Films shot in New Orleans are known to have a rich, posh atmosphere about them; Miller's Crossing is no different. The film pulls the viewer into the world of the city and makes the 1930s come to life. The deep colors used in the decorations and costumes, as well the authenticity of both, help to create a world of gangsters, love, and violence.

Miller's Crossing also paints an historically accurate picture of gangsters and their wars in the 1930s. With Prohibition, every mob family tried to cash in on illegal liquor in their clubs and on the streets. The opulence of the clubs and the wealth of those attending represents the desire for money and alcohol at the time.

While Joel and Ethan Coen take shots throughout the movie in ways that remind viewers of The Godfather, they also separate the film from The...