The Evolution of Mob Portrayals in Cinema
Historically, the characterization of mobsters in movies and television has leaned heavily towards the archetype of the ruthless, heartless criminal. This archetypical portrayal is derived from the realities of organized crime, but its representation on-screen has often lacked nuance and depth. Films from the early 20th century up to the late 80s, while thrilling, largely painted a black-and-white picture of mob life.
Films like “Little Caesar” (1931) and “Scarface” (1932) showcased the rise and inevitable fall of their protagonist mobsters. These were men who were, to their core, synonymous with crime and greed. They were figures to be both admired and reviled, but not deeply understood.
Enter the 1970s, a transformative period for cinema. The New Hollywood era began to push boundaries, and the mobster genre was no exception. Films like “The Godfather” (1972) began a revolution. This movie, in particular, introduced us to the complexities of the Corleone family, where honor, family, and duty played as significant a role as crime. Still, while we saw inklings of depth and complexity, mobsters remained, at their heart, figures to be feared. There’s no denying the influence of screenwriting tips of the era, which emphasized the importance of clear heroes and villains, on these portrayals.
Then, in 1999, the television landscape was forever changed with the arrival of “The Sopranos“. David Chase, its creator, aimed not just to show the world of organized crime but to deeply explore the individuals within it. The show wasn’t content with painting its characters with broad strokes. Instead, it delved into the psyches of these individuals, showcasing their vulnerabilities, fears, desires, and, most importantly, their humanity.
Where did this shift come from? One can argue that this evolution was a reflection of society’s broader move towards embracing gray areas, both in media and in our understanding of the human psyche. In an era of psychoanalysis and self-exploration, society was beginning to recognize that people aren’t simply products of their actions but are deeply influenced by their backgrounds, traumas, and experiences.
Let’s focus for a moment on Tony Soprano, the show’s protagonist. On the surface, he’s a mob boss responsible for numerous heinous acts. Yet, the show kicks off with him in therapy, grappling with panic attacks. This was a stark departure from previous mob portrayals. While there was a danger of romanticizing crime through this approach, “The Sopranos” sidestepped that pitfall by ensuring that the portrayal remained raw, real, and, often, brutally introspective.
Using screenwriting tips, the writers delved into the intricacies of character development, ensuring that each mobster wasn’t defined solely by their allegiance to the mob. For instance, Paulie’s superstitions, Carmela’s struggle with her faith versus her love for Tony, and Christopher’s aspirations to be a screenwriter added layers to these characters, making them more relatable.
Another crucial shift was in showcasing the mundane alongside the macabre. Scenes of violent collections were juxtaposed with family dinners and discussions about ducks in Tony’s pool. This technique is a masterclass in screenwriting. By showcasing the everyday lives of these mobsters, writers humanized them, making viewers question their previously held stereotypes about the mob world.
Deconstructing ‘The Sopranos’ Through Screenplay Structure
When diving deep into any compelling narrative, particularly one as intricate as “The Sopranos”, understanding the foundation is essential. That foundation is, at its heart, the screenplay structure. For writers, mastering screenplay structure is a critical step in the process of writing a screenplay. By analyzing the structure of “The Sopranos”, we can uncover the storytelling techniques that made the show revolutionary.
First, it’s beneficial to understand the quintessential three-act structure commonly employed in film and television. This structure, originating from Aristotle’s Poetics, typically involves a setup (Act 1), confrontation (Act 2), and resolution (Act 3). While the length and scope of a series like “The Sopranos” would seemingly challenge this classical mold, a closer look reveals the show’s adherence to this foundational architecture.
Act 1: The Setup
From the pilot episode, “The Sopranos” immediately establishes its world and characters. Tony Soprano is introduced not as a ruthless mob boss, but as a man suffering from panic attacks, seeking therapy. This fresh perspective on a mobster’s life serves as a brilliant hook, drawing audiences in. Characters like Carmela, Dr. Melfi, Christopher, and Uncle Junior are also introduced with their specific dynamics and conflicts relative to Tony. These early episodes lay the groundwork for the intricate web of relationships that would be explored in depth as the series progressed.
Act 2: Confrontation
The majority of the series can be viewed as Act 2. Here, we see characters facing external threats, such as rival mob factions, law enforcement, and internal conflicts. Tony’s relationships with his family, both biological and crime, undergo severe tests. It’s not just about mob politics; it’s about Tony’s mother’s possible involvement in a hit on him, Christopher’s drug addiction, Carmela’s moral quandaries, and so much more.
Episodic narratives within the series often also adhere to this three-act structure. Take the episode “Pine Barrens” for instance. Paulie and Christopher’s mishap with a Russian mobster starts as a simple collection (Act 1), spirals into a survival story in the snow-clad woods (Act 2), and concludes with the two barely escaping, with the Russian’s fate left ambiguous (Act 3).
Act 3: Resolution
The final episodes of the series tie up several narrative threads. Relationships reach their inevitable conclusions – be it tragic, hopeful, or ambiguous. The looming threat of law enforcement closes in, allegiances shift, and characters we’ve grown attached to meet their fates. The series finale, “Made in America“, is a masterclass in tension, with a resolution that is still hotly debated today.
Pivotal moments in the series act as turning points that deeply humanize these characters. For instance, the episode “Whitecaps” sees Tony and Carmela’s marital struggles culminate in a heartbreaking confrontation. Their raw emotions during this argument are a testament to the show’s commitment to delving beneath the surface of mob life, exploring universal themes of love, trust, and betrayal.
Another tool at the show’s disposal to achieve such depth of character exploration is the use of writing prompts. These prompts, often situations or challenges placed before a character, are used to dissect their psyche. For instance, a prompt like: “What would happen if a mobster started seeing a therapist?” allows writers to peel back layers, revealing insecurities, fears, and ambitions. Such prompts could be valuable inspirations for writers in other genres, emphasizing the power of “what if” in narrative creation.
It’s also worth noting how “The Sopranos” leveraged subplots to enrich its primary narrative. While Tony’s therapy with Dr. Melfi was a central theme, subplots like Uncle Junior’s deteriorating mental health or Adriana’s relationship with the FBI provided multiple lenses through which to view this mob world. These subplots, carefully woven into the primary narrative, gave writers ample opportunities to delve deep into character psychologies, ensuring that no character felt one-dimensional.
Building Relatable Antagonists: Writing Tips from ‘The Sopranos’
Crafting a character that is both an antagonist in their world and yet relatable to the audience is no mean feat. The layers of complexity required can easily veer into the territory of caricature or melodrama if not handled deftly. “The Sopranos”, with its rich tapestry of characters who often played dual roles as both protagonist and antagonist, offers a masterclass in this delicate balancing act. By studying the show, writers can garner valuable writing tips to enhance their narratives, particularly when dealing with morally complex characters.
1. The Balance of Brutality and Vulnerability
At the heart of “The Sopranos” lies Tony Soprano, a character both brutish and vulnerable. It would have been easy to portray him as a stoic mob boss, hardened by the life he leads. But creator David Chase and his team took a different route. They showed Tony’s vulnerabilities, his mental health struggles, his love for animals, and his moments of introspection. In the pilot episode, for instance, we see Tony moved to tears by a family of ducks in his pool. This dichotomy between his violent actions and his softer moments makes Tony a paradox that viewers couldn’t help but be drawn to.
Tip: To make an antagonist relatable, explore their vulnerabilities. Show moments of introspection, fear, love, or any emotion that contrasts their antagonistic actions.
2. Understanding Their Motivations
Every character in “The Sopranos”, regardless of their moral compass, has motivations that drive them. These motivations aren’t always noble, but they’re deeply human. Carmela, for instance, struggles with the moral implications of her lifestyle, yet her motivation to provide a stable life for her children keeps her tethered to Tony. Christopher’s motivation to find respect and validation often leads him down dark paths.
Tip: Ensure that your characters’ motivations are clear and relatable. Even if their actions are questionable, if their motivations resonate with the audience, they become more understandable.
3. Complex Relationships
The mob world of “The Sopranos” is undoubtedly fraught with danger, but it’s the intricate relationships that truly enrich the narrative. Tony’s relationship with his therapist, Dr. Melfi, is a dance of power dynamics, trust, and mutual exploration. His bonds with his family, both biological and within the mob, oscillate between love, duty, betrayal, and mistrust.
Tip: Develop relationships that challenge and explore various facets of your antagonist. Through these relationships, showcase their depth, making them more than just a one-dimensional foe.
4. Flashes of Humanity
One of the standout moments in the series is when Tony tries to guide a young woman away from a life of crime. His genuine concern for her, despite being a stranger, offers a brief but powerful glimpse into his humanity. Similarly, moments where mobsters engage in everyday activities, like attending a BBQ or celebrating a birthday, remind viewers that these characters, despite their actions, are intrinsically human.
Tip: Introduce moments where your antagonist displays unexpected kindness, concern, or mundane humanity. These flashes, even if brief, can significantly humanize a character.
5. Morality Isn’t Black and White
“The Sopranos” thrives in the gray areas of morality. Characters, even those outside the mob, grapple with moral dilemmas, showcasing that the line between right and wrong is often blurred. Dr. Melfi, for instance, despite her ethical obligations, is constantly torn about her association with Tony.
Tip: Challenge the audience’s perception of morality. Place your characters in situations where the ‘right’ choice isn’t clear-cut, allowing for introspection and debate.
6. Evolution and Regression
Characters in “The Sopranos” are not static. They evolve, learn, make mistakes, and often regress. Tony’s journey through therapy is a testament to this, as he oscillates between moments of clarity and denial. This dynamic nature of characters ensures they remain unpredictable and engaging.
Tip: Allow your characters to grow, but also permit them their flaws. This dynamic evolution makes them relatable and mirrors the unpredictability of real-life individuals.
Drawing inspiration from “The Sopranos” offers invaluable insights for writers, especially when dealing with characters that walk the moral tightrope. The beauty of the show lies in its ability to humanize its mobster characters without glorifying their actions. This delicate balance, achieved through careful character development, relationship exploration, and a deep understanding of human motivations, serves as a blueprint for writers looking to achieve similar depth when writing a screenplay. Embracing these writing tips can transform a narrative, ensuring that even antagonists resonate deeply with an audience, reminding us all of the intricate tapestry of humanity that binds us together.
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A.I. in Screen Trade 