Analyze This

Analyze This is a comedy film that premiered in 1999, starring Robert De Niro as a Mafia boss and Billy Crystal as his psychiatrist. The movie was directed by Harold Ramis, known for his work on Ghostbusters and Caddyshack, and produced by Jane Rosenthal and Paula Weinstein, who also worked on Meet the Parents and The Fabulous Baker Boys. The film features a talented cast, including Lisa Kudrow, known for her role as Phoebe Buffay in the popular television show Friends, and Chazz Palminteri, who appeared in A Bronx Tale and The Usual Suspects. The movie's success can be attributed to the chemistry between De Niro and Crystal, who also starred together in Analyze That, the sequel to Analyze This.

Plot

The plot of Analyze This revolves around Paul Vitti (played by Robert De Niro), a powerful Mafia boss who suffers from anxiety attacks and seeks the help of Dr. Ben Sobel (played by Billy Crystal), a psychiatrist. As Vitti's therapy sessions progress, Sobel becomes entangled in Vitti's Mafia dealings, which include interactions with Jelly (played by Joe Viterelli) and Primo (played by Kyle Sabihy). The film's storyline is reminiscent of classic Mafia movies, such as The Godfather and Goodfellas, which were directed by Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese, respectively. The movie also explores the theme of identity, as Vitti struggles to balance his Mafia persona with his desire to seek help and become a better person, much like the characters in The Sopranos, created by David Chase.

Production

The production of Analyze This was a collaborative effort between Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures, with Harold Ramis at the helm as director. The film was written by Kenneth Lonergan, Peter Tolan, and Harold Ramis, who also worked on Stuart Saves His Family and Bedazzled. The movie features a talented cast, including Robert De Niro, who has appeared in a wide range of films, such as Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, and Casino, all directed by Martin Scorsese. The film's cinematography was handled by Stuart Dryburgh, who also worked on The Piano and The Secret of Roan Inish, both directed by Jane Campion.

Cast

The cast of Analyze This includes Robert De Niro as Paul Vitti, Billy Crystal as Dr. Ben Sobel, and Lisa Kudrow as Laura Sobel MacNamara. The film also features Chazz Palminteri as Primo, Joe Viterelli as Jelly, and Kyle Sabihy as Michael. The cast's performances were well-received by critics, with Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times praising the chemistry between De Niro and Crystal. The film's cast has appeared in a wide range of other movies and television shows, including Seinfeld, The Simpsons, and Saturday Night Live, which have featured guests such as Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, and Denzel Washington.

Reception

The reception of Analyze This was generally positive, with critics praising the film's humor and the performances of the cast. The movie holds a rating of 86% on Rotten Tomatoes, with many critics noting the chemistry between Robert De Niro and Billy Crystal. The film was also a commercial success, grossing over $176 million at the box office. The movie's success can be attributed to the talents of its cast and crew, including Harold Ramis, who also directed Groundhog Day and Caddyshack II, and Jane Rosenthal, who produced Meet the Parents and The Aviator, directed by Martin Scorsese.

Themes

The themes of Analyze This include the exploration of identity, loyalty, and the complexities of the human psyche. The film's portrayal of Mafia culture is reminiscent of classic movies such as The Godfather and Goodfellas, which explored the themes of loyalty and identity in the context of organized crime. The movie also touches on the theme of therapy and the importance of seeking help, as Paul Vitti navigates his anxiety attacks and struggles to balance his Mafia persona with his desire to become a better person. The film's themes are also reflected in the works of Sigmund Freud, who wrote extensively on the human psyche and the importance of therapy, and Carl Jung, who explored the concept of identity and the collective unconscious. The movie's exploration of these themes is also similar to that of The Sopranos, which was created by David Chase and explored the complexities of Mafia culture and the human psyche.