Why The Coen Brothers’ Iconic Gangster Movie Is Often Overlooked in Film History

Miller’s Crossing stands as a hallmark of the gangster genre, yet it remains an overlooked gem within the extensive filmography of The Coen Brothers. This acclaimed sibling directing duo, responsible for cinematic masterpieces like The Big Lebowski, Inside Llewyn Davis, Fargo, and No Country for Old Men, has impressively directed 20 feature films together since their debut with the neo-noir crime thriller Blood Simple in 1984.

Their second film, Raising Arizona, released in 1987, featured one of Nicolas Cage’s most memorable performances, reinforcing the Coen Brothers’ unique storytelling style. This evolved through distinct films spanning genres—from the quirky showbiz comedy Barton Fink to the comedic satire in O Brother, Where Art Thou?, and the compelling western True Grit. Notably, their latest collaboration, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, debuted in 2018.

The Coen Brothers’ Miller’s Crossing: A Masterclass in Gangster Cinema

Universal Acclaim from Critics

Leo firing a tommy gun in front of a burning house in Miller's Crossing

Despite the Coen Brothers’ well-deserved accolades for films like No Country for Old Men and Fargo, Miller’s Crossing continues to fly under the radar as an exceptional entry in their oeuvre. Garnering a remarkable 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it exemplifies a critical triumph among the duo’s works. Film critic Peter Travers from Rolling Stone praised it as “a stunning take on Depression-era gangster films that showcases John Turturro’s finest performance to date.”

Consensus among film critics firmly places Miller’s Crossing among the finest in gangster cinema. According to Variety, it encapsulates “substance in abundance, intertwined with the brilliantly orchestrated style for which the Coen Brothers are renowned.”Furthermore, esteemed critic Roger Ebert acknowledged its merits while positing that it is “not quite as successful as it should be,” pointing to its underrated status.

Why Is Miller’s Crossing Not Discussed Alongside Other Iconic Gangster Films?

The Coen Brothers Were Still Rising Stars

John Turturro in the woods in Miller's Crossing

The film showcases an impressive ensemble, featuring notable performances by John Turturro, Gabriel Byrne, and Steve Buscemi. Despite receiving high praise from critics at the time of its release, Miller’s Crossing struggled at the box office, amassing just under $5 million against a production budget estimated between $10 and $14 million.

This disparity between critical acclaim and box office performance may explain its absence from discussions about classic gangster films like The Godfather, Goodfellas, and Scarface. The Coen Brothers didn’t experience commercial success until the release of Fargo, which likely contributed to Miller’s Crossing not achieving immediate recognition despite its outstanding quality.

Recent retrospectives and analyses have begun to shed more light on Miller’s Crossing, encouraging audiences to revisit this sophisticated and visually striking film that deserves its place in the pantheon of gangster classics.

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