I really liked Miller’s Crossing and thought it worked quite well for what it was. As an homage to classic gangster films it was brilliant. Normally the lack of a well developed emotional side would bother me, but the atmosphere seemed perfect, especially considering The Glass Key. The novel seemed to be more of a jumping off point for the plot of the film, as it was obviously not completely true to the source material. The characters were definitely based on Ned, Paul, Janet, etc. but the Cohen Bros took the plot in a different (and arguably more interesting) direction. I’d say Miller’s Crossing is definitely more true to the “feel” of the novel than the original film adaptation.
The prologue of the film honestly reminded me of The Godfather. Two men sit facing each other across a desk, one established and powerful, the other in a subordinate position. There are obvious differences between the opening scenes in both films, but I don’t think it was a coincidence that the Cohen brothers gave a nod to the greatest mob film of all time.