The singular vision of director Elaine May, whose career has often been characterised by a fierce independence and a refusal to compromise, is finally gaining the widespread recognition many believe it has long deserved. A new retrospective, including a theatrical run of the 2019 4K restoration of her 1975 film 'Mikey and Nicky', aims to re-evaluate her significant contribution to cinema, particularly her groundbreaking work as a female director in Hollywood.
May's journey to bring 'Mikey and Nicky' to the screen was famously fraught with challenges. In 1975, after over two years of intensive editing, Paramount Pictures grew impatient with her meticulous process. In an audacious move to maintain creative control, May reportedly attempted to sell the film to a shell company, a tactic that was ultimately thwarted by the studio. Despite a judge ordering her to deliver the film, two crucial reels mysteriously went missing until Paramount agreed to allow her to supervise the final cut. Even then, May felt the film was not truly complete.
Set against the backdrop of Philadelphia's flophouse hotels and diners, 'Mikey and Nicky' offers an unglamorous, deeply personal look at male friendship. The narrative follows two gangsters, Nicky (played by John Cassavetes), who is on the run, and Mikey (Peter Falk), torn between protecting his friend and potentially betraying him. The film delves into the complex dynamics of their long-standing relationship, marked by both profound affection and a history of minor slights and betrayals that only close bonds can harbour. This raw, honest depiction of friendship stands as a testament to May's unique storytelling.
Upon its release in 1976, 'Mikey and Nicky' was met with a largely unfavourable reception. Audiences, many of whom knew May from her acclaimed improvisational comedy duo Nichols and May, or from her earlier, more comedic films like 1971’s 'A New Leaf' and 1972’s Oscar-nominated 'The Heartbreak Kid', were unprepared for its darker, more nihilistic tone. Julian Schlossberg, a close friend and collaborator who was a Vice-President at Paramount at the time, noted that many viewers felt 'suckered' and walked out, expecting a comedy. However, May's intention was to push boundaries, not to repeat past successes, having even expressed concern during production that the film was too funny.
This refusal to settle for comfort and her willingness to embrace risk defined May's career, leading her to leave the highly successful Nichols and May duo at their peak. The deeply personal origins of 'Mikey and Nicky', rooted in May's childhood experiences with gangsters in her Chicago neighbourhood, underscore her commitment to authenticity. She famously stated in 2024 that the characters were 'real people' she knew. In 1978, May and Schlossberg successfully negotiated to buy back the rights to the film from Paramount, releasing a revised cut that has since cemented 'Mikey and Nicky's' legendary status. While details of UK streaming availability are yet to be confirmed, the growing recognition of May's work suggests potential for wider distribution.
This renewed focus on Elaine May's oeuvre, particularly 'Mikey and Nicky', highlights her enduring influence on filmmaking and her often-overlooked role in paving the way for female directors. Her brave and uncompromising approach to storytelling, even in the face of studio resistance and initial public misunderstanding, marks her as a true pioneer whose work continues to resonate today.