16 + GUIDE - British Film Institute

SIGHT AND SOUND
vol.11 no.4. April 2001, p.66
Gangster number one, by Rob White
Written to accompany the release of the first series on DVD this article looks at some of the
key episodes in series 1 and offers some insightful arguments for THE SOPRANOS’
phenomenal success.
EMMY
vol.23 no.23. March/April 2001, pp. 60-63
Music and the mob, by Kathleen O’Steen
Alabama Three’s pulsating soundtrack “Woke Up This Morning” has become synonymous
with THE SOPRANOS. This article looks at the use of music in the series, which has been
widely acclaimed in much the same way as the series itself. Unlike many drama series’, the
music used on THE SOPRANOS is not composed specifically for the show. Instead, creator
David Chase, producer Martin Bruestle and music editor for the series Kathryn Dayak choose
a selection of pre-recorded material to underscore the scenes. Chase, Bruestle and Dayak
discuss the process of choosing what tracks to use and why they have steered clear of an
original music score.
CREATIVE SCREENWRITING
vol.8 no.1. January/February 2001, pp.37-39
Soprano success, by Patricia Burkhart-Smith
An interview with SOPRANOS’ creator and writer David Chase discussing his early writing
background on U.S. television shows like THE ROCKFORD FILES, FLY AWAY and NORTHERN
EXPOSURE. Although much of his work has been in television, Chase acknowledges his love
for the movies and his desire to write and direct for the big screen. Burkhart Smith suggests
this ambition has translated itself into what is now the Sopranos style; the concept of utilising
cinematic techniques and aesthetics for production on the small screen.
Chase selects some early TV/film influences that inspired the creation of THE SOPRANOS,
including the popular U.S. series THE UNTOUCHABLES and William Wellman’s THE PUBLIC
ENEMY. Chase claims that what lies at the heart of THE SOPRANOS popularity, especially with
Americans, is what he describes as the “perversion of capitalism”. Chase continues,
“Seeing the scams; the ingeniousness, the brazenness, the sickness of it, is so appealing”.
Chase believes his relationship with HBO has been an important factor in the show’s growing
success, giving him the creative freedom needed to bring THE SOPRANOS to life on the small
screen.
FADE IN
vol.6 no.3. 2001, pp.40-53
Made man: hit after hit, David Chase ushers The Sopranos into the big time, by Audrey
Kelly
Extensive question and answer interview with SOPRANOS creator David Chase who talks
candidly about his work, influences and the success of THE SOPRANOS. Some good issues
are raised, such as, the criticism being leveled at the show for its “stereotypical portrayal of
Italian-Americans” and that it glorifies the gangster lifestyle, all of which Chase refutes. Chase
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