New HBO documentary Wise Guy will be must-see TV for anybody interested in television history.
The two part special directed by Alex Gibney (Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief, The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley), which explores the history of The Sopranos had its world premiere at the 2024 Tribeca Festival.
In Wise Guy David Chase and The Sopranos, acclaimed filmmaker Alex Gibney delves deep into the psyche of renowned “Sopranos” creator and writer, David Chase, to illuminate his life and career while offering a unique window into his unparalleled work on the iconic program. Joined by show writers, producers, executives, and actors, including Lorraine Bracco, Edie Falco, and Michael Imperioli, the documentary offers insight and inspiration along with a stunning array of clips from the show, early audition videos from many of the cast members, and behind-the-scenes footage to take the viewer into the vibrant “Sopranos” world.
In addition to Chase, The Sopranos creator, featured participants in the documentary include Robin Green, The Sopranos writer and producer, Chris Albrecht, former chairman and CEO of HBO, Carolyn Strauss, former president of HBO Entertainment, Alik Sakharov, director of photography, Terence Winter, The Sopranos writer and producer, Frank Renzulli, The Sopranos writer and producer, and actors Drea de Matteo, Steven Van Zandt, and archival interviews with late actors Nancy Marchand, James Gandolfini, and Tony Sirico.
Part One
David Chase recounts his early life in New Jersey, his fascination with filmmaking, and his break into television writing in Los Angeles. After a successful career as a network TV writer, Chase decides to write something personal about his mother. That becomes “The Sopranos,” a feature film about a mobster whose mother plots to kill him. Rejected by the major networks, Chase finds success at HBO for his pilot about a mobster suffering mental breakdowns and starts the casting process for “The Sopranos” as a series. Lorraine Bracco is the biggest name to join as Dr. Melfi and Chase casts the untested musician Steven Van Zandt in a pivotal role. With James Gandolfini and Edie Falco in place, the series films on location in New Jersey, and the unconventional show becomes a water-cooler sensation, despite having an anti-hero as the lead character.
Part Two
Chase discusses the challenges of mapping out 13-episode arcs and balancing the darkness of the comedy with the drama of the subject matter. At the same time, he and other writers admit to drawing on personal experiences to inform the characters. The cast shares their memories of the late James Gandolfini, his generosity and genius, and how he struggled with being in the spotlight. Chase talks about the enduring love for Tony Soprano’s character and the show’s circularity from the first episode leading up to the controversial finale.
Wise Guy David Chase and The Sopranos, a Jigsaw production; directed by Alex Gibney; produced by Ophelia Harutyunyan and Alex Gibney; executive produced by Nicole Lambert, Richard Perello, and Stacey Offman. For HBO: executive producers, Nancy Abraham, Lisa Heller, and Sara Rodriguez.
Sunday September 8 on Binge / 8:30pm on Famous.
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