I finally got around to seeing Miller's Crossing, and I was actually very surprised. Not about how good it was, but how toned down the typical Cohen's themes were. It was, all in all, a conventional gangster flick. There were the undertones and the symbolism and all that stuff, but none quite as prominent as in their other movies, such as Raising Arizona and Fargo. However, the symbolism of Tom's hat is very prominent, and is referred to pretty often.
Gabriel Byrne is very good as the film's anti-hero, Tom. He seems like a sceptical, sarcastic bastard for most of the movie, but he brings a lot of sympathy and humor to the character. The closing scenes are especially well-done by him, and he perfectly embodies everything that the film makes him out to be in those closing 10 or 15 minutes. The rest of the cast is also terrific, especially Albert Finney, who lends the film a veteran presence as the seasoned actor that he is (and was, even in 1990).
The story is very inventive and fresh, especially for a gangster film. For the most part, the style is very much like earlier gangster movies, and there's also a lot of noir influence as well. There is always a sense of mystery and unknowing, making a very suspenseful film.
I've noticed on other sites that there's a lot of talk about Tom's hat. I think that Tom's hat represents his dignity and his cool, collected nature. When he loses his hat, which happens quite often in the film, it is when he is bested or put down by someone. However, when he has his hat on, he is a smart-mouthed, smooth gangster, unpredictable yet calm. This was one of the only instances of trademark Cohen that I noticed in the film, though I'm sure I'll find more when I watch it again.
The Coens, when making a movie, tend to imitate some type of medium in filming it. In Miller's Crossing's case, it's the gangster-noir film. And they execute it perfectly. It's a great film.
And, hats off to them for finally winning best picture and director. I can't wait for Burn After Reading.