Mikey and Nicky: The ULTIMATE Toxic Friendship Movie? Hear me out...

Okay, so I just finished watching "Mikey and Nicky" (1976) and WHOA. I went in blind, knowing basically nothing, and I'm kinda speechless. Like, on the surface, it's just this frantic, kinda low-budget crime drama about these two dudes, Mikey and Nicky (duh), running around Philly, but underneath... man, the whole thing is just SO uncomfortable. It's like Cassavetes took a really, really messed up bromance and cranked the tension up to 11. My theory? I think the whole 'mob boss wants Nicky dead' thing is almost secondary. Yeah, it's the catalyst, but what the movie really wants to explore is the toxic, co-dependent relationship between Mikey and Nicky. Like, Mikey seems genuinely concerned for Nicky, but then he'll turn around and say/do something totally shady. And Nicky? He's just a train wreck, constantly pushing Mikey away even though he NEEDS him. That diner scene where Nicky's acting like a total jerk to the waitress? That's pure, unadulterated dysfunction playing out right there. It makes me wonder if Mikey was always planning to set Nicky up. Remember that super awkward scene where Mikey keeps asking Nicky if he can trust him? It's almost like he's trying to convince HIMSELF! Maybe this whole thing was inevitable, a slow-burn betrayal that was always simmering beneath the surface the whole time. I mean, their entire relationship seems built on lies, resentments, and childhood baggage. IDK, maybe I'm reading too much into it, but the way Cassavetes frames everything... it just felt SO intentional. Anyone else feel like this movie is basically a masterclass in how NOT to be a friend? Seriously, I need to decompress after that one. Hit me with your thoughts – am I totally off base here, or did anyone else catch the same vibes?