In the film, Miller’s Crossing and the novel Legs by William Kennedy, the role of violence depicts as the common theme. These two works portray the role of violence through the main characters that have particular roles and capabilities to stir dramatic effects in their characterization. The imperative roles of the characters in both works are drawn primarily to get the viewer’s attention. In so doing, the film is addressed in a similar way to the style in which the novel is narrated, uncovering vital information about the characters of Tom Reagan in Miller’s Crossing and Jack Diamond, in Legs. The two protagonists mirror the role of violence in the two characters that place bets on fights to make money. Notwithstanding, Jack assumes a superior part than Tom does. What’s more, Tom and Jack share similar traits and symbolic equivalence. Specifically, they had a thing that they wore or were passed, and this thing had the capacity to show what was happening inside the character’s brain. On occasion in the novel where their psyche was tried, the utilization of their things decided the result. The body cannot live without the brain, so it is essential for the characters to stay near these things that symbolize their psyche or they will surely die. Tom Reagan had a fantasy in which his cap tumbled off his head, and the wind had overwhelmed it. The vast array of similar violent scenes and narrations in the two works further reflects the dominant theme – the role of violence.

In the novel, Jack Diamond is portrayed as an Irish-American hero comparable to Finn McCool, a hero in Old Ireland, and Jesse James, a famous American legend. In this novel, Jack Diamond utilizes rebellious viciousness to accomplish what he wants. He earns his living by placing bets on fights. On one occasion when he bets on the fight between Benny Shapiro and Kid Murphy, he loses the wager. The role of violence is further replicated in the appeal for villainy in the novel. For instance, Marcus Gorman led a gloomy life until he met Jack. Be that as it may, Marcus refused to smuggle jewels for Jack. As they continue hanging out, Marcus feels a vicarious ecstasy when he spends time with Jack, one of the nation’s most infamous criminals. Progressively, Marcus cherishes the idea of shooting from Jack’s automatic weapon, charmed by the lethal power of a firearm. Additionally, Marcus starts adoring Jack’s wife and girlfriend and in due time he entices them and lays down with mysterious ladies, as Jack does. The violence and the thrill from criminal activities that emanate from Jack draw in everyone around him.

On the surface, the film describes the story of warring gangsters. The movie story line had been narrated before but not with such precision. The action packed violent scenes keep the film at a brisk pace. Despite the constant bloody shootouts and killings in the movie, it is not a conventional violent or gangster movie. The director successively incorporates some elegance and style to the conventional action film creating a complex narration. This story is centered on two criminal gangs seeking control of a city in light of the prevailing corrupt police department. The role of violence and the incorporation of an aspect of style help to create the film and maintain an unprecedented pace, different from regular action movies. The choice of music in the film also brings out the role of violence in Miller’s Crossing.

Consequently, the film Miller’s Crossing and the novel Legs brilliantly depict the criminal careers of gangsters’ characters. Through the eyes of the characters, the role of violence in both works becomes apparent. The author of the novel and the director of the film went beyond their conventional constructs and locales. In so doing, the author and the film director came out of their way to create and echo an impeccable gangster imagery which builds up to the primary theme – the role of violence. The theme is further illustrated through the action-packed scenes. Characterization of the protagonists dependably brings out the natural aspects of the synonymous storylines in both the film and the novel. Be that as it may, the characterization often results in adverse consequences.

In conclusion, an in-depth analysis if the works reveals a common theme. It becomes apparent that the role of violence is a dominant aspect in Miller’s Crossing and the novel Legs by William Kennedy. The style, narration of the story, and the impeccable characterization coupled up with elegant use of imagery help the audience to comprehend the role of violence in both works, staying focused to the end. Furthermore, both works encompass similar protagonists with comparable attributes. These attributes are necessary for grasping the viewers’ and the readers’ attention. In so doing, the audiences are able to relate themselves with the works and deduce plausible thematic conclusions. In synopsis, all the attributes depicted above make possible to derive the common theme in both works. Consequently, it becomes imperative to look at the common theme through the eyes of a modern-day setting. Today, the role of violence is mirrored in many films and works of art that employ similar image and style to tell practical stories that the audience can relate from their day to day activities.