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"Hey Tom, what's the rumpus?"
First off, the casting of Marcia Gay Harden as Verna should be studied in film schools across the country. Her portrayal of a tough as nails woman with a "complicated" past is exquisite and she elevates every scene she's part of.
As for the rest of this cast of characters, like all other Coen Brothers movies, there is an embarrassment of riches all the way down the call sheet.
Gabriel Byrne as Tom is the second in command to the legendary Albert Finney, who lords over an organized crime empire. But like any "outfit," there are cracks, double-crosses, and shifting sands of loyalty.
Verna's brother Bernie, played by the impeccible John Turturro, is a bit of a skofflaw and is just asking to be wiped out by both sides. His performance is riviting from the first time we meet him until the final reels.
Joh Polito, as rival boss Johnny Caspar, is electric, and provides a nice blend of friendly banter along with an explosive rage of a man ready to sieze control of the empire.
Finney is the rock as Leo, who seems to have everything under control and friends and foe alike speak about him in reverant tones. His main action set piece in the middle of the movie is like nothing I've ever watched in this genre.
I've been aware of this one for many years, and I'm a little frustrated that I haven't seen it before now. Would have really enjoyed seeing this on the big screen in order to soak in the Depression Era sets and feel the impact of the action sequences. This one takes its time and the Coens trust the audience to go along for the bumpy ride.
