Film Forum

Elaine May’s MIKEY AND NICKY

Elaine May · 1976 · U.S.

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As always, John Cassavetes’ two-bit mobster Nicky is in big fat trouble—maybe because he stole money from the boss? And as always, best buddy Peter Falk’s Mikey is called on to bail him out—no easy task, when Nicky keeps changing their getaway plans. Or is Mikey actually the one setting him up? Legendary auteur vs. studio battle with May, using three cameras throughout, allegedly shooting three times more footage than what was used for GONE WITH THE WIND, and hiding reels from the studio during editing. The studio replied in-kind, giving it a minimal release and the advertising tag line, “You’re not gonna like these guys.”