“Aren’t You Gonna Die Someday?” Elaine May's Mikey and Nicky: An Examination, Reflection, and Making Of

by Patrick Cooper

Aren’t You Gonna Die Someday? explores the deceptions and veiled truths lurking within a film that has haunted author Patrick Cooper for nearly a decade: Elaine May’s Mikey and Nicky . Called both a “masterpiece” and a “celluloid death wish” upon its release in 1976, Mikey and Nicky is an astonishingly dark work in the oeuvre of legendary comedienne-filmmaker Elaine May. This book examines May’s tragic film scene-by-scene, digging up the titular friends’ long-buried truths in an attempt to get at the heart of their lies. Along the way, Cooper offers behind the scenes insight and anecdotes, gathered from interviews and research, as well as never before seen set photos. Weaved together with this detailed look at the film are autobiographical threads in which Cooper uses Mikey and Nicky as a lens to examine toxic friendships from his own past. A tapestry of film history, reconstruction, and personal reflection, Aren’t You Gonna Die Someday? is an unexpected look at a wholly unique American film.

254 pages, Paperback

Published June 18, 2019

Reviews

[cait · Rating 4 out of 5]

to know there’s someone else out there who views the milestones of their life through the lens of elaine may’s mikey and nicky... the world feels a little less lonely today

[elle vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

[4.5] mikey and nicky literally makes me fucking CRAZY this was a necessary and cathartic read

[Andy Rausch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was wonderful. Mikey and Nicky is an underrated, underappreciated film that needed more attention. Thankfully, author Patrick Cooper decided to write this love letter to it. This is the kind of book that makes the publisher, Bear Manor Media, so wonderful. They, like Cooper, are willing to put in the effort to give visibility to small gems such as this. Cooper's book is well-written, and the author gives Elaine May's masterful film the kind of appraisal and examination it deserves.

My only complaint, and it's a very, very minor one, is that Cooper includes a lot of asides about ways that instances and situations in the film compare to situations in his own life. I have to admit that I was far less interested in these discussions than I was the rest of the book. But it's still a five-star book, for me. I loved it. I wasn't familiar with Patrick Cooper's work prior to reading this, but I must say, he did one hell of a job with this. As the author of more than fifty books, I can attest that the writing is excellent. Thank you, Mr. Cooper, for writing this much-needed appraisal/celebration/examination of a film that deserves much more attention than it gets.

One last question: can I give this book six stars? (Obviously I know I can't, but I'd like to. That's how much I love it.)

[sofia · Rating 3 out of 5]

not the most perfect book in the world but finding something specifically dedicated to your niche and to the movie that hurts your brain and plagues your waking existence is truly heartwarming I hope patrick cooper has a really great day today

[Tim Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is only one book you need to read about Mikey and Nicky and this one is it. Compelling writing, often detailed and persuasive, sometimes deeply personal. Highly suggest.