The Impact of “Woke Up This Morning” from *The Sopranos*
If you’re a fan of *The Sopranos*—and I’m guessing many of you are—you probably recognize the show’s iconic theme song, “Woke Up This Morning.” This track, a significant point in the career of Alabama 3, feels raw—more rock than traditional rock and roll. The lyrics hint at its blues roots: “Wake up this morning/Grab a gun/Your mama always said/You’ll be the chosen one.” It’s intriguing how a simple line like “I woke up this morning” sets the stage for countless blues songs, right? Plus, isn’t the moment when Bruce had a baby memorable? And for those who appreciate classics, Muddy Waters’ “Mannish Boy” gives us lines like, “Now, when I was a boy / at the age of five / my mother said / that I would / be the greatest man alive.”
David Chase, the creator behind *The Sopranos*, has only directed one feature film up to now. This film, which touches on themes of guns and gangs, is set in Tony Soprano’s New Jersey—near the very town where Tony ran his business. Released in 2012, this movie is deeply personal for Chase and arguably the most autobiographical work he’s done. It’s both tender and tough, exploring the heartache of feeling inadequate in achieving your goals.
Before its release, I had a glimpse into this film’s world. One of the filming spots was the Lafayette Theater in Suffern, New York, on the edge of Jersey. A good friend of mine managed it during the shooting, so I found myself there quite often. On weekends, he showcased classic films like *Anatomy of a Murder* and *The Ten Commandments* on a grand screen while the enchanting Wurlitzer organ played in the background. During *Won’t Disappear*, they even featured the classic Corman and Vincent Price film *Pit and Pendulum*. The story is narrated by a female voice that reminisces about her brother and his friends starting a band—like countless others you’ve probably never heard of. The character Douglas Damiano, skillfully portrayed by John Magaro, embodies a mix of confidence and uncertainty as he navigates his musical journey.
Doug’s father, played by the brilliant James Gandolfini, struggles to connect with this new wave of creativity. He often lounges around making dismissive remarks about the world, escalating tension when Doug grows his hair and contemplates skipping college. Their neighbors, the Dietze family—led by the conservative Jack, portrayed by Christopher McDonald—bring an added layer of complexity. Jack has two daughters, intrigued by the “liberations” of their generation, and there are entanglements and awakenings awaiting them all. In a small basement turned practice room, Doug discovers that he may have the best voice in the group, which sparks a shift from behind the drums to the forefront.
It’s a pivotal time for Doug, especially regarding his relationships with the Dietz sisters—Grace, the gentle and thoughtful one played by Bella Heathcote, and her more daring sister Joy. Growing up for Doug involves more than just romance; there are awkward moments and shared experiences, like communal smoking, that add humor and depth to their teenage lives.
Notably, The Rolling Stones’ “Time Is on My Side” plays early in the film. However, time seems to be something Doug and his band struggle with. After a practice session, they find themselves puzzled by Antonioni’s film, *Explosion*. Doug’s frustration is palpable as he exclaims, “What kind of movie is this? Nothing happens!” Grace’s witty retort that “trees are music” highlights how smart girls are often written, a nod to the real-life brilliance of women too. Doug and his friends have just nailed a cover of *Rolling and Tambourine*, inspired by *Sergeant Pepper*. The original songs they create, including “The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre,” penned by Little Steven Van Zandt, showcase their potential as musicians.
This film climaxes with a heartfelt realization for Doug as he faces the unavoidable reality of growing up, which for him feels synonymous with abandoning dreams rather than reshaping them. A dinner scene where Gandolfini confronts his son is some of his finest acting. Moreover, Brad Garrett, usually remembered for his comedic roles, delivers a poignant performance as Jerry Lagovoy, who educates Doug about the challenges of being taken seriously in the music scene.
If you haven’t had the chance to see this remarkable film, I won’t spoil any surprises. Julia Garner’s cameo, brief as it may be, leaves you wondering about the paths not taken. Doug’s sister poses a question that still resonates. *Won’t Disappear* is currently available on Criterion Channel, and the newly released black-and-white cut adds a timeless quality to the film. It leaves me hoping that Chase might one day dive back into feature filmmaking while also standing as a subtle masterpiece worth revisiting—a reflection of the echoing drumbeat that punctuates the title song.
