Alex Gibney, famous for investigative works on Enron, CIA interrogation techniques, and Scientology, occasionally requires a change of pace, which led him to produce films about Paul Simon, Frank Sinatra, or The Sopranos. This lighter side emerged in the form of the 2024 release, “Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos.” Utilizing HBO’s archives, creator Chase’s personal items, interviews with cast and writers, and a recreation of Dr. Melfi’s therapy room, Gibney and his team crafted an emotional homage to the most influential TV series from the past three decades.
What made you say yes?
Initially, the prospect of creating a Wikipedia entry for “The Sopranos” crossed my mind, but I hesitated, pondering if I truly wanted to embark on this task. Yet, my admiration for this iconic series never wavered. When I had the opportunity to meet David Chase, the mastermind behind it all, I was captivated by his unique personality. A thought sparked in my mind: “What if I could craft a film that delves into the intriguing story of how and why ‘The Sopranos’ came to be?
Were you essentially free to delve into this treasure trove of exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and audition tapes? It seems HBO granted you a lot of creative freedom with their archives.
Did you ever question whether to discuss James Gandolfini’s personal struggles, as he can no longer defend or express his own feelings about it?
Previously, various accounts had been penned, and some were even considered myths. What intrigued us was to uncover a deeper, more personal perspective, making it essential for us to unearth all the extensive interviews he conducted. This way, Jim seemed to speak directly to us. I encountered him on a few occasions, and I knew he wasn’t like Tony Soprano, so I believed there should be a record of that aspect of his life and his connection to the show.
In what context did you meet him?
On several occasions, he dropped by to discuss some documentary and fictional ventures. His time on ‘The Sopranos’ was both a gift and a challenge for him. He felt there were other talents he wanted to share as well.
Have some individuals suggested that a comment from Chase regarding the finale’s construction may imply “It reminded me of time and nearing death.” Could it be possible that he was hinting at Tony’s demise?
You seem to be asking me to admit something specific, and I’m not quite ready to do that just yet. However, what resonates with me from David’s perspective is his notion that the film continues even as we enter blackness, but perhaps we may not follow suit. This idea delves into the concept of eternity. That’s why I offered various interpretations at the end, leading to the same conclusion: In the absence of light, there lies an infinite realm of possibilities.
Did you sense that David seems to appreciate the movie you produced? Well, when I filmed the interview with David, I deliberately chose the setting to resemble a psychiatrist’s office. Initially, David may have thought it was just a quirky touch, but as we delved into personal topics instead of discussing The Sopranos, he became somewhat irritated, feeling it wasn’t what he expected. However, I had planned a therapeutic aspect for the interview from the start. Although David might not have realized it at first, he eventually understood and accepted this approach.
Is there another TV show that interests you as deeply as The Sopranos?
There’s a movie that I’m interested in exploring, and that’s Chinatown. I’m pursuing it.
Have you made contact with Roman Polanski?
Maybe the best thing for me to do at this point is to say I’m working on it.
Originally featured in the independent June issue of The Hollywood Reporter’s magazine, you can get a subscription here to read this story yourself.
This article was initially published in the standalone June edition of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To access it, subscribe here.)
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2025-06-14 23:54