Probably the biggest and most personal project I’ve been working on for the past year is my book on Elaine May’s 1976 film Mikey and Nicky . Part deep film dissection, part behind-the-scenes chronicle, part memoir, part neo-mythological exploration of friendship and deceit, the book has been an exorcism of sorts. Since I first saw the film (roughly 10 years ago), I haven’t been able to get it out of my head. it’s taken on this role in my life–something like a lens that I use to examine the relationships I’
During my research for the book, I spoke with producer Michael Hausman, actress Joyce Van Patten, distributor Julian Schlossberg, and a couple others about the making of the film and its legacy. Hausman was wicked generous and provided me with loads of never before seen photos, as well as a copy of his script.
This was not the easiest film to write about. The film is dark (very funny at times, but dark ) and I had to live in that dark space for a long time. It’s a relief to be near the finish line.