The 2002 sequel to the hit comedy Analyze This was titled Analyze That, continuing the therapeutic journey of mob boss Paul Vitti and his increasingly exasperated psychiatrist, Dr. Ben Sobel. This film, while not achieving the same box office success as its predecessor, offered a fresh, if somewhat unconventional, take on the themes of mental health and criminal behavior, exploring the challenges of adapting to “normal” life after years in the underworld.
Back in Session: The Core of Analyze That
Analyze That picks up with Paul Vitti (Robert De Niro) feigning a mental breakdown in Sing Sing prison. He claims to be singing show tunes incessantly, leaving the prison psychiatrist convinced he’s genuinely lost his mind. However, Dr. Ben Sobel (Billy Crystal), struggling with a mid-life crisis and a struggling practice following his father’s death, is called in to assess Vitti. Believing Vitti is faking, but recognizing the threat the mob boss poses, Sobel reluctantly agrees to take him in. This sets the stage for a chaotic and hilarious attempt at rehabilitating Vitti, this time within the seemingly mundane confines of Sobel’s family life, complete with witness protection and FBI intervention.
The film’s humor stems from the clash between Vitti’s inherently criminal nature and Sobel’s earnest, though often inept, attempts at therapy. The sequel explores the complexities of Vitti’s past trauma, his desire for legitimate purpose, and the ever-present threat of his former associates. Ultimately, Analyze That attempts to answer the question: Can a man like Paul Vitti truly change, or is his fate inextricably tied to the criminal world he knows so well?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Analyze That
This section will address some of the common queries and curiosities surrounding the film Analyze That.
FAQ 1: What is the main plot difference between Analyze This and Analyze That?
While Analyze This primarily focused on the initial stages of Vitti and Sobel’s therapeutic relationship, established against the backdrop of Vitti’s active involvement in mob business, Analyze That shifts the focus to Vitti’s attempts at reintegration into society after his release from prison. He initially claims insanity to get out, but then seeks a legitimate path forward, testing Sobel’s patience and skills in increasingly absurd ways. The first movie was about establishing the dynamic; the sequel is about trying to maintain it in a different environment.
FAQ 2: Did Analyze That receive as positive reviews as Analyze This?
Unfortunately, Analyze That did not garner the same critical acclaim as its predecessor. While many critics acknowledged the comedic chemistry between De Niro and Crystal, the sequel was generally considered to be less original and predictable, suffering from a weaker plot and a reliance on recycled jokes. Analyze This was lauded for its fresh premise; Analyze That was seen by some as simply rehashing the same formula.
FAQ 3: Who are the main characters in Analyze That?
The primary characters remain Paul Vitti (Robert De Niro), the volatile mob boss, and Dr. Ben Sobel (Billy Crystal), his long-suffering psychiatrist. Other key characters include Laura Sobel (Lisa Kudrow), Ben’s wife, who has to cope with Vitti’s presence in their home, and various members of the FBI and Vitti’s former criminal associates who add layers of conflict and humor.
FAQ 4: What kind of therapy does Dr. Sobel use on Paul Vitti?
Dr. Sobel primarily utilizes a combination of psychoanalytic therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). While he attempts to delve into Vitti’s past traumas and unconscious motivations (psychoanalytic), he also tries to equip Vitti with practical coping mechanisms and strategies for managing his anger and impulses (CBT). The effectiveness of these methods, given Vitti’s personality and background, is a recurring source of humor.
FAQ 5: What “legitimate” job does Paul Vitti attempt in Analyze That?
Seeking a new, non-criminal career path, Paul Vitti attempts to become a consultant on the set of a mob-themed television show, Little Wiseguy. This allows for plenty of satirical commentary on the romanticized portrayal of the Mafia in popular culture and provides opportunities for Vitti to impart his “expertise” (often with hilarious and disastrous results).
FAQ 6: How does Laura Sobel react to Vitti being back in their lives?
Laura Sobel’s reaction is one of understandable exasperation and concern. She is initially resistant to the idea of Vitti living with them, fearing for their safety and the impact on their son. However, she eventually develops a degree of reluctant acceptance, appreciating Vitti’s attempts at self-improvement, even if they are often misguided. Her dry wit and sardonic observations about the situation provide a grounded counterpoint to the film’s more outlandish moments.
FAQ 7: Does Vitti relapse into his criminal ways in Analyze That?
While Vitti sincerely attempts to stay on the straight and narrow, his past constantly threatens to pull him back in. He faces temptation from former associates and internal struggles with his ingrained criminal tendencies. The film explores the idea that while genuine change is possible, the allure of the criminal life can be difficult to resist, especially for someone with Vitti’s history.
FAQ 8: What are some of the funniest scenes in Analyze That?
Many viewers find humor in Vitti’s attempts to adapt to “normal” life, such as his awkward interactions with the television show cast and crew, his disastrous attempts at anger management, and his competitive relationship with Ben Sobel. The scenes where Vitti offers “authentic” mob advice to the child actor playing a young wiseguy are particularly memorable, highlighting the absurdity of his situation.
FAQ 9: Is Analyze That a box office success?
Analyze That was considered a moderate box office success, but it did not reach the same levels of commercial success as Analyze This. While it still made a profit, its performance was significantly lower, contributing to the decision not to pursue a third film in the series.
FAQ 10: Why wasn’t there a third Analyze This movie?
The lukewarm reception to Analyze That, coupled with scheduling conflicts of the main actors and perhaps a feeling that the premise had run its course, likely contributed to the absence of a third film. While the chemistry between De Niro and Crystal remained strong, the diminishing returns from the sequel suggested that continuing the series might not be worthwhile.
FAQ 11: Does Analyze That offer any insights into the challenges of mental health treatment?
While primarily a comedy, Analyze That touches upon the challenges of treating individuals with severe personality disorders and histories of trauma. It highlights the difficulty of breaking ingrained patterns of behavior, the importance of building trust between therapist and patient, and the limitations of traditional therapy methods when dealing with complex cases.
FAQ 12: Where can I watch Analyze That?
Analyze That, like Analyze This, is typically available for streaming on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Netflix, depending on your region and subscription status. It can also be rented or purchased digitally from platforms like iTunes, Google Play Movies, and YouTube Movies. Additionally, physical copies of the DVD and Blu-ray are often available for purchase.
The Final Analysis: Is Analyze That Worth Watching?
Despite not reaching the heights of its predecessor, Analyze That offers a humorous and entertaining glimpse into the continued therapeutic journey of Paul Vitti and Dr. Ben Sobel. While the plot may be less original, the comedic chemistry between Robert De Niro and Billy Crystal remains a significant draw. If you enjoyed Analyze This, Analyze That provides a decent continuation of the story, offering more laughs and exploring the challenges of rehabilitation in an unconventional and often absurd way. Just don’t expect it to completely reinvent the genre. It’s a solid sequel, but one that benefits most from the strong foundation laid by the original.