Mikey and Nicky Blu-ray

'Mikey and Nicky' Director: Elaine May (1976) Criterion Collection Blu-ray | 4K restoration

Elaine May crafted a gangster film like no other in the nocturnal odyssey Mikey and Nicky, capitalizing on the chemistry between frequent collaborators John Cassavetes and Peter Falk by casting them together as small-time mobsters whose lifelong relationship has turned sour.

Set over the course of one night, this restless drama finds Nicky (Cassavetes) holed up in a hotel after the boss he stole money from puts a hit out on him. Terrified, he calls on Mikey (Falk), the one person he thinks can save him.

Scripted to match the live-wire energy of its stars—alongside supporting players Ned Beatty, Joyce Van Patten, and Carol Grace—and inspired by real-life characters from May’s own childhood, this unbridled portrait of male friendship turned tragic is an unsung masterpiece of American cinema.

Special features include:
- Program on the making of the film featuring interviews with distributor Julian Schlossberg and actor Joyce Van Patten
- Interviews with critics Richard Brody and Carrie Rickey
- Audio interview from 1976 with actor Peter Falk
- Essay by critic Nathan Rabin