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Mikey and Nicky is a 1976 film written and directed by Elaine May. It is May's third film, and one of her most innovative. Using three cameras that she sometimes left running for hours, May captured spontaneous interaction between actor Peter Falk (of the TV series Columbo), and actor (and maverick director) John Cassavetes. The performances of Falk and Cassavetes make this much more than a gangster movie; it's a portrait of human foibles, loyalty, and inner conflict.
When Nicky calls Mikey yet again to bail him out of trouble—this time a contract on his life for money that he stole from his mob boss—Mikey, as always, shows up to help. Overcoming the obstacles of Nicky's paranoia and blind fear, Mikey gets him out of the hotel where he has holed up, and starts to help him plan his escape; however, Nicky keeps changing the plan, and a hit man is hot on their trail. As they try to make their escape, the two friends have to confront issues of betrayal, regret, and the value of friendship versus self-preservation.
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