HBO’s new documentary explores David Chase’s genius and the making of The Sopranos.
HBO is set to premiere the highly anticipated two-part documentary, WISE GUY: David Chase and The Sopranos. It is directed by Academy Award-winner Alex Gibney and premieres on Saturday, September 7 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT. The documentary will also be available to stream on Max. The film had its world premiere at the 2024 Tribeca Festival. The 2-part documentary celebrates the 25th anniversary of The Sopranos, a series that transformed television and established itself as a cultural phenomenon.
WISE GUY offers an in-depth exploration of David Chase’s life and career.
He is the mastermind behind The Sopranos. Gibney dives deep into Chase’s psyche, providing a fresh perspective on his creative process and the deeply personal experiences that influenced his work on the show. Filmed on a replica of Dr. Melfi’s psychiatrist’s office, the documentary flips the script as Gibney takes Chase through a retrospective of his journey in Hollywood and his development of the groundbreaking series.
The documentary features interviews with key figures who were instrumental in the success of The Sopranos. It includes actors Lorraine Bracco, Edie Falco, and Michael Imperioli, as well as writers and producers like Terence Winter, Robin Green, and Frank Renzulli. Additionally, the film includes archival interviews with late cast members such as James Gandolfini, Tony Sirico, and Nancy Marchand.
It includes early audition videos and clips from the show that bring Chase’s work to life. The documentary delves into Chase’s upbringing in New Jersey, his Italian American roots, and how his complex relationship with his own mother influenced the creation of Tony Soprano, the anti-hero mobster who struggles with anxiety and family dynamics.
Part one of WISE GUY focuses on Chase’s early career. It follows his time as a network TV writer to his eventual creation of The Sopranos. It highlights his decision to craft a personal story about a mobster whose mother conspires against him and how this rejected film idea evolved into one of television’s most iconic series. In part two, Chase and other writers discuss the challenges of creating the show’s multi-episode story arcs. It highlights how they balanced dark humor with heavy drama and the personal experiences that shaped their characters. The cast reflects on Gandolfini’s generosity and brilliance, and Chase shares insights on the show’s controversial final episode.
