Mikey and Nicky (1976)

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ 

Mikey and Nicky (1976) – E. May

This is essentially a two-hander for John Cassavetes and Peter Falk with the improvisational style of the former’s work but directed by Elaine May (heretofore known for comedy, although not without poignancy). The duo are two low-level mobsters who have been friends for years but also may not entirely trust each other. Cassavetes believes that there is a contract out on his life, from his own mob boss (potentially after a betrayal) -- the facts of the story are far from clear and come out mostly in passing, while the relationship between the two men is the main focus. (We eventually come to realise that Cassavetes may be right, when we see hitman Ned Beatty driving around looking for him).  Falk and Cassavetes are old hands at this style of naturalistic acting (see them together in the latter’s Husbands, 1970) and they carry it off with aplomb. In May’s hands, the portrayals take on a more determined form than in some of Cassavetes oeuvre – there is a caustic feeling to this analysis of male behaviour that disembowels a friendship in favour of competition. The ending seals the deal and may be more planned than anything else in the film (edited together from hours and hours of footage) allowing some reverb after the credits roll.  A masterful demonstration of this technique.