David Chase, the creator of hit American television drama series The Sopranos, has signed a deal with cable network HBO for his latest project, a potentially-blockbusting drama, The Falsettos.
Set and produced in New Jersey, the series revolves around mobster Tony Falsetto and the difficulties he faces as he tries to balance the often conflicting requirements of his home life and the criminal organisation he heads. The work is awash with Chase's multi-faceted, symbolism-heavy style of writing, and the series addresses a large number of psychological, philosophical, and political themes and motifs.
Starring British actor Sir Ian McKellen, (best known for his role as Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings trilogy), as dolphin-like Tony, and another Brit Su Pollard (Hi-de-Hi!, You Rang M'Lord?) as his long-suffering wife, the Falsettos peels back the layers on a typical modern-day Mafia family, complete with family fall-outs, arguments over the TV, and, of course, gruesome slayings.
Much of the action takes place in Tony's club/strip joint, the Dada Ding!, where the boss's mob friends hang out, and talk about murders in realistic Italian-American accents.
Chase has already been criticised by some in the industry though, for his distinct lack of originality, and repetitive theme.
One, film critic Marty Bumfluff, said:
"Couldn't he just have made one more series of The Sopranos?"
