Mikey and Nicky

Mikey and Nicky is a 1976 American film written and directed by Elaine May and starring Peter Falk and John Cassavetes. The supporting cast features Ned Beatty and noted acting teacher Sanford Meisner.

Originally intended as a summer 1976 release, then delayed by editing problems, Mikey and Nicky was released in New York City on December 21, 1976. Because May missed the films delivery date, litigation followed between her and Paramount, with the studio gaining possession of the film with final cut privilege. May didnt direct again for over a decade.The films original 1.8 million budget had grown to nearly 4.3 million 16.6 million in contemporary dollars by the time May turned the film over to Paramount. She shot 1.4 million feet of film, almost three times as much as was shot for Gone with the Wind. By using three cameras that she sometimes left running for hours, May captured spontaneous interaction between Falk and Cassavetes. At one point, Cassavetes and Falk had both left the set and the cameras remained rolling for several minutes. A new camera operator said Cut only to be immediately rebuked by May for usurping what is traditionally a directors command. He protested that the two actors had left the set. Yes, replied May, but they might come back. ........

Source: Wikipedia