This elegant tale of a supposedly heartless mobster named Tom Regan (Gabriel Byrne) is not your regular mob film. Opulent, prohibition-era sets provide the backdrop for the quirky, sassy dialogue. John Torturro delivers a stand-out performance in a small role, but it is Byrne who carries the movie with his icy demeanor and subtle depth.
The movie slows on occasion, and stalled during a scene with Regan and love interest Verna (Marcia Gay Harden). The Coen brothers seem more comfortable advancing plot than developing characters with dialogue.
Frances McDormand (of Fargo), appears briefly in an uncredited role as the mayor's secretary. Steve Buscemi, also of Fargo, plays Mink, love interest to tough guy Eddie Dane (JE Freeman) and Torturro's grifter.
Stylish and witty, the film is essential viewing for fans of the genre and of the Coens.
The movie slows on occasion, and stalled during a scene with Regan and love interest Verna (Marcia Gay Harden). The Coen brothers seem more comfortable advancing plot than developing characters with dialogue.
Frances McDormand (of Fargo), appears briefly in an uncredited role as the mayor's secretary. Steve Buscemi, also of Fargo, plays Mink, love interest to tough guy Eddie Dane (JE Freeman) and Torturro's grifter.
Stylish and witty, the film is essential viewing for fans of the genre and of the Coens.