Elaine May & Mike Nichols

A couple days ago I submitted my review of Dodie Bellamy's new book Bee Reaved to Duchamp's Socks, where it will be published next week in advance of the book's October 19th release. During my last draft I cut out a couple lines that described Bellamy and her partner Kevin Killian as a cross between two other show business double acts who, at one point, were couples -- Elaine May & Mike Nichols and (Jerry) Stiller & (Anne) Meara -- with Dodie, who can appear uncomfortable under the camera's red glare, as Stiller, and Kevin, whose fascination with show business is legendary, as May. Stiller & May. But I saw no point in situating Bellamy and Killan this way, particularly since no one under 55 would know who these double acts were, despite the fact that all four went on to have successful careers as actors and directors.

While looking for links I came across a fascinating 2006 conversation between May and Nichols, who, at their advanced age, remain fearless, particularly on the topic of how films get made, from the studio heads and their egos to the people who light the sets. Among the films that they discuss are May's Ishtar (1987) and one that Nichol's started but abandoned after the fifth day of shooting, only to be made years later by another director and released to great praise.