Mikey and NickystarsPeter FalkandJohn Cassavetesas two lifelong friends and low-time gangsters.

The men chase each other or are chased by a mafia assassin portrayed byNed Beattythroughout the streets of Philadelphia.

Falk recallsCassavetes leaping onto a table in a restaurantduring the conversation.

John Cassavetes and Peter Falk in Elaine May’s Mikey and Nicky

Image via Paramount Pictures

Their relationship outside the film undoubtedly gave their on-screen dynamic as Mikey and Nicky even more depth.

Nicky unravels over the course of the film, but he already starts in an incredibly unkempt state.

The performance by Cassavetes is desperate, vulnerable, and explosive throughout the film.

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Nicky is on the run from the mob, and he turns to old pal Mikey for help.

Elaine May is one of the most underrated directors of all time.

The money and power are attractive, but the dark side takes a while to reveal itself.

This is not the case withMikey and Nicky.

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These two men areno Michael Corleone.

Mikey and Nickyis available to stream on Max in the U.S.

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Elaine May Movies

John Cassavetes as Nicky in Elaine May’s Mikey and Nicky

Image via Paramount Pictures