I still don’t buy that Byrne is gay in Miller’s Crossing for, among other reasons, his constant bedding of the films main “twist” Verna. Not that I know a lot about such things, but chronic alcholics with gambling problems, it seems to me, would have a hard time arousing the energy to “fake it” night after night.

Yes, homosexuality is a theme in the film but it seems odd to me that the Coens would deal with it so directly in the case of Bernie and then be so mysteriously subtle when it comes to Byrne. Sure, Byrne has feelings for Albert Finney but I think it’s a big leap to say they’re homosexual feeling. I’ve never found another reviewer who agrees with John on this. I think he needs to turn down the gain on his gaydar.