Movies - TV
The Sopranos Had One Unbreakable Rule For Filming Tony's Therapy Scenes
By FATEMEH MIRJALILI
Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) of "The Sopranos" is a ruthless, unapologetic criminal who tortures, murders, and extorts people for his own thoughtless reasons, but he is also willing to go to therapy. Tony might ruthlessly execute his victims and then go home as if nothing happened, yet, somehow, he is vulnerable enough to sit down and take professional advice for his mental health.
There was only one rule showrunner David Chase asked the crew to follow throughout the filming of the therapy scenes — the camera was not allowed to move. "We wouldn't do any dolly push-ins on somebody's face as they're really getting into what they really mean. I said, 'No, that's just not the way therapy is,'" explained Chase.
Every minute and piece of dialogue was critical, and Chase wanted to ensure that it translated through the camerawork. While the series is teeming with violence and illegal activities, Tony Soprano's therapy sessions gave viewers the opportunity to engage with and see through the many personalities that came together to create television's favorite antihero.