Difficult Men: Behind the Scenes of a Creative Revolution: From The Sopranos and The Wire to Mad Men and Breaking Bad

Description

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the landscape of television began an unprecedented transformation. While the networks continued to chase the lowest common denominator, a wave of new shows on cable channels dramatically stretched television’s narrative inventiveness, emotional resonance, and artistic ambition. Combining deep reportage with cultural analysis and historical context, Brett Martin recounts the rise and inner workings of a genre that represents not only a new golden age for TV, but also a cultural watershed. Difficult Men features extensive interviews with all the major players, including David Chase, David Simon, David Milch, and Alan Ball; in addition to other writers, executives, directors and actors. Martin delivers never-before-heard story after story, revealing how cable television became a truly significant and influential part of our culture. Landing Page Title Page Dedication Contents A Timeline for Difficult Men Spoiler Alert Prologue PART I: Previously On One: In This Maligned Medium Two: Which Films? Three: A Great Notion Four: Should We Do This? Can We Do This? PART II: The Beast in He Five: Difficult Men Six: The Arguer Seven: The Magic Hubig’s Eight: Being the Boss Nine: A Big Piece of Equipment Ten: Have a Take. Try Not to Suck PART III: The Inheritors Eleven: Shooting the Dog Twelve: See You at the Emmys Thirteen: The Happiest Room in Hollywood Epilogue Acknowledgments Notes on Sources Index About the Author Copyright