Miller’s Crossing (1990) is a critically acclaimed neo-noir film directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. Set during the Prohibition era in the 1920s, the film delves into themes of loyalty, betrayal, and moral ambiguity within the world of organized crime. Known for its intricate plot, rich character development, and stylized cinematography, Miller’s Crossing remains a standout in the Coen brothers’ filmography.

At the center of the story is Tom Reagan (Gabriel Byrne), a savvy and conflicted enforcer caught between two powerful mob bosses: the ruthless Tom Caspar (John Turturro) and the cunning Leo O’Bannon (Albert Finney). Tom finds himself navigating a treacherous landscape of shifting allegiances and violent confrontations as he tries to protect his interests and those he cares about. The film’s narrative unfolds with a labyrinthine complexity, drawing viewers into a world where trust is scarce, and every decision carries dire consequences.

The Coen brothers masterfully blend dark humor with intense drama, creating a film that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking. Their trademark dialogue is sharp and memorable, filled with witty exchanges that reflect the characters’ personalities and the tense atmosphere of the criminal underworld. The film’s screenplay, which combines elements of crime noir and existential philosophy, raises questions about morality, loyalty, and the nature of power.

Visually, Miller’s Crossing is striking, with Roger Deakins’ cinematography capturing the moody, atmospheric quality of the setting. The film’s use of shadows and lighting contributes to its noir aesthetic, creating a sense of unease that permeates the narrative. The production design and costumes further immerse viewers in the period, enhancing the film’s authenticity.

Gabriel Byrne delivers a nuanced performance as Tom Reagan, portraying a man torn between his loyalty to Leo and his complicated feelings for the femme fatale, Verna (Marcia Gay Harden). Verna’s character adds another layer of complexity to the story, embodying the seductive yet dangerous allure of the criminal world. The film’s supporting cast, including John Turturro and Steve Buscemi, delivers standout performances that enrich the narrative, each character adding to the intricate web of relationships and conflicts.

Miller’s Crossing is notable for its exploration of the moral dilemmas faced by its characters. As Tom navigates the treacherous landscape of crime, he grapples with questions of loyalty and self-preservation. The film prompts viewers to consider the consequences of their choices in a world where ethical lines are often blurred.

Upon its release, Miller’s Crossing received critical acclaim, although it was initially overshadowed by other films of the era. Over time, it has gained recognition as a classic, celebrated for its innovative storytelling and masterful direction. The Coen brothers’ unique vision and attention to detail have solidified the film’s status as a hallmark of modern cinema.

In conclusion, Miller’s Crossing is a masterful exploration of loyalty, betrayal, and the complexities of human relationships within the world of organized crime. With its intricate plot, rich characterizations, and stunning visuals, the film challenges viewers to reflect on the nature of morality and the choices we make. The Coen brothers’ craftsmanship and storytelling prowess make Miller’s Crossing a timeless classic that resonates with audiences, earning its place in the pantheon of great films.

A Farmer’s Misplaced Hammer Led to the Largest Roman Treasure in Britain

Hoxne Hoard treasures. Photo by Helen Simonsson CC by SA-2.0

November 16, 1992 was the day which changed Suffolk-resident Eric Lawes’ life in a huge way. What he thought would have been an innocent search for a hammer he had misplaced on his farm in Hoxne Village, Suffolk, England ended up bringing him much more than he had bargained for — namely, uncovering the hiding spot of a long-hidden treasure. Based on the Guardian’s coverage of the story, Eric Lawes had been previously gifted a metal detector upon his retirement as a parting token. He decided to put his retirement gift to good use in order to locate the hammer which he had had some trouble finding. According to a 2018 Smithsonian Magazine article, when the device started recording that there was a strong signal coming from the earth, he knew that he was about to discover something big. As he started digging, it soon became clear to him that he had unearthed a treasure trove.

Hoxne Village. Photo by Duncan Grey CC BY-SA 2.0

The Guardian reports that, when Lawes saw that his preliminary digging had yielded a few gold coins and silver spoons, he immediately contacted both the local archaeological society and the police department. Archaeologists came to the property the following day and had the area of earth holding the treasure carefully sectioned-off and removed. Their hope was that at a later stage, in their laboratory, they could examined the items in order to identify both their age and how they were stored.

Hoxne Hoard: Display case at the British Museum showing a reconstruction of the arrangement of the hoard treasure when excavated in 1992. Photo by Mike Peel CC BY-SA 4.0

When all was said and done, close to 60 pounds of items made from silver and gold were found on the site. These included more than 15,000 Roman coins, 200 gold objects, and several silver spoons. For archaeologists, this find — which later became labeled as the Hoxne Hoard — was an incredible discovery. AP News reported that archaeologist Judith Plouviez was over-the-moon about the discovery, saying that it was “an incredibly exciting and amazing find.” What’s more, another archaeologist, Rachel Wilkinson, told Smithsonian Magazine that this discovery was “the largest and latest ever found in Britain.”

Hoxne Hoard: Coins. Photo by Mike Peel CC BY-SA 4.0

Ordinarily, archaeologists would use radiocarbon dating as a means of identifying the age of ancient relics. However, they couldn’t locate any suitable material from the haul. Consequently, they determined the age by examining writing on the coins, as well as the ruler carved into them, estimating that the treasure was probably buried in either 408 or 409 AD.

The silver “Hoxne Tigress” – the broken-off handle from an unknown object – is the best known single piece out of some 15,000 in the hoard. Photo by Mike Peel CC BY-SA 4.0

Roman-era archaeologist Peter Guest told Smithsonian Magazine that “if you look at them a little more carefully, then they should be dated to the period after the separation of Britain from the Roman Empire.” He offers as part of his evidence the fact that almost all of the coins found in the Hoxne Hoard were clipped – in other words, small chunks of their edges had been taken off. These clippings would have been used to create coins which were similar to the Roman coins of that era.

A silver-gilt spoon with a marine beast from the Hoxne Hoard. Currently in the British Museum. Photo by JMiall CC BY-SA 3.0

Guest has a logical reason for this, arguing that “The Roman Empire wasn’t supplying Britain with new gold and silver coins, and in light of that, the population tried to get over this sudden cutoff in the supply of their precious metals by making the existing supplies go further.”

Reconstruction of the Hoxne treasure chest. Photo by Mike Peel CC-BY-SA-4.0

Archaeologists also believe that the treasure belonged to a Romano-British family. During that time, considering that there was so much societal discord and upheaval, it was common for Romans who had settled in Britain to bury their most prized possessions.

Two gold bracelets from the Hoxne Hoard, in the British Museum. Photo by Fæ CC BY-SA 3.0

That said, one archaeologist is of the belief that the hoard had a lot of sentimental value for the Romano-British family to whom it is believed to have belonged. In her book The Hoxne Late Roman Treasure: Gold Jewellery and Silver Plate, Catherine Johns claims that the manner in which the treasure was kept supported this claim. Some of the items which were recovered had been packaged in small, wooden boxes which were lined with leather. What’s more, pieces of wood, locks, and nails, among other things, surrounded the gold and silver pieces. This leads Catherine to assert that the package was carefully buried and not simply chucked away in a rush.

Three silver-gilt Roman piperatoria or pepper pots from the Hoxne Hoard on display at the British Museum

Interestingly enough, the items unearthed might shed some light on the identity of the family who owned them. They cite a gold bracelet bearing the inscription “UTERE FELIX DOMINA IULIANE,” which roughly translates to “use this happily Lady Juliane”. A second name “Aurelius Ursicinus” has also been discovered. This has consequently led some to believe that Juliane and Aurelius were the couple and the original owners of the treasure. That said, that has yet to be confirmed.

Two toiletry items, one in the shape of a crane-like bird; the other with an empty socket, probably for bristles for a makeup brush. Photo by Fæ CC BY-SA 3.0

All in all, the discovery was a real treasure for archaeologists, and by extension, for Lawes. According to Smithsonian Magazine, in recognition of his discovery and willingness to contact authorities, the British government rewarded him with over £1.7 million, an amount which he shared with the farmer whose land was dug out in order to get the treasure. Funnily enough, apart from the treasure, Lawes also found his lost hammer — which now resides in the British Museum.