Miller's Crossing (1990)

From a technical standpoint, this film is unassailable. Stylized within an inch of its life and sumptuously photographed, yet still with a visceral punch to its violent scenes, it's simply a treat for the eyes. The script, too, is fascinating and complex -- just describing the maze of loyalties and double-crosses that make up this film's canvas could take pages. It's wicked and ferocious and entertaining, with several scenes that could not be improved upon no matter what -- including an attempted hit on one character that turns into the most hilariously hyperbolic gangster-action sequence you'll ever see. But it's also a cold and heartless film, probably the one Coen Brothers film that I feel does justify the accusations of airless misanthropy that often get hurled their way. Still a damn good film, obviously, but also a little off-putting. This is, of course, all relative -- a lesser Coen Brothers film is still way better than most everyone else's output.

Grade: B+