Although Gandolfini enjoyed scene-stealing turns as a character actor both before and actor his breakout, it was his impassioned and transcendent turn as patriarch and mob boss Tony Soprano in HBO’s groundbreaking The Sopranos that led him to near-universal acclaim, if not stardom.

Remarkably, Gandolfini got only three Emmys for his work as the troubled gangster-cum-family man, but was an integral part of the program that is known not only for solidifying HBO’s place in the realm of important television, but also for solidifying televisions place in the realm of art.

His body of work and legacy aside, James Gandolfini seemed like a true artist when he played Tony Soprano, and any revisiting of his work before that would indicate it was a passion he carried regardless of his success. He’s gone, but he died in Italy at a film festival, which is a far more dignified end than many of his characters received. He will be missed.

Goodbye and thank you, James!

The show is based on a BBC series of the same name which offers up a criminal case, then follows several different characters as they negotiate the legal system. Oh jeez. I hope it’s more interesting than it sounds.

Tony James would play a “disheveled jailhouse lawyer,” and possibly one that walks around in his robe and slippers, offering nothing more than general grunts as he swigs orange juice from the carton and indulges in chilled lunch meats mere minutes after waking up at 11 AM.

The story follows a kid who is sent to live with his uncle and extended family to Brooklyn, and is forced to confront how real shit can get on the streets. The film will premiere early next year and will probably not feature:

• A close associate’s head getting chopped off
• A junkie sitting on a dog
• A man getting gunned down in a model train store
• The Bada-Bing!
• Old ladies being choked in their retirement homes
• Mustang Sally
• People getting curbed
• Massive Genius
• Who-ers
• Native Americans feuding with Italians on Columbus Day

Anyway, here’s our first look at the movie. It’s not known whether this is a set photo or an “official” still, but to me it definitely looks a lot more polished and cinematic than your average set photo. You can see the larger version below and see if you agree. (The Playlist)

“Liotta will play Mark ‘Markie’ Trattman, the unfortunate hustler who runs the game in a motel room and finds things only going downhill from there.”

Between Henry Hill and Tony Soprano, this is shaping up to be a new gangster classic. Maybe they can get some Vanilla Ice on the soundtrack! (via The Hollywood Reporter)

Curatola will play a man recently released from prison who seeks revenge on those who sent him there. Does that mean he masterminds the mafia card game heist that the film is centered around? Or is he a red herring?

Nevertheless, this double-dose of casting doesn’t dispel any comparisons that have already been made between Cogan’s Trade and “The Sopranos.” Dominik isn’t looking very far to find wiseguys for the film. He shouldn’t be too surprised if he spots Steve Schirripa walking by his house repeatedly with a rented dog. (THR)

“Brad brings a funny, wry intelligence to his role as a composer / music producer,” says Chase.

“Brad looks like Frankenstein f*&^ed Ben Savage,” says Lampanelli.

Wow. She really is the Queen of Mean. (via ComingSoon)

Soprano

Lampanelli recently revealed on The Howard Stern Show that she was cast as the David Chase character’s mom, perhaps somewhere between a joke about black people loving food stamps and her explanation for why it’s okay for her to make jokes about black people loving food stamps. Rumored to be called The Twylight Zones, we hear that it’s about guys who form a rock band in the 60s, and discover the 60s music revolution. It’s a story that’s never been told before. Oh wait, the exact opposite of that last sentence is true.

Still, if it’s “The Sopranos” meets Almost Famous, I’m there. And I’d better be there, if I don’t want a visit from any “waste management consultants.” (/Film)

Anyway, Chase has hired Gandolfini to star in Twylight Zones, a film that will test the actor’s range by forcing him to play an Italian-American father in New Jersey. His character’s son will have an infatuation with rock music that drives Gandolfini cuh-razy. More broadly, the movie will focus on the musical renaissance of the 1960′s, during which The Beatles showed a generation how to wear cardigans and rock side-to-side with giant smiles.

It’s shaping up to be a busy year for Gandolfini, who also has irons in the fire with Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close with Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock, and Cogan’s Trade starring an up-and-comer named Brad Pitt. It’s an A-list year for Mr. Gandolfini. He’s also got a 6-week theatrical run and an HBO movie up next, so if he wasn’t able to pencil you in for dinner plans, it’s cause he really is totally booked up. The guy who played Artie Bucco is available, but you’ll have to pay for his meal. (Deadline)

_{James want.}

The trailer for Welcome to the Rileys, starring James Gandolfini, Melissa Leo, and Kristen Stewart, has been released. The film is directed by Jake Scott, son of well-known indie director Ridley Scott. It’s about a couple driven apart by the death of their daughter who are brought back together when they meet a troubled young woman. Why is she troubled? She’s an underage stripper. Schwing! But seriously, you guys, this is serious material.

The film premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival to so-so reviews, which doesn’t psych me up to see it. If those art house cinefiles waiting outside in below freezing temperatures didn’t fan their wool beanies with glee as the credits rolled, I probably won’t enjoy it. Also, the thought of Kristen Stewart frowning in another movie makes my cerebellum ache. Also, I’m jealous I didn’t get to go to Sundance.

Welcome to the Rileys hits theaters November 5, 2010.

Check out the trailer after the jump.

Welcome to the Rileys Trailer – Watch more Movie Trailers