Mikey and Nicky

Description: A man has embezzled money from his Mafia bosses and is on the run with only one friend to help him escape. DVD special features include interviews, behind-the-scenes documentary, more. When he discovers that the mob has a contract out on him for stealing their money, Nicky turns to his childhood friend Mikey for help. Together, they try to get out of town. But Mikey may have more on his agenda than just helping Nicky stay alive, and Nicky may not be the same friend Mikey knew growing up. A departure from director Elaine May's usual comedies, this riveting character study features fascinating performances by its two leads, Peter Falk (of the television series COLUMBO) and actor/director John Cassavetes, who have also collaborated on other Cassavetes projects. Elaine May's tense, well-paced thriller is her third film, and one of her most innovative. Using three cameras that she sometimes left running for hours, May captured a spontaneous, real interaction between actor Peter Falk (of the TV series COLUMBO), and actor (and maverick director) John Cassavetes. Their relationship and their personalities drive this portrait of one evening in their thirty-year friendship. 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. The performances of Falk and Cassavetes make this much more than a gangster movie--it's a compelling portrait of human foibles, loyalty, and inner conflict.