Tagged: Christopher Moltisanti
The Sopranos: Christopher’s Blue Short-Sleeved Nike Tracksuit
Michael Imperioli as Christopher Moltisanti on The Sopranos (Episode 1.02: “46 Long”)
Vitals
Michael Imperioli as Christopher Moltisanti, hotheaded Mafia associate
New Jersey, Fall 1998
Series: The Sopranos
Episodes:
– “46 Long” (Episode 1.02, dir. Dan Attias, aired 1/17/1999)
– “The Legend of Tennessee Moltisanti” (Episode 1.08, dir. Tim Van Patten, aired 2/28/1999)
– “Isabella” (Episode 1.12, dir. Allen Coulter, aired 3/28/1999)
Creator: David Chase
Costume Designer: Juliet Polcsa
Background
Happy birthday to Michael Imperioli, the New York-born actor known for his unforgettable portrayal of Christopher Moltisanti on The Sopranos, racking up an impressive five Emmy nominations and a well-deserved win along the way.
The landmark series aired its first season 25 years ago through early 1999, introducing the world to conflicted New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) balancing the demands of his family… and his Family. The two intersected with Christopher—the ambitious but dangerously impulsive young mobster who caused some of Tony’s biggest headaches as both his nephew and protégé.
From his signature tracksuits to his unpredictable outbursts, Christopher Moltisanti became an integral part of the show’s DNA, adding layers of complexity to the already rich tapestry of The Sopranos‘ universe.
The Sopranos: Christopher’s Black Leather Blazer
Michael Imperioli with Drea de Matteo and Lola Glaudini on The Sopranos (Episode 4.02: “No Show”)
Vitals
Michael Imperioli as Christopher Moltisanti, Jersey mob acting capo
New Jersey, Fall 2002
Series: The Sopranos
Episodes:
– “No Show” (Episode 4.02, dir. John Patterson, aired 9/22/2002)
– “Whoever Did This” (Episode 4.09, dir. Tim Van Patten, aired 11/10/2002)
Creator: David Chase
Costume Designer: Juliet Polcsa
Background
Happy birthday, Michael Imperioli! Born 54 years ago today in Mount Vernon, New York, the actor won an Emmy Award for his role of hotheaded Christopher Moltisanti on HBO’s The Sopranos.
With Paulie Walnuts out of commission while he serves a jail sentence in Youngstown (in fact, actor Tony Sirico was out for the first half of the fourth season due to back surgery), Silvio Dante (Steven Van Zandt) breaks the news to the Soprano family—somewhat begrudgingly—that Christopher has been chosen to temporarily take over as capo of Paulie’s crew.
Christopher Moltisanti’s Black and Red Genelli Tracksuit
Michael Imperioli as Christopher Molitsanti on The Sopranos (Episode 4.05: “Pie-O-My”)
Vitals
Michael Imperioli as Christopher Moltisanti, drug-addled mob soldier
New Jersey, Fall 2002
Series: The Sopranos
Episode: “Pie-O-My” (Episode 4.05)
Air Date: October 13, 2002
Director: Henry J. Bronchtein
Creator: David Chase
Costume Designer: Juliet Polcsa
Background
There are two types of silk suits that mobsters seem to prefer: one can be worn with a tie, and the other is usually worn with sneakers. The latter, also known as a “Bensonhurst tuxedo”, will be featured in today’s Mafia Monday post using an example from—what else?—The Sopranos. Continue reading
The Sopranos: Christopher’s Blue Herringbone “Made Man” Suit
Michael Imperioli as Christopher Molitsanti on The Sopranos (Episode 3.03: “Fortunate Son”).
Vitals
Michael Imperioli as Christopher Moltisanti, newly “made” mob soldier
New Jersey, Fall 2000
Series: The Sopranos
Episode: “Fortunate Son” (Episode 3.03)
Air Date: March 11, 2001
Director: Henry J. Bronchtein
Creator: David Chase
Costume Designer: Juliet Polcsa
Background
This suit had been requested a few weeks ago, and—as both a huge fan of The Sopranos and a kindred spirit of the tragic Christopher Moltisanti character—I was more than pleased to delve a little deeper into the suit and scene where Christopher finally “gets his button” for Mafia Monday. Continue reading
The Sopranos: Christopher’s Red Sport Coat
Michael Imperioli as Christopher Moltisanti in “A Hit is a Hit”, episode 1.10 of The Sopranos.
Vitals
Michael Imperioli as Christopher Moltisanti, Jersey mob associate and aspiring screenwriter
New York City, Spring 1998
Series: The Sopranos
Episodes: “A Hit is a Hit” (Episode 1.10) and “D-Girl” (Episode 2.07)
Air Dates: March 14, 1999 (1.10) and February 27, 2000 (2.07)
Directors: Matthew Penn (1.10) and Allen Coulter (2.07)
Costume Designer: Juliet Polcsa
Background
Although a bit late for this Valentine’s Day (and my self-proclaimed #MafiaMonday), this post explores a creative integration of red into a man’s outfit. While some – and, likely, most – will consider it over-the-top, the character in question isn’t exactly known for his good taste.
For date nights in New York City with Adriana, Chris likes to show off his gangster status by donning his two favorite wardrobe colors: red and black. The pairing of a red sport coat with black trousers and shirt evokes a look made famous by Robert De Niro in Casino. Given Christopher’s obsession with mob movies (and Martin Scorsese), it would make sense that he would choose to mimic an outfit from one of the best-known mob movies sported by the genre’s undisputed maestro. Continue reading
The Sopranos: Christopher’s Black-on-Black in “D-Girl”
Michael Imperioli as Christopher Moltisani in “D-Girl”, Episode 2.07 of The Sopranos (2000).
Vitals
Michael Imperioli as Christopher Moltisanti, New Jersey Mafia associate and aspiring screenwriter
New York City, Fall 2000
Series: The Sopranos
Episode: “D-Girl” (Episode 2.07)
Air Date: February 27, 2000
Director: Allen Coulter
Creator: David Chase
Costume Designer: Juliet Polcsa
Background
“D-Girl” is a turning point episode for Christopher Moltisanti. We had seen previous mentions of his screenwriting aspirations, including a poorly-written script on his Mac in “The Legend of Tennessee Moltisanti”, but “D-Girl” provides his Bugsy moment. Continue reading
The Sopranos: “The Legend of Tennessee Moltisanti” Leather Jacket
Michael Imperioli as Christopher Moltisanti on The Sopranos (Episode 1.08: “The Legend of Tennessee Moltisanti”)
Vitals
Michael Imperioli as Christopher Moltisanti, New Jersey Mafia associate
New Jersey, Fall 1999
Series: The Sopranos
Episode: “The Legend of Tennessee Moltisanti” (Episode 1.08)
Air Date: February 28, 1999
Director: Tim Van Patten
Costume Designer: Juliet Polcsa
Background
“The Legend of Tennessee Moltisanti”, the eighth episode of The Sopranos‘s first season, was a defining moment for the character of Christopher Moltisanti. Up to this point, he had still been more interesting than the standard TV mobster (as all characters on The Sopranos are…), but “Legend” was his—and Imperioli’s—first time to shine. Continue reading
The Sopranos: Christopher’s Bloody Suit in “Full Leather Jacket”
Michael Imperioli as Christopher Moltisanti in “Full Leather Jacket”, the eighth episode of The Sopranos‘ second season.
SPOILER ALERT! Do not continue reading if you haven’t yet watched The Sopranos. Although, granted, I’m pretty terrible about avoiding spoilers so… sorry in advance.
Vitals
Michael Imperioli as Christopher Moltisanti, up-and-coming Mafia associate
Kearny, NJ, Fall 2000
Series: The Sopranos
Episode: “Full Leather Jacket” (Episode 2.08)
Air Date: March 5, 2000
Director: Allen Coulter
Creator: David Chase
Costume Designer: Juliet Polcsa
Background
Some big spoilers here. Don’t read ahead if you haven’t seen the show. Although, honestly, it’ll be pretty tough to avoid since I titled this “Christopher’s bloody suit”. Maybe people just think I’m embracing British culture? Continue reading
The Sopranos: Christopher’s Black Leather Jacket in “Pine Barrens”
Michael Imperioli as Christopher Moltisanti in “Pine Barrens”, the eleventh episode of the third season of The Sopranos.
Vitals
Michael Imperioli as Christopher Moltisanti, recently “made” New Jersey gangster
New Jersey, January 2001
Series: The Sopranos
Episode: “Pine Barrens” (Episode 3.11)
Air Date: May 6, 2001
Director: Steve Buscemi
Creator: David Chase
Costume Designer: Juliet Polcsa
Background
For a series arguably among the greatest shows of our time, it is difficult to pick out which episode of The Sopranos is truly the best. While some episodes are more polarizing than others, most everyone who has seen and appreciated the show can agree that season three’s “Pine Barrens” is one of the most enjoyable and rewatchable episodes of television.
Much of the particular episode’s humor comes from the byplay between Christopher Moltisanti (Michael Imperioli) and Paulie “Walnuts” Gualtieri (Tony Sirico), two of my favorite characters of the show.
The two manage to play a pair of “bumbling” mobsters without being too over-the-top and comical. They’re efficient enough to survive in their jobs (especially in a career where the retirement policy is grim), but believably stupid enough to find themselves in this situation. Continue reading