 |
DIO has declared that this article has stopped in time, and any or all information on it may be outdated. Help improve this article by checking and updating its info wherever necessary And now time resumes! |
 |
Harley Quinn thinks that this article looks kinda boring, eh? Why not put some categories there to spice it up? Help by adding new categories to the article! |
| “ | You ain't got a license to kill bookies and today I ain't sellin' any. So take your flunky and dangle. | „ |
| ~ Leo rejecting Johnny Casper's and the Dane's request to kill Bernbaum, sparking the conflict that occurs. |
| “ | If I never see him again, it would be soon enough. | „ |
| ~ Leo after he learns of Reagan's affair with Verna. |
Liam "Leo" O'Bannon is the overarching antagonist of the Coen Brothers gangster movie Miller's Crossing. He is Tom Reagan's former boss and the lover/husband of Verna Bernbaum. Being the primary ruling force of the Irish Mob, Leo is one of the causes of the events that occur in the film, being the one to risk open war in order to protect Verna's traitorous brother Bernie Bernbaum. After he learns of Tom having an affair with Verna, he kicks him out of his organization and starts a turf war with the hot-headed Johnny Caspar.
He was portrayed by Albert Finney, who also played Dr. Albert Hirsch in the Jason Bourne franchise and Finis Everglot in Corpse Bride.
Personality[]
Leo is the leader of the Irish Mob, making him the most powerful man in the city. However, this has given him a lot of hubris and an inflated ego. He believes that he's untouchable in his position, despite the fact that the only reason that people follow him is because they believe he has the situation under control. When he begins to lose the war, the mayor and police chief immediately turn to Johnny Caspar, showing that their partnership is determinant on how well he can maintain the order in the city. He is also very stubborn, not listening to the advice of his lieutenant Tom Reagan or anyone trying to make him see sense. Rather then follow through with the demands of Johnny Caspar, he disrespects him saying that he's only as big as he allows him to be, starting an unnecessary gang war over his pride.
However, it can be debated that he went to war out of love for his girlfriend Verna, where he protected Bernie after she asked him to. This shows that he has a blindspot for Verna, which makes him blind to the fact that she has been sleeping with Tom behind his back. His love for her seems genuine, judging by the fact that he wanted to marry her. When he learns the truth about them both, he beats Tom and breaks up with Verna in response. When the war got too much for him to handle, he decides to hide out and avoid the conflict, showing that Leo can get overwhelmed when the odds are against him.
In the end, Leo has resumed his engagement to Verna and begs Tom to return to his employ. Whether this was out of guilt for his actions or a pathetic desperation for companionship, Leo's action ensured that he lost whatever respect that Tom had for him. Overall, Leo's bullheaded actions are what led to the escalation of the turf war and the deaths that came with it.
Biography[]
Miller's Crossing[]
Leo is the reigning crime lord of the city and owner of the Shenadoah Club. However, his power is threatened by his rival Johnny Caspar when Leo protects bookie Bernie Bernbaum, who has been skimming off the top of Caspar's fixes. At the behest of Bernie's sister Verna, who he is in love with and wishes to marry, he rejects Caspars request to take out Bernie. This is against the advice of his right-hand Tom Reagan, who is secretly in an affair with Verna. This brings about open war between the two of them, with plenty of casualties on both sides. Wanting to protect Verna, he sends a bodyguard named Rug who is soon found dead with a child stealing his wig.
War with Johnny Caspar.[]
Utilizing the police force and the mayor's office, Leo starts to target Caspar's businesses in a bid to maintain control. Tom tries to get Leo to understand that this will only make him look weak and desperate, something that Leo continually dismisses. Trying to convince Verna to talk sense to Leo fails as well, as she wants to protect her brother as well. This results in an attempted hit on Leo's life, where he manages to escapes with his life after killing both of his would-be assassins as his house burns down.
Afterwards, he barricades himself inside of his office with his enforcers outside, until Tom visits him imploring him for a final time to give up Bernie Bernbaum to avoid anymore casualties. Leo reveals his engagement to Verna, which spurs Tom to reveal his affair with Verna to convince him to stop following Verna's lead. This ignites a violent reaction, as Leo beats Tom down the stairs of his club and tells him to leave and never come back. Forced with no other options for paying back Lazarre, Tom decides to enlist in Caspar's organization to stay ahead of the conflict.
Afterwards.[]
Throughout the rest of the film, Leo is in hiding to avoid the consequences of his actions, with Casper taking over his place as the ruling boss of the city. He only reveals himself after Johnny Caspers and Bernies death, which Tom was able to arrange. At Bernie's funeral, he meets with Tom and compliments on his plan to get rid of them both. He has also resumed his engagement to Verna, despite the affair that she had with Tom. He then begs Tom to resume his service to Leo, telling him that he forgives him. Tom rejects his offer and says goodbye, so Leo turns and sadly leaves with Tom watching him walk away.
Quotes[]
| “ | Tom Reagan : Think about what protecting Bernie gets us. Think about what offending Caspar loses us.
Leo O'Bannion : Oh, come on, Tommy. You know I don't like to think. Tom Reagan : Yeah. Well, think about whether you should start. |
„ |
| ~ Leo and Tom discussing the impending gang war. |
| “ | Goddamn kid's just like a twist! | „ |
| ~ Leo complimenting Tom |
| “ | Johnny Caspar : You think that I'm some guinea, fresh off the boat, and you can kick me! But I'm too big for that now. I'm sick a' takin the scrap from you, Leo. I'm a' of marching into this goddamn office to kiss your Irish ass. And I'M SICK A' THE HIGH HAT!
[Puts on his hat and coat] Johnny Caspar : Youse fancy pants, all a youse. Leo O'Bannion : Johnny, you're exactly as big as I let you be, and no bigger, and don't forget it, ever. Johnny Caspar : That's right, Leo. You're the big shot around here, and I'm just some schnook likes to get slapped around. |
„ |
| ~ Leo and Casper, after the latter declares war on Leo. |
| “ | Leo O'Bannion : I figure I can still trade body-blows with any man in this town.
[Tom looks at him] Leo O'Bannion : Except you Tom. Tom Reagan : And Verna. |
„ |
| ~ Leo boasting that he can take on anyone, with the exception of Tom and Verna. |
| “ | Leo O'Bannion : Dammit, Tom, I forgive you!
Tom Reagan : I didn't ask for that and I don't want it. Good-bye, Leo. |
„ |
| ~ Leo and Tom's last conversation. |
Gallery[]
Trivia[]
- The character of Leo was written for Trey Wilson, who played Nathan Arizona, Sr, in the Coens' previous film, Raising Arizona (1987). Wilson died shortly before production began, so Albert Finney took over the role.
- Albert Finney actually plays a cameo role in the film: When Tom enters the ladies room, a woman is shown on his left. That is Finney dressed up in drag.
- Albert Finney took the job only two days before the first day of shooting.