Miller's Crossing (1990)

Whats the rumpus? Yes, I think in comparison to other movies pertaining to the Prohibition-era crimes such as 'Once Upon A Time In America', Miller's Crossing is more close presentation of limited but important characters prevailing during that time. More than that, it is a story of wit and thrill in the daily lives of people. All these wise guys, smart guys, made-up guys, stand-up guys and everything seems to have started from this time-period only.

However, in my opinion there lies difference in presenting gangsters when it comes to the style of Joel Coen, Martin Scorsese and Quentin Tarantino, for example. Where most of the directors use more and more dialogues to develop sequence of drama, it is Joel Coen who keeps someone quiet among the group. Someone who thinks and we don't know what is he or she thinking. That always adds to the thrill and suspense. And this is one style, which I think is similar to that of Francis Ford Coppola. So even at this day when we see 'No Country For Old Men', we do find such characters. On the contrary, Scorsese or Tarantino not only put dialogues but also communicate about the thought of the protagonist to the viewers. I won't go after Sergio Leone since he has made enough Western to make him rely upon not only dialogues but also a story in flash-back to back his characters silence.

Still, one of the most beautiful element about Miller's Crossing is it's music. I was completely mesmerized by the background score. And a whiff of the same music can be heard in 'Fargo', too. Good acting, splendid story development and marvelous drama. Strongly recommended. So, whats the rumpus?
My rating: 7.8/10

The Hudsucker Proxy (1994)

This came after 'Raising Arizona'. Another attempt on making comedy by Ethan and Joel Coen. But they have done it. 'The Hudsucker Proxy' is one of the finest satirical presentations wrapped up in 129 minute show. I felt more like watching some play. In terms of acting, all the lead stars including Paul Newman, Tim Robbins and Jennifer Jason Leigh are marvelous and it is definite that the way script is written, it would have required talented actors such as these to put the screen on fire. There are some moments where you realize that though this is fiction yet this is so similar to the real life situations. Such as the 'double stitch' scene. But yes, this is completely character based cinema. Like you take different people from different walks of life and take their tales from various phases of their working/professional lives, put them together and ask a master storyteller such as Coen Brothers to make into a movie and what you'll receive is 'The Hudsucker Proxy'.
My Rating: 7.25/10