. While it is undoubtedly a comedy, it still deals with certain issues of “that life”, including overzealous law enforcement, public image, loyalty of employees and underlings, and simply trying to balance work goals with family priorities. Please let me know your thoughts on possibly covering this movie in the future.

Yes finally miller’s crossing…

The dialogue, the cinematography, the acting, the plot, the soundtrack - everything in this film is brilliant. It's really funny too. I like it when the Dane says that he thinks Tom is still working for Leo "like some Bolshevik taking orders from Yank central." lol

Congratulations for getting 800000 subscribers

Do you have any thoughts on the Russian boss semion mogilevich?

Yessir!! Gonna be a good day when Michael uploads!!

I think Joe Kennedy was a composite of the Albert Finney character.

"It's a beautiful movie about men in hats"- The Coen Brothers That the movie, there is no redemption and it's a magnificent movie, if you haven't seen it, you should. Just like No Country For Old Men, the Coens just make amazing movies that stand the test of time and leave you asking "what did I just see?"

This one gets one of the best scores (for Soundtrack) when it comes to mob movies.

Perfect music. All time great acting. The Hat. Best Coen Bros movie and nobody was cooler than Gabriel Byrne... Any chance you could review Things To Do In Denver When You're Dead? Andy Garcia reminds me of Michael in that movie. And Chris Walken was super sinister as the Mob Boss

Great review, it's one of my favorites...great writing, great actors, kind of fun actually. While we are on the subject of Irish mobsters (Boston, this time). I'd like to recommend "The Friends of Eddie Coyle". Robert Mitchum is great. Alex Rocco (Moe Greene) has a big part and he was actually associated with the Winterhill Gang in his younger days.

Corruption is the backbone of organized crime. Thanks for telling us about this movie.. never heard of it. . I love your perspective on these movies. Btw I subscribed when you only had 20.000 subscribers . Congratulations you earned it.

Since last February I've started college (school) I'm 47 and wanted to do something different and decided to become a social worker for refugees. I thought going to school for adults but I've never experienced the amount of bullying and gossip like in this class, it is even worse than in kindergarten!!!!

Congrats on 800,000! 🎉🥳

It took me 2-3 times watching this to really get everything out of it. Like the idea that The Dane might be a "fanook," which is why he flips out when Mink goes missing. They don't make a big deal out of it in the story, because why would The Dane want that advertised? And would YOU want to bring it up to him?

You didn't see any redeeming characters in the movie because it's based on Irish prohibition Era Gangsters. And the Irish are impervious to redeeming characteristics. I say this because iam Irish. Hahahahaha

I need to see this movie also

20:22 “Bottom line, bottom line?! That’s weasel words, a businessman talks like that! What the hell kinda word is that?” Thanks to Michael the Gotti movie follows me everywhere.

The movie was shot in New Orleans but I think it was supposed to represent Los Angeles. It was based on an amalgam of several dashiel Hammett novels and the Coen Bros went to town on Irish imagery - not just the music but all the emerald green lampshades. This is what is called a film noire ie no is supposed to have a redeeming quality.

I always look forward to your review of different movies. I finally watched "American gangster " , all the corruption of politicians and the cops. Enjoyed all of it l was trying to figure out how he was getting drugs into the state's. Great movie Michael!

The scene where Leo gets the upper hand over his would be assassins is one of the most beautifully put together scenes in modern cinema, you just have to overlook the fact that he got about 500 rounds out of a single drum magazine on the Tommy gun! Interestingly, that version of Danny Boy was recorded just for that scene so the timing of the lyrics would match up with the action on the screen.

Steve Buscemi and John Turturro are amazing actors. This movie has a great cast. I’m going to watch this tomorrow. Thanks Michael for the recommendation

That's a great review of the movie. It's deserved to give the Coen Brothers recognition for their stylistic abilities in their storytelling.

Good Movie

"I never saw a guy in a film get beat up so much" 😂😂

please review mean streets

State of Grace Year of the Dragon Mean Streets Alphabet City French Connection There is also a kinda mob movie 2007 with Vincent Donofrio called "The Narrows" about a young man who wants to go to college but cannot afford it he starts doing small jobs for some mob guys and gets over his head to earn money for tuition his father Vincent D.. of course disapproves not a bad movie kinda sleeper but worth checking out ...he meets a nice girl at the college very pretty and he is trying to keep her from finding out about what he does on the side for tuition and such anyhow I thought it was ok... takes place in NYC....enjoy...Marcy

The Coen Brothers got writer's block while plotting this convoluted film, so they took a break to write their next film and then came back refreshed to finish writing Miller's Crossing. Their next film: Barton Fink, about a Hollywood script writer with writer's block! Another excellent Coen Brothers film, too.

Mike can u do 1 on the movie This thing of ours? Why was? Austin and Bobby Whacked after making Danny a billion$$$$

I enjoy your film analyses. I think you missed a key thing on this one (Miller's Crossing takes a few watches to get the complexity). Tom was ultimately loyal to Leo. It was just Leo couldn't get out of his own way. I don't think Tom knew everything that was going to happen, but he was always angling toward helping Leo see the light. BTW, got a great movie suggestion for you-- The Friends of Eddie Coyle (Robert Mitchum 1973). Keep up the great work, and God bless you and your family.

Never got the sense that Miller's Crossing was supposed to take place near New Orleans. Always thought it was a major northern city located somewhere from Boston to Chicago.

Never seen this one.I will now. Thanks 👍my kin made moonshine back in the day north Carolina.you should do the movie walking tall.the 1970s one did the mob get him

I recommend reviewing Gangster #1. Such an unknown movie in the states and grittiness that stays with you.

Somebody is training his arms here.

Michael when are you going to do a movie review on the American Me? It's about LA EME.

Good movie seen it years ago to be honest probably watch it again, Thanks take care God bless 🙏🏻

Hey Mike...Congrats on the 800k Subs!🎉🎊😄

You know you always noticed I have that exact same shirt in the in one little slides I have the exact same shirt it's the one that the light blue plaid yeah no I have the exact same shirt by the way just letting you know bye

Most underrated film of the coens', the cinematography, the story, dialogue And everything is off the charts, can't believe people found it too complex or too hard to follow the time it came out!. Anyway a great flick and holds up pretty much!. Peace✌️and btw( I'd love if you checked out " A layer cake" michael!, it's a cult classic British crime/gangster film starring by Daniel craig.)

"It's about friendship, ethics...". Tom is true to Leo and Verna, Verna is true to her brother, Verna spares Tom, Tom stops Caspar from killing Rook Daniels, even though it would benefit him to have him dead.

I've always considered government as a legalized mafia. If you don't pay them what they say you owe them, they can hurt you too.

Has Michael review Queen of the South?

“I’m not going to go scene by scene and tell you the whole movie, you can watch it yourself.” Then Michael proceeds to tell the whole movie scene by scene. 🤷‍♂️

there was actually a second love triangle in the movie that i believe was the central force to the plot (i.e. why johnny caspar wanted bernie bernbaum dead). leo: "so you want to kill him?" dane: "for staters..." later in the film tom: "bernie and mink are as cozy as lice--and it ain't just business" and after that... tom: "of course there's always the wild card when love is involved." johnny: "i know mink is eddie dane's boy, but i don't make it out that way." and subsequently an enraged eddie dane to tom regan... "you killed mink, you sonuvabitch --by god i'll hear you say it."

Can you review Lawless with Tom Hardy?

Hello! Thanks for reviewing this film. I heard of it but never figured it would be filled with so many twists and turns. I will watch it. I hope that you will review movies from different cultures. The incomparable, impossibly handsome Alain Delon produced and starred in the Borsalino films which are based on Marseille gangsters. He also did a great heist film called Le clan sicilien. In Hindi cinema, the notorious gangster Dawood Ibrahim, who was the son of a police officer, inspired films such as Once Upon a Time in Mumbai. Thanks!

Kind of a fable more than a mob film, bit great fun. I loved Miller's Crossing. Great movie choice Mr Franzsese, cheers !

ye might like this gangster poem - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-vBsPt3GDTAQ.html