Movies

James Gandolfini (and Tony Soprano) would have hated this biography

BBG News

James Gandolfini became widely recognized for his portrayal of one character: Tony Soprano, the burly New Jersey gangster who was central to the hit HBO series “The Sopranos.” However, Jason Bailey’s appreciation for Gandolfini’s acting talents started earlier, specifically when he watched the 1993 crime film “True Romance.” Directed by Tony Scott and penned by an up-and-coming writer named Quentin Tarantino, this movie presented Gandolfini in a brief but impactful role as Virgil, a tough guy who assaults Patricia Arquette’s character, Alabama.

In his new biography titled “Gandolfini,” author Bailey was intrigued by what he later referred to as the “contrasting elements” within the actor. While Gandolfini portrayed a character like Virgil, who was known for being violent and terrifying, Bailey noted that there was something unique about his performance that went beyond the typical depiction of a villain. He pointed out that amidst an otherwise brutal scene, Gandolfini managed to inject moments of humor and quirkiness. This ability to convey subtle nuances and incongruities in such a short screen time, according to Bailey, is a mark of a truly exceptional actor. It was this specific scene, this performance, and this actor that left an indelible impression, one that the audience walked into the theater unaware of.

Without a doubt, everyone quickly became aware of him after the series premiered. “The Sopranos,” which debuted in January 1999, was an instant cultural sensation, offering a Mafia narrative that boasted exceptional character development and storytelling prowess. This television show marked the beginning of a new Golden Age in television. Gandolfini, who passed away from a heart attack in 2013 at the age of 51, was the emotional core of the series, portraying a brutal killer with a hot temper and melancholic eyes. Distinguishing Gandolfini, the actor, from Tony Soprano might seem as challenging as separating Carroll O’Connor from Archie Bunker or Mary Tyler Moore from Mary Richards. The internal struggle between Gandolfini and Tony, both character and performer, was a constant challenge for the star.

In the new book written by Bailey, who has previously delved into topics like “Pulp Fiction” and Richard Pryor, it is the iconic series “The Sopranos” that serves as a significant draw for readers. The biography dedicates substantial attention and space to this very show. In conducting interviews, Bailey spoke with cast members such as Edie Falco, Steven Van Zandt, Vincent Pastore, and Robert Iler. Each of them expressed deep affection for Gandolfini, but they also candidly acknowledged that his personal struggles, particularly his alcoholism, could create challenges on set (Gandolfini’s absences and non-attendances often disrupted production schedules significantly).

However, apart from portraying a tough guy, Bailey wished to reveal another aspect of Gandolfini: a dedicated, meticulous actor who was concerned about memorizing lines and pursued roles that challenged his image. For Bailey, the film “Enough Said” (2013), directed by Nicole Holofcener, encapsulated this best. This romantic comedy starring Gandolfini alongside Julia Louis-Dreyfus showcased a character, Albert, who many people interviewed found remarkably similar to the true nature of Gandolfini.

Awards

Terence Winter reflects on writing his Emmy-winning “Sopranos” episode in which Adriana is killed.

Bailey remarked, “He came closest to portraying his true self on screen as ‘Jim.’ He was like a bearded hippie, jovial and full of heart, wearing Birkenstocks. His performance is endearing, showcasing his versatility. There’s no character more different from Tony Soprano than Albert in ‘Enough Said.’ It’s poignant that it took him his entire life to feel comfortable revealing so much of himself through a role. The sadness of losing him when we did is truly reflected in this.

In an ironic twist, some of Gandolfini’s decisions led to humorous situations. Despite feeling uncomfortable with the role, Gandolfini agreed to play “Sammy the Bull” Gravano in the 1996 HBO movie “Gotti.” However, at the last moment, he decided to withdraw from the project. Interestingly, he didn’t want to continue portraying Mafia characters (first instance of irony), which angered executive producer Gary Lucchesi. As Bailey reports, Lucchesi threatened to prevent Gandolfini from working in the film industry ever again and vowed that he would never work for HBO again (second instance of irony).

In the book, Gandolfini is portrayed as someone who could flare up quickly and be unpredictable, yet the majority of those who worked with him recall a very generous individual. He was known to frequently foot the bill for gatherings and extravagant dinners for his “Sopranos” colleagues. Moreover, he had a knack for offering thoughtful compliments at just the right moments. As Drea de Matteo, who played Adriana on “The Sopranos”, put it to Bailey, “He was a big, affectionate man – a loving, gigantic, incredibly talented individual.

He didn’t relish the idea of hearing that. He was capable of offering praises, yet he usually lacked the confidence to accept them. Finally, Bailey allowed Iler, who portrayed Tony Jr., to have the final say on the matter. “I regret to inform you,” Iler said to Bailey, “that he’d likely despise your book. This is due to the fact that everyone will be overly kind in it, and we’ll talk a lot about how much we adore him and how amazing he is. He’s fuming right now.

Television

When ‘The Sopranos’ debuted on HBO in January 1999, critics initially viewed it as just another show. However, the fifth episode, titled ‘College,’ significantly altered the course of American television history.

Read More

2025-04-28 22:32

Previous post Stacey Solomon Breaks Down Sharing Heartbreaking Update on Dog Teddy’s Shocking Diagnosis
Next post Strictly Star John Whaite Claims Waitrose Removed His Recipes After Joining OnlyFans