Words of Mine

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Would The Sopranos actually be as big as it is if it had been released today?

As a big fan, honestly speaking, I don’t think so. Even though the HBO classic has become a trending scene amongst youth today, it’s only for cultural purposes. The same *cultural snobbery* of the now trending vintage football jerseys amongst those with little to no football interests but are desperate for a fashion statement and a cultural belonging. In other words, if you remove the “prestigiousness“ factor from The Sopranos, Pulp Fiction or football jerseys now, the desperate majority wouldn't be embracing it as much. Not for its content without the labels at least.

The Sopranos is slow paced for today‘s general audience and generation. I’m not a cinema/film expert or critic but as an observationalist, I notice our increasing attraction towards *high contrasts* in life consumptions generally. In terms of films and series I think today‘s demand and success is in how much character-development is offered within the plot or the frequency of plot-twists. The higher the contrast in a characters development, the quicker the pace of events and the higher the frequency of plot twists the more successful the motion picture is.

A physically sick, financially broke, very upright chemistry teacher unfolding unto to a millionaire, terrorist, drug lord is a damn good formula.

Or a constant dynamic shift between villains and heroes and who’s which? where characters evolve based on events or moral dilemmas in a war for thrones.. is also a pretty successful formula.

Do not get me wrong, Sopranos enjoys a lot of character development along its 6 seasons.

Characters flourish throughout the seasons and the show cuts slowly deeper in their personalities. We see Bobby’s transformation from the low ranks, non-threatening sweet figure to his rise and becoming one of Tony’s main men. We also get to know about his train collection and hobby. Things intimate like this are what gets you living inside the plot. But still the adrenaline rush is not enough for today’s dopamine demand if you ask me. Unless you take the time to really appreciate the art work.

In resembling words, The Sopranos is like The Godfather, it’s a steak not a burger. One takes time in preparation and a lot more chewing for a lot less flavours and minimal ingredients, and the other is a fast food made to be craved. But even if the masses now go for the burgers, with triple sauces, seven toppings, on the go or on the couch, while watching Netflix or Youtube—more options, more consumption, more dopamine—a steak is still a steak. You get what I mean?

That said, we are fortunate HBO released The Sopranos in a steak savouring time.