Becoming Mike Nichols (HBO)

About Becoming Mike Nichols (HBO)

"Becoming Mike Nichols", an HBO documentary directed by Douglas McGrath, gives an intimate portrayal of the life and works of Mike Nichols, one of America's most celebrated directors. In a series of insightful and candid interviews conducted by theatre director Jack O'Brien, Nichols discusses his early life, his beginnings in comedy with collaborator Elaine May, his work in theatre, and his transition into film directing. The movie encapsulates Nichols' anecdotal storytelling, personal and in-depth discussions about his craftsmanship, fascinating glimpses into his success and failures, and the journey of becoming an exceptional director.

Making / Production

This documentary provides a deep dive into Nichols' celebrated body of work. Director Douglas McGrath seamlessly blends intimate interviews with archival footage, creating a vivid portrait of Nichols' directorial process, his influences, and the key collaborations that defined his career.

Actors

• Mike Nichols: The celebrated American director Mike Nichols presents a deeply personal account of his life and career.
• Elaine May: Nichols' long-time collaborator Elaine May, there in spirit and in snippets of archival footage, brings back the magic of their partnership.
• Jack O'Brien: The theatre director, as the interviewer, engages Nichols in conversations about his life and work.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• This documentary was Nichols' last recorded interview before he passed away in 2014.
• It offers unique insight into Nichols' early career, including his time with The Compass Players, the predecessor of the famed Second City comedy troupe.
• The film provides detailed accounts of the making of Nichols' most renowned projects, 'The Graduate' and 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?'

Quotes

• "When you have a great actor, you will find that the play is about what he or she can bring to it."
• "There are three kinds of scenes: negotiations, seductions, and fights."
• "A movie is larger than life and is life at the same time."

Music, Soundtrack

While the documentary does not feature an extensive soundtrack, its poignant noise design and use of silence complement the narrative effectively, recreating the ambiance of the era Nichols' work belonged to.