With only their third feature film (following Blood Simple & Raising Arizona), The Coen Brothers (Joel & Ethan) delivered one of the most unique crime dramas of its era...or any era.  This neo-noir takes place during the Prohibition Era in an unidentified American city which is currently enmeshed in an ongoing war between two rival criminal organizations, one lead by Leo (Albert Finney) and the other lead by Johnny Caspar (Jon Polito).  Leo's main advisor and most trusted lieutenant is Tom (Gabriel Byrne) whose fears and machinations are at the core of this story.  And through Tom, we get to encounter a variety of colorful characters including Verna (Marcia Gay Harden), The Dane (JE Freeman), Bernie (John Turturro), Mink (Steve Buscemi) and so many others who are each on one side of this burgeoning conflict.  However the story is not what stands out most about this enduring cult classic....it's the inventive camerawork, bravura performances, gorgeous production design, and endlessly quotable dialogue!  So just in time for St. Patrick's Day, let's find out exactly what the rumpus is....  

Host & Editor: Geoff Gershon
Producer: Marlene Gershon

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

https://livingforthecinema.com/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Living-for-the-Cinema-Podcast-101167838847578

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/livingforthecinema/

Letterboxd:
https://letterboxd.com/Living4Cinema/