The two-part documentary, WISE GUY David Chase and The Sopranos, premieres on HBO on Saturday evening, with a look at the life and career of creator and writer David Chase, with a particular focus on his iconic series, The Sopranos.
The documentary is directed by acclaimed filmmaker Alex Gibney, who journeys into the psyche of David Chase, looking at his creative process and the intimate connections between his life and his groundbreaking work.
In Part One, airing at 8:00 PM, audiences will learn about David Chase’s early life in New Jersey, his fascination with filmmaking, and his entry into television writing in Los Angeles. After a successful career as a network TV writer, Chase decided to pursue a personal project about his mother, which evolved into “The Sopranos.”
The documentary highlights the challenges Chase faced in getting the series picked up by major networks and his eventual success with HBO. The episode also looks into the casting process, including the choices of Lorraine Bracco as Dr. Melfi and Steven Van Zandt, a musician with no prior acting experience, in a pivotal role. The unconventional show, with an anti-hero lead character, became a cultural sensation.
Part Two, airing at 9:20 PM, continues the exploration of David Chase’s creative process and the impact of his personal experiences on the characters and storylines. The episode includes reflections on the late James Gandolfini, who portrayed Tony Soprano, with cast members sharing memories of his genius, generosity, and struggles with fame. Chase also discusses the challenges of crafting 13-episode arcs and balancing the dark comedy with the dramatic subject matter.
WISE GUY David Chase and The Sopranos: Part One and Part Two air Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 8:00 PM and 9:20 PM respectively, on HBO.
