A new documentary about The Sopranos is a must-watch for fans of the iconic crime series.
'Wise Guy: David Chase and the Sopranos' is a two-part documentary, smartly centred around a reconstruction of the psychiatrist's office where Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) and Dr Jennifer Melfi (Lorraine Bracco) met for therapy sessions.
Documentary-maker Alex Gibney sits down with David Chase, and the candid conversation they share about the creation of the show will be fascinating to fans.
It starts with an almost stream of consciousness look at the background of Chase and how he came to create the famous characters.
We learn that Tony, the ultimate anti-hero, was partly drawn from the character complexities of his creator.
Chase's own difficult relationship with his mother is definitely reflected in Tony and Livia Soprano, portrayed by the late Nancy Marchand, who Chase speaks very fondly of.
The second episode really delves into iconic episodes from The Sopranos, including University, Pine Barrens and Made in America (the divisive series finale).
The scenery of New Jersey, where fans are given a reminder of iconic moments from the show, is also explored, while Chase also reflects on the impact The Sopranos had on viewers.
The documentary includes interviews with stars of the show, including Michael Imperioli, Drea de Matteo, Lorraine Bracco, Steven Van Zandt and Edie Falco.
Behind the scenes footage from filming adds to the nostalgia of the documentary, along with audition tapes.
Older interviews with the late Tony Sirico (Paulie Gualtieri) and Gandolfini are also used well over the course of the two episodes.
It's not all easy viewing, as difficulties with Chase and his writers are a big theme, while the documentary looks at Gandolfini's struggles with addiction and the limelight of being behind one of the most famous TV characters of all time.
In a way, it's also a tribute to him, as his friends reminisce fondly about the positive impact he made on them.
Brief footage from Chase's eulogy at Gandolfini's funeral captures how those behind the show became family.
Taking a look behind the curtain of one of the most popular TV shows of all time could have easily gone wrong, but for the most part, this documentary gets it right.
Wise Guy: David Chase and the Sopranos is available to watch on NOW TV.
