As a lifelong fan of “The Sopranos“, I found myself utterly enthralled by the docuseries “Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos”. It was like sitting down with Tony for another therapy session, only this time it was the mastermind behind the series, David Chase, who was baring his soul.
As a devoted cinephile, I can’t help but reminisce about my personal journey with “The Sopranos,” widely hailed as one of television’s greatest masterpieces. This groundbreaking series is often credited for igniting the Second Golden Age of Television and ushering in the era of anti-heroes.
“‘REMEMBER WHEN’ is the lowest form of conversation.”
In one of its memorable sequences, Tony Soprano expresses his dislike for reminiscing about the past; however, as revealed in “Wise Guy: Guy David Chase and The Sopranos,” the creators of the popular series seemed to relish discussing the old times during filming. The Alex Gibney docuseries, debuted on September 9, is a treasure trove of fascinating behind-the-scenes information about “The Sopranos.
Via conversations with David Chase and several other actors, this documentary offers previously unshared insights. Notably open about details for once, Chase – who is usually secretive in his profession – makes this an essential watch for fans of the series. The behind-the-scenes account presented here leaves you questioning why it took so long to be produced. Here’s hoping nobody was wearing a hidden recording device!
Producers, Cast Members, and Writers Get Interrogated
Is it an idea worth considering to create an unscripted series chronicling the production of “The Sopranos”? The docuseries could certainly spark excitement among fans, especially since a similar approach was successful for “The Godfather”. David Chase, the show’s creator, shares many fascinating insights about his triumphs and hurdles with a relaxed and amiable humor.
The mob series didn’t find an ideal home quickly, as CBS turned it down once they discovered Tony might be prescribed Prozac at some point, and HBO executives pondered over their decision for quite a few months.
Concerning dwellings, it’s worth mentioning that Martin Scorsese expressed disdain for the show, despite his acclaimed gangster film productions. The reason being, these contemporary mobsters resided in charming New Jersey homes surrounded by greenery, a far cry from Scorsese’s gritty upbringing in the bustling cityscape of New York. As such, he found it hard to identify with this portrayal. Fans might even consider taking matters into their own hands following the disclosure that David Chase’s agent was pushing him to depart for Hollywood after Season 2. The series would have been drastically different had that transpired. Fortunately, Chase shared the same ardor for the show as Johnny Sack did for Ginny.
It’s incredibly delightful to chat informally with Chase, a man who rarely opens up. He expresses self-assurance in his methods without coming off as boastful, and his tales about the inner workings of the TV industry are more insightful than gossipy. They offer a unique glimpse into the industry’s practices.
The show The Sopranos is significantly impactful due to the intensely powerful, multiple Emmy-nominated portrayal by James Gandolfini. The series provides an abundance of information about him. Intriguingly complex on set, he often banged his head against walls and playfully tormented co-star Lorraine Bracco, much like Tony Soprano did to Dr. Melfi. According to Bracco, he was a “charming madman.” Uncle Junior would have advised him to tone it down because “we’re not filming a western here.
In addition to his role on the screen, James Gandolfini struggled with severe substance abuse issues, a fact that once prompted former HBO CEO Chris Albrecht to attempt an intervention – reminiscent of the tactics used by Christopher’s associates in the series.
At my apartment in New York, we attempted an intervention for him. Our goal was to persuade him to seek treatment at a rehabilitation facility. By that time, there had been a great deal of tension between us. The plan was to pretend I was inviting Jimmy over to discuss our issues and hopefully mend things. When he arrived, he saw everyone present, and he exclaimed angrily, “Aw, I can’t stand this!” He then left. People called out his name, hoping he would stay, but he turned to me and demanded, “Fire me,” before departing.
Gladly, it was Gandolfini all along. Known for his robust and expressive demeanor, he carried on till the very end with unwavering intensity.
The Production Is Very Sopranos-Like
In a docuseries, Wiseguy exhibits a clever approach. Instead of starting with the conventional opening credits as seen in The Sopranos, it features David Chase riding alongside Tony in a car journey through New Jersey, heading towards his home. As the song “Woke Up This Morning (Chosen One Mix)” by Alabama 3 fills the air, there’s an undercurrent of tension between them, with Chase seemingly concerned that Tony could be taking him to a dangerous spot where he might meet an untimely end.
As a dedicated viewer, let me express that the climax of the docuseries takes an intriguing turn when it abruptly switches to black, leaving me on the edge of my seat, yearning for Chase’s final clarification on Tony’s fate in the finale. The narrative, bolstered by the skillful employment of lighting and shadows, along with strategically tilted camera angles, effectively paints a gritty picture of New Jersey’s underbelly, making me feel like I’m right there amidst the mystery and intrigue.
In addition, Chase’s interview takes place in a setting similar to Dr. Melfi’s office. Much like Tony, he assumes an open posture, ready to bare his soul. Instead of Bracco as Melfi, he engages with Gibney, candidly disclosing personal aspects about his strict control over the scripts. At times, Gibney draws from the show’s footage to emphasize the points that the series creator is trying to convey.
Above all, on this particular instance, Chase takes on the role of an actor. Sitting in the therapist’s office, he skillfully portrays the necessary facial expressions, convincingly presenting himself as Tony in an alternate reality. His extraordinary performance, which is quite unexpected, makes the transitions between him and the actual mob boss almost unnoticeable.
In essence, while this article offers a taste of the intriguing storyline, fans should definitely watch the documentary series to get a fuller picture. The series features captivating insights from Steven Van Zandt, Drea de Matteo, Michael Imperioli, Edie Falco, and other cast members, making the narrative as gripping as any work of fiction. Though the documentary could have been longer, it still offers a satisfying experience. This may not be a grand Capone feast, but it’s an engaging meal meticulously prepared by Artie Bucco’s Nuovo Vesuvio or Satriale’s Pork Store.
Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos is available to stream in the US on Max
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2024-09-14 22:01