RIP James Gandolfini

     One of my favorite actors died a year ago today. I remember pulling over to let it soak in when I saw the notice on my phone as I was driving. The Sopranos will always have a special place in my heart. The show came into my life at a time when I really needed it. I had just started college and didn't have too many friends yet. I had had a great time in high school and was really missing all of my friends back home. I started ordering The Sopranos through Netflix which was primarily a disc based service at the time. I had always appreciated mob movies, and I took to the show naturally.

     Not only was the show one of the best written shows I have ever seen it also had a huge host of characters that were fully realized and believable. The most interesting thing about it, however, was that I found myself relating to the show's main character Tony Soprano. His struggles with depression and anxiety resonated with me and helped me to better understand myself. James Gandolfini had a powerful, commanding presence on screen. He could go from gentle to intimidating at the turn of a dime. You could see so much of what his character was going through or thinking just through the look he had in his eyes.

     Modern television would not be what it is today without The Sopranos. There would be no Walt and Jesse if it weren't for Tony and Christopher. And I wouldn't have the love I have for film without The Sopranos. As sad as I am that we have lost James Gandolfini, I will forever be thankful that I will always have The Sopranos.