Miller's Crossing

Set in 1929, a political boss and his advisor have a parting of the ways when they both fall for the same woman.

The Coens' gangster riff earned strong critical enthusiasm on release and has only grown in stature, with particular admiration for its layered dialogue, Gabriel Byrne's quietly commanding lead, and John Turturro's volatile supporting turn. The main fault line, then and now, is whether the intricate plot serves the style or merely decorates it — audiences at the time were noticeably cooler than critics, suggesting the film rewards cinephiles more than general viewers.