Gibney, a prolific documentary filmmaker, has an extensive relationship with HBO, having worked on a variety of projects for the network over the years. Given this connection, it seems only natural that he would eventually focus on one of HBO’s most iconic series. With Wise Guy, Gibney steps into new territory, exploring the mind of David Chase and the creation of The Sopranos with the kind of reverence and curiosity that fans will appreciate.
The documentary opens with an intimate interview setting, placing Chase in a replica of Dr. Jennifer Melfi’s (Lorraine Bracco’s) office from The Sopranos. This sets the tone for the entire film, blending the personal with the professional in a way that mirrors the series itself. Chase, somewhat reluctant and introspective, reflects on his upbringing in New Jersey, his complicated relationship with his mother, and his slow rise in Hollywood. While initially hesitant to open up, Chase’s candid reflections become one of the documentary’s highlights, providing a rare glimpse into the mind of the man behind Tony Soprano.
Gibney’s admiration for Chase is clear throughout the documentary, and his approach often feels more like a celebration than a critical examination. He emphasizes the deeply personal nature of The Sopranos for Chase, exploring how the creator poured his own experiences and emotions into the series. However, this affectionate tone does lead to some missed opportunities for more in-depth analysis, especially regarding the challenges and controversies behind the scenes.
The first part of the documentary, which runs for 75 minutes, focuses primarily on Chase’s early life and career. It explores his struggles in Hollywood as a writer-producer for various TV shows in the ’90s, where he struggled to break out and find a project he could truly call his own. This section also traces the evolution of the pilot for The Sopranos and the casting process that led to one of the most iconic ensembles in television history. The casting journey is particularly fascinating, with rare audition footage that highlights just how perfect the casting of James Gandolfini, Edie Falco, and the rest of the core cast was for their respective roles.
Gibney also delves into the visual and thematic inspirations for The Sopranos, drawing on the influence of classic cinema and Chase’s own experiences in New Jersey. With cinematographer Alik Sakharov’s input, the documentary examines how The Sopranos created a unique visual language that helped set it apart from other TV dramas at the time. These insights into the creative process are interwoven with anecdotes from the cast and crew, providing a multifaceted look at the show’s development.
The second part of Wise Guy tackles the meatier task of covering the show’s nearly six-season run. At 85 minutes, this section moves at a brisk pace, leaving out some details and historical context that could have given the documentary more weight. While it does provide a satisfying overview of the series’ trajectory and evolution, it skips over key moments in television history that were influenced by The Sopranos. For example, while the antihero archetype was not new to TV, Tony Soprano redefined it for the modern era, yet this shift is not explored in-depth.
Still, Gibney manages to capture the magic of The Sopranos, especially when exploring some of the show’s standout moments, from its dream sequences to its famously ambiguous finale. There’s a genuine sense of nostalgia in the interviews with cast members like Edie Falco, Lorraine Bracco, and Michael Imperioli, as they recall their experiences working on the show and the challenges that came with it. One of the most poignant segments covers James Gandolfini’s personal struggles during the series, touching on the pressures he faced as the lead and the toll it took on his personal life.
Despite its many strengths, Wise Guy is not without its flaws. Gibney’s admiration for Chase sometimes prevents the documentary from fully exploring some of the more controversial aspects of the show’s production. While Chase’s control over the series is acknowledged, the darker sides of that control—such as the intense pressure on the cast and crew—are only lightly touched upon. There’s also a notable absence of several key figures, including Jamie-Lynn Sigler and Robert Iler, whose perspectives as younger actors growing up on set could have added an interesting dimension to the documentary.
In terms of style, Wise Guy is as dynamic and playful as its subject matter. Gibney’s use of editing is particularly impressive, as he often blurs the lines between fiction and reality, cutting between scenes from The Sopranos and real-life footage of Chase and the cast. This technique gives the documentary an almost cinematic feel, drawing viewers into the world of The Sopranos in a way that feels immersive and fresh.
Overall, Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos may not be the definitive documentary on the series, but it’s an affectionate and insightful tribute to one of the greatest shows in television history. Fans of The Sopranos will find plenty to enjoy here, from the personal stories shared by the cast to the behind-the-scenes details of how the series came to be. For anyone interested in the legacy of The Sopranos and its creator, this documentary is a must-watch, offering a rare glimpse into the mind of David Chase and the world he brought to life.
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