Miller's Crossing is set in Prohibitionist-era 1920s and 1930s. Because alcohol was illegal during this time, people only craved it more. Because people were willing to pay veritable fortunes just to get a few drinks, crime bosses created clubs where people could dance, party, and most importantly, drink. In order to keep these illegal clubs open, the crime bosses forced city mayors and police chiefs to obey them. Many people were terrified of the crime bosses, especially anyone who got on their bad side. Al Capone was one such crime boss. Like Leo in Miller's Crossing, he was a powerful man who ran the smuggling rings and the city.

Many people feel that Miller's Crossing is just another episode of The Godfather trilogy. However, the Coen brothers make sure to show the differences between their film and Coppola's from the opening scene. Rather than panning out on a...