About Mikey and Nicky

'Mikey and Nicky' is a raw and unvarnished crime drama released in 1976. Directed by Elaine May, it tells the story of a small-time gangster, Nicky (John Cassavetes), who seeks help from his friend Mikey (Peter Falk) when he finds out there's a contract on his life. Both betrayed by their organization's boss, they spend an agonizing night figuring out how to deal with the mess and evade a hitman pursuing them.

Making / Production

The making of 'Mikey and Nicky' was laborious, with director Elaine May pushing the cast and crew to their limits. Shooting was both time-consuming and expensive, resulting in over a million feet of exposed film. May's perfectionist stance and improvisational methods led to countless reshoots, making this a costly production.

Actors

• John Cassavetes as Nicky: Cassavetes beautifully portrayed the paranoid and troubled Nicky, brilliantly depicting his character's desperation and fear.
• Peter Falk as Mikey: Falk delivered a commendable performance as the conflicted friend Mikey, torn between his loyalty to Nicky and his duty to their boss.
• Ned Beatty as Kinney: Beatty convincingly played the role of the hitman Kinney, stealthily following Mikey and Nicky through their chaotic night.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film was director Elaine May's third feature film, and the first where she didn't also appear as an actress.
• Due to excessive shooting and reshoots, the initial budget ballooned from $1.8 million to almost $4.3 million.
• Though the film was initially a commercial failure, it has since grown in critical reputation and is now considered a classic.

Awards

Despite its critical acclaim, 'Mikey and Nicky' did not win any awards. However, it remains a vital and influential film in the noir genre.

Quotes

• "I never made a bad bet in my life." - Nicky
• "My heart hurts when I think about you, Nicky." - Mikey

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's engaging score was composed by John Strauss, who effectively created an unsettling atmosphere complementing the film's tense plot.
• Notable songs include "Am I Blue," performed by Eddie Cochran, and "Love Will Keep Us Together," performed by The Captain & Tennille.