Interesting video. I.came back to writing about film after previously being a film critic years ago. I'm more an admirer of A New Leaf, a film I'm in love with, than most of May's work.i I do like The Heartbreak Kid and Micky and Nicky. After seeing this, I may consider doing an essay on one of her films. Good video. Nice titles. Quality footage.

come back

I always felt that Rollover should have been added to this spate of Pakula films and formed the backend of a quartet of paranoia thrillers. Rollover, however, is many notches down in quality and was a critical and financial flop, which is probably why it's pretty much forgotten in this context. It hasn't even been transferred to Blu-ray, so far as I know.

Watched all of their movies starting from Blood Simple to The Ballad of Buster Scruggs and wow what a journey, i enjoyed every single one of their films <3

I love this! Elaine is a Goddess! Would love to see you do a video on Hal Ashby, that is, if you like his films. :)

Love Elaine May and like/love the films she directed; she's not the greatest comedy director", not of all time. Her greatest movie wasn't even a comedy. People get so over-hyperbolic, everybody talks like a 1980s movie (or music) critic. She was a great artist who directed some movies, her writing and performing skills were ultimately her most impressive talents. Calling her "the greatest comedy writer" would be way closer. It would have been great if she had gotten to direct more, but that's the story with lots of directors who balloon budgets, ala Erich Von Stroheim. Eventually no one will give them money. I love "Mikey And Nicky", one of the great 70s dramas and as an improvisational artist, she knew what to do with these two great actors. "A New Leaf" is a lovable movie but it doesn't hold a candle to her ex-partner's movie from the same year, Mike Nichols' "Carnal Knowledge", or even fellow contemporary comedian-turned-director Woody Allen's "Bananas", which came out a month later, one of his earliest and silliest. She's an intriguing and enigmatic eccentric, super cool, and a one-of-a-kind talent. THAT'S how you describe Elaine May. If she wants to write, perform or direct, I'm interested! But the arts ain't a football game. She's part of the great mosaic of outstanding 20th century artists.

Fantastic video. May deserved a Supporting Actress Oscar nom for _Small Time Crooks_ - an insanely brilliant comedic performance.

Fantastic video!

Wonderful analysis & presentation! Thanks for this.

Elaine May is a treasure . . . and an amazing actress in her own right. I watched Nichols and May doing their takeoff on the British classic film, the love story "Brief Encounter" - the dentist sketch. And she plays it without breaking. Such a pro.

this is an interesting subject. i've seen a bit of the nichols and may skits, but never really got into them. i saw new leaf once (i love walter matthau) but i didn't really enjoy it. the heartbreak kid is one of my favorite movies and she directed that. mikey and nicky i saw recently and i thought it was pretty flat. tootsie of course was a big hit. ishtar was unfairly lambasted; i saw it more than once and dug it's funny, ridiculous vibe. the birdcage is fantastic and hilarious, and although it's an adaptation, as the writer she's responsible for the humor/translation. primary colors was also quite insightful and high quality for its time.

3,2,3,4-4,2,3 AND These men are PAWNS! I put a price of 20,000 dirham on their heads. Next they will be hailed as the true messenger of GOD! They were just a couple of songwriters, who came to Ishtar, to break into show business. Easy boy, easy boy, easy boy, easy boy! What the hell's the matter with him is he blind?! Well yeah he is, bu-but he's in perfect condition. So how did they wind up on everyone's hit list? Your life is in danger. Behave normally we have guns pointed at your back. No don't put your hands up you idiot! Oh little darlin'. My little darlin'. I can't believe these men may control the fate of the Middle East. Oh where, ar-are you? Do it! Ayiyiyiyiyiyi schmechahii buttahotsfayaaah! This is unbelievable. HOOPA HOOPA HOOPA Kno-ow well-a. That my love-a Are the two American messengers of god dead yet? Is this the oasis? Does this look like an oasis to you? Yeah look at the birds! Are those vultures? YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH Wa-as just fo-or you He's aiming at us! Would you stop being paranoid! Run smuck, they're trying to kill us! Warren Beatty. Dustin Hoffman. Isabelle Adjani. Your girl? How did she get to be your girl? ONLY YOU! I think they're wonderful! Ishtar: Written and directed by Elaine May

Ishtar. Three-two-three-two, four-two-three AND--

maybe if she would've gotten that carbon of the valves checked out her career wouldn't have stalled

Studios gave her complete freedom for years. She wasted resources, went over budget, over schedule. She broke her contracts, then stole the reels. She ignoted technicians, and filmed with no film in the cameras. She filmed in darkness, with no lights, and then of course the finished film was totally black. You simp.

Another thoughtful video, thanks! I think Hudsucker Proxy gets a bad rap. I've always liked it.

Love it all. I believe your talent will take you far

Good effort.

love your vids! so glad i found ya

I saw A New Leaf on Pluto, and now I'm deep diving into Elaine May. I loved it.

Dude I'm loving these deep dives! Thank you!!

Great video. Really appreciate your thoughts on these films. Klute and Z just got bumped up the list of movies I need to see.

Bohot hi sahi video bhai

Also how did you make this video essay and how did you analyze the films?

I literally finished Klute and now I’m gonna watch Parallax View.

it’s criminal she doesn’t get the praise she deserves

I know Lanthimos but who’s Austin I need to peep?

Elaine May is such a gifted artist. Wish I could see more of her. Huge respect.

What a great analysis!

Watch Mikey and Nicky and THEN watch all the other ones. Her brilliant comedic insights are actually through her own personal “feminist” gaze: she understands and questions the behavior of MEN. And it’s hilarious. Brilliant writer, brilliant dramatist.

Wow never heard of her but I have watch Heaven Can Wait and love it so will check out her other films.