Summary
The Godfatherdirector Francis Ford Coppola shares a glowing review forThe Sopranos. Widely considered one of the greatest directors of all time, Coppola’s status was cemented withThe Godfatherin 1972, which is widely considered one of the greatest and most influential films ever made that also revolutionized the gangster genre.The Sopranos, similarly, premiered in 1999 and is considered one of the greatest and most influential television series of all time that also had a profound effect on the gangster genre.
During a recent interview withRolling Stoneahead of the theatrical release ofMegalopolis,Coppola shared a glowing review forThe Sopranos, calling it “incredible.” Coppola notes that creator David Chase originally wanted to be a filmmaker, and incorporated many cinematic techniques into the show and by doing so, elevated the art form to a level that rivals or even surpasses cinema, an achievement that Coppola finds remarkable. Read his full review below:
The Sopranosis incredible. [David Chase] wanted to be a moviemaker, and you’re able to see all of these cinematic influences in the show. And then he raised television storytelling to the level of movies, and maybe surpassed them. It’s kind of amazing.
How The Godfather Influenced The Sopranos
As Coppola notes,The Sopranoscreator David Chase originally wanted to be a filmmaker, and was particularlyinfluenced byclassic gangster moviessuch asThe Public Enemy, but alsoThe Godfather.The Sopranos, in addition to being considered one of the greatest and most influential television series of all time, is also credited with kickstarting the Golden Age of Television or prestige television which – with sophisticated storytelling, complex characters, and high-production values – aims to deliver the cinematic quality expected from feature films.
The Godfatheralso significantly influencedThe Sopranosin its portrayal of organized crime, particularly its exploration of family dynamics and the complexities of loyalty within a criminal organization. Both works delve into the duality of their protagonists, Michael Corleone and Tony Soprano, men who are ruthless criminals but also caring family men. This tension between a criminal life and the desire for normal family life is deeply rooted inThe GodfatherandThe Sopranos, where the protagonists' descent into crime is paralleled by their efforts to protect their families.
Every The Sopranos Scene That Copies The Godfather Movies
The Sopranos' characters regularly referenced The Godfather movies in conversation, and the show made several visual references to the movies too.
The Sopranostakes the mythology established byThe Godfathermovies– of the mafia as a romanticized, almost noble institution – and builds on it,but also deconstructs it by exploring the day-to-day reality of life within a crime family. WhileThe Godfatherpresents the Corleone family with a sense of grandeur – emphasizing themes of honor, loyalty, and the tragic downfall of a powerful dynasty –The Sopranosstrips away this veneer to reveal the mundane and often petty aspects of mob life. Tony and his crew are portrayed not as larger-than-life figures, but as flawed everyday men who happen to be criminals.
In doing so,The Sopranosdelves deep into the insecurities, neuroses, and dysfunctions of its titular mob boss,presenting a much more grounded and humanized view of the mafia that contrasts sharply with the epic, almost Shakespearean tone ofThe Godfather. Tony’s struggles with depression and anxiety further deconstruct the myth, highlighting the psychological toll of leading a criminal life thatThe Godfatheronly hints at in Michael Corleone’s eventual alienation. Overall,The Godfatherhad a profound impact on shapingThe Sopranos, not just in its portrayal of the mafia, but as a complex exploration of identity, power, and morality.
The Sopranos
Cast
The Sopranos follows New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano as he navigates the challenges of managing his family and criminal enterprise. He seeks guidance from psychiatrist Jennifer Melfi while dealing with complex dynamics involving his wife Carmela, cousin Christopher Moltisanti, and other Mafia associates. Released in 1999, this series delves into organized crime and personal struggles.
The Godfather
The Godfather chronicles the Italian-American Corleone crime family from 1945 to 1955. Following an assassination attempt on family patriarch Vito Corleone, his youngest son Michael emerges to orchestrate a brutal campaign of retribution, cementing his role in the family’s illicit empire.
