Aaron Sorkin Breaks Down His Career, from 'The West Wing' to 'The Social Network' | Vanity Fair

Aaron Sorkin takes us through his directing career, breaking down television series and films 'A Few Good Men,' 'The West Wing,' 'The American President,' 'The Social Network,' 'The Newsroom,' 'Steve Jobs,' 'Molly's Game,' and 'The Trials of the Chicago 7.'
THE TRIAL OF THE CHICAGO 7 is available exclusively on Netflix, www.netflix.com/thetrialofthe...
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Aaron Sorkin Breaks Down His Career, from 'The West Wing' to 'The Social Network' | Vanity Fair

[@fahsad]

"...and in a stunning anticlimax - me." God, even the way he talks is Sorkin.

[@ArtemisScribe]

And that's why his incredibly distinctive style works. Because you can't say "no one talks like this" because Aaron talks like this. It's unquestionably unique, but it's absolutely beautiful to listen to.

[@breeanaflannery]

I read his West Wing script books. In it he elaborates a bit more on that conversation with Akiva Goldsman that led to The West Wing, and just reading him tell the story is so Sorkiny he even worked baseball references into it.

[@Addcilantro]

@@breeanaflannery what is it called

[@toomanybafoons]

Sorkin...... typical hollywood tool

[@jwl00066]

moral of the story: *_go to more lunch meetings_*

[@M1962677]

...but do your homework first.

[@TheNickHaas]

💯

[@Lolalai]

Exactly, I was thinking the same thing too. And also, get a good agent

[@Naaajus123]

This man is a living legend, his command of language is insane, can't wait for his future projects

[@electrojones]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWibg62Qp5h8ras&ab_channel=KevinT.Porter

[@glassstooth]

"We snuck down to the basement for a - um - a ..cigarette"

[@swinkmibby]

CRACK

[@ipadmcgee852]

Impressed by his candour on the Newsroom. Seems like a guy who never stops learning and self evaluating despite his success.

[@idesmarch1]

He's so spot on tho! I never watched Newsroom because it was exactly like he said! The hit scenes that flooded the internet, made the show seem so heavy handed leftist!

[@jollyhugginggs2584]

"The West Wing happened completely by accident" ... oh, ok only one the best series ever

[@emmal9534]

the best accident ever

[@PatrickTheGreat]

It was until Aaron left the show. I wish he had been able to finish it off himself. I have yet to be able to get through the seasons Aaron wasn’t writing the show.

[@ArtemisScribe]

@@PatrickTheGreat that's a shame, there are some really beautiful episodes in the later seasons, and yeah they took their time to find their feet and yes they have a different style and some choices are ones that I disagree with but I still think it's a solid show. I highly recommend watching The Supremes if you only watch one post-Sorkin episode. Glenn Close guest stars and is an absolute treat and it's my favourite episode of the entire series.

[@zkw100]

@@PatrickTheGreat Agreed. For me, I felt the later seasons did Toby’s character wrong.

[@electrojones]

Lol. No. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWibg62Qp5h8ras&ab_channel=KevinT.Porter

[@passiveagressive4983]

His stories always start ‘so I was having lunch’😂😂😂😂

[@KikoJonesUSA]

Or dinner.

[@ligli500]

The takeaway: Apple = rectangle without corners Brilliant.

[@conordineen5071]

Disappointed he didn't talk about Moneyball. Two of the most boring subject matters I can think of (baseball and economics), yet it's easily one of my favourite movies!

[@MojitoMatt]

Baseball, Yale, economics... you're funny Pete

[@kaicanyonellis]

Same. Was also hoping to hear about Studio 360.

[@kingstonherbert1519]

The writing credits for that movie are pretty muddy. It wasn't nearly as much of a solo effort as most of the other projects in the video, and they probably skipped over it because of that. Sad, because it is one of my favorite movies. Pro tip: baseball becomes much endlessly more entertaining when you get into pitching.

[@pawacoteng]

My guess for these type of videos is they do talk about all the career highlights, but edit together the best stories. Sometimes a fantastic script didn't have any interesting stories behind it.

[@constancemiller3753]

I loved Moneyball. It opened up the game.

[@westnilesnipes]

I like how he talks about writing characters as if they are pleading their case to God about why they deserve to be let into heaven. It’s a pretty neat approach.

[@jandlovec1181]

I see The Newsroom in a whole new way now, and understand why he was disappointed with it (although it’s one of my favorite shows of all time).

[@poppyc9921]

Same I honestly love the show so much

[@ComandoPadentro]

Mine too!!! I LOVE THAT SHOW!

[@derhak727]

The Newsroom is one of my fav shows ever too. I just rewatched it tho and had different feelings that the first time (still love it tho) Second watch - i loved the character Don so much. He def became one of my fav characters. I couldnt understand why i disliked him the first time around. I found Mac to be whiney and was not happy with her even tho i loved her the first time around. And i thought Maggie was just a toxic friend and person.

[@jimmy2k4o]

Agreed rewatching it now and the Genoa plot is amazing Love the interview/flashback format.

[@greyerbaby3323]

Ill never underestimate the power of lunch ever again.

[@georgegeorge1750]

Sorkin on The Newsroom: "I was never able to get it quite right" Me being a huge fan of The Newsroom: whhhhhhhaaaaaaaaa?

[@teddyfriedman9201]

Sometimes I can't help but hear Josh Lyman when Sorkin speaks

[@jimmy2k4o]

I hear Toby.

[@frankrueger8538]

@@jimmy2k4o president Bartlett.

[@FaridaMatthews]

Crazy that he wasn't happy with the newsroom because that TV Show literally changed the trajectory of my life! I ended up doing a journalism degree just because of this man and his impeccable writing on that show 🤣 absolute legend!!

[@babylonlarry]

I'd imagine that your statement or people citing West Wing as motivation to go into politics would be fulfilling to Sorkin.

[@kmetcalfe]

I screamed every time the little timeline skipped over another great project. No Charlie Wilson's War, No Moneyball, even 30 Sunset. It's just amazing how even his lesser works are so rich in dialog and concept!

[@elizabethhoffmann5314]

Chicago 7 was an amazing movie! It was fascinating learning about this big part of history that was skipped in school! And incredibly relevant in 2020. One of the best movies I have seen in years!

[@erinwhewell857]

I think I’ve watched it four times now. It’s blown my mind.

[@erinwhewell857]

@@skeletalsounds_ Falling asleep to it is not a great review 😂😂😂

[@woozy7405]

@@skeletalsounds_ Strange sleeping habit but okay. Lol but Chicago 7 is by far the best and most brilliant social-political movie I've ever seen. Been looking for more movies like it but they just aren't out there. The final scene with the fallen soldiers chokes me up every time. Too bad it didn't actually go down like that irl.

[@tanyam5471]

I really think Newsroom and West Wing are true masterpieces. For me these two stories are absolute fairy-tales about noble, honest, conscientious non-existing people in journalism and politics. But it's like a dream we all share to have politicians like Bartlett, Leo, Josh and journalists like Mack, Will, Don, Jim ets. No matter what Sorkin thinks about these shows big thank to him.

[@rome8180]

I've always said that some writers write the world as it is, and some writers write the world as it should be. Aaron Sorkin is the latter.

[@roseslikemusic]

I saw The trial of the Chicago 7 a couple of weeks ago, and it was incredible! I truely recommend it!

[@ellymacrae792]

The Social Network has been my favourite movie since I saw it in theatres 10 years ago. Legendary

[@Cellofellow09]

The West Wing is such an incredible show. I hate to focus on one part of his amazing career, but God dammit if I don't simply love that show. I swear to god I watch that show everyday until finish it again and then a little time passes and then I watch it again.

[@a_tree_in_the_forest]

I’m watching it for my first time, just watched hartfield’s landing, it is such an incredible show. The whole cast brings it every time. What’s your favorite episode?

[@Cellofellow09]

@@a_tree_in_the_forest ooooh. Uhm. I don't know but I love the small bits of humor they pepper in every once in a while. Like when CJ gets so agitated her voice gets all high or Donna gives Josh a hard time about transferring a call and he just bangs the wall.

[@psychedelicchocolate5761]

Me and my family are watching it for the sixth time

[@adamletschin7759]

So do I!!! Something about his writing and the actors delivery just draws me in every time.. I've literally watched it 5 times and it never gets old..

[@Cellofellow09]

@@a_tree_in_the_forest I have an answer! My favorite episode is 20 hours in America part 1 and 2.

[@kallymcdonnell]

the newsroom is my favourite tv show ever, im kind of crushed sorkin isn't happy with it Edit: i definitely understand after Aaron explains why it was difficult to write and it didn’t turn out how he wanted

[@JohnSmith-nn7tw]

Feel the same!

[@roseslikemusic]

Exactly the same feeling

[@louisemolony3939]

Same. It’s the best show!!!

[@sigler00]

Don't feel bad, if you enjoyed the show don't let anyone (even the author) interfere with that! I think the mixed response had an impact on him. It was the closest he came to reflecting current events and thus a risky project. Still good in my book.

[@alexschwindt2124]

But...wait...The Newsroom is the best show it the history of television...

[@scottrice1738]

Everything this man touches is gold. I understand why he feels dissatisfied about The Newsroom by premise because it aims to be perfect and the world just isn't. It is without doubt my favorite thing ever written.

[@delrey874]

He is one of the best screenwriters in Hollywood.

[@HeniGaming]

The best*

[@megan3206]

The Trial of the Chicago 7 is one of the best films in recent years. It really should've had a lot more recognition this award season.

[@JamesBrophy]

Great interview, can we get a longer version talking about the scripts that were skipped over! Sports night, studio 60, money ball.

[@17R3W]

... and charlie Wilson's war 😉 I actually just came to post that studio 60 is probably my all time favorite show. West wing is up there, its incredibly good, but I prefer Studio 60 on the sunset strip

[@michaelcameron1492]

Studio 60 was so underrated. I loved it.

[@davidmckesey7119]

@@michaelcameron1492 season 1 is some of the best

[@andersnrbkmadsen6706]

Still waiting for someone to talk about how amazing and extremely undervalued Studio 60 was

[@cartmangreko]

Yes!

[@mobjam20]

came here to make THIS comment.

[@bobbyfriske1956]

Agreed! It's always glossed over, but what a great show!

[@andersnrbkmadsen6706]

@@bobbyfriske1956 i Mean one season! For me it's worse than when the same happened to firefly

[@127Lee]

I loved that program! I was so disappointed that it didn't hit. Some folks just ain't ready for the genius that is SORKIN.

[@guidoguido2245]

Idk why, but his thing about being part of an audience was so moving. He’s just so passionate about movies and filmmaking, it almost made me cry.

[@yonawurzburger5327]

He is such an inspiration

[@nogodexceptallah2381]

Have you ever heard the Qur’an the word of God ???kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHm9nH6elrCJask😊😊😍😘🙏

[@Aurich88]

It's interesting how casually he describes writing A Few Good Men, without any military background that he mentions. It's unusual for someone who hasn't been in that world to be able to write a story in it so confidently.

[@Icarus9]

It was based on a story his sister told him who was JAG for a similar case (that didn't result in death).

[@grayonthewater]

He really fudged the logistics of a military court scenes, I wish he would’ve consulted with someone one those

[@myztik5716]

@@grayonthewater It's entertainment not a documentary

[@kempshott]

@@grayonthewater We might not have handled a true version very well.

[@dretejeda8067]

the newsroom is my favourite tv show ever, im kind of crushed sorkin isn't happy with it Edit: i definitely understand after Aaron explains why it was difficult to write and it didn’t turn out how he wanted

[@lifeisterrible]

What a lovely interview, The Newsroom is my favorite Tv show.

[@frank-bmtz]

I just stated it last night. I started season 2 today. It is truly an amazing show.

[@jondeal8434]

No mention of Sports Night? Love me some Sorkin, but come on, that was some quality writing. Criminally underappreciated series, along with The Newsroom.

[@roopeshverma9719]

Yup

[@qbgabe12]

True fans

[@Sashi_Mee]

If there's one good thing I can say about covid, its that I finally finished the West Wing

[@tumbleheart4664]

What was your favorite episode?

[@stephanieauker1106]

Ha! I just started to do a total rewatch (first time since its original run)

[@Sashi_Mee]

@@tumbleheart4664 hard question! For ne it has to be between Shadow of the gun man part 2 of Duck and Cover.

[@tumbleheart4664]

Great choices! I love all the Christmas episodes, especially "Noel".

[@JudyCZ]

Congrats! 😊 Is it legally available at Netflix/Amazon somewhere, please? I'm seriously considering getting a VPN to be able to watch it.

[@FredQuijada]

Quite possibly our greatest screenwriter, and one of our greatest writers ever, period. And that includes Orson Welles.

[@gasaholic47]

Sorkin gave the most incredible graduation speech at his alma mater, Syracuse University, in 2012.

[@MrSuperPlush]

The ending of this video was so strong. I love him and love watching him speak, but by the end I respect him more than anything else.

[@felopjori4600]

It’s ironic how he describes The Newsroom was never a fluid job when he was writing it, however for me, it’s the best screenplay he had wrote.

[@VinceFS]

Come on Vanity Fair. Get Aaron to talk about Moneyball. It is an important movie and one of his best.

[@nopenvm]

Dang he lowkey looks like he could be Chris Nolan’s brother

[@dumemnduka7930]

Right?!

[@tia4057]

They are 2 of my faves

[@mohammedashian8094]

All he needs is Chris Nolan’s hairline and then BOOM!

[@MrEricErejo]

@@dumemnduka7930 Right! Same thing I've been thinking

[@ryanmedina5090]

Aaron Sorkin is all of us. I had no idea what Speilberg was talking about I was just saying hes to Steven. Araron is my all time favorite script writers. He writes smart movies that live and dieson the characters and what they say rather than special efffects and explosions. Last night I reailized that Chicago 7 was out on Netflix so that's next for me to watch.

[@stonedjak5282]

Currently watching The West Wing. On episode 5 and shows like this aren't my usual type but I love it so far and the president's introduction in the pilot will probably be a moment I struggle to forget

[@Span91423]

Hands down the best screenwriter of any generation. If he writes it, I watch it. A master of the English language. I loved the Newsroom. I watched it so many times wishing there was an anchor today that was half as smart as Will McEvoy.

[@AJBIsHere]

Can we get a 2 hour version where we cover Sports Night, Studio 60 and Moneyball in great deapth please? Thanks.

[@judichristopher4604]

BEAUTIFUL... Every minute of this video was fantastic.

[@BrianRussTVC]

11:54 is the most Aaron Sorkin thing he’s ever said.

[@FJD894]

Thanks for giving my favorite screenwriter this stage to talk us through his career. Loved it.

[@MemBirdman]

Love the piece. Would've liked to have some Sports Night in there as well, especially in conjunction with The West Wing.

[@michaeldwatkins_]

Is it me, or does he sound super choked up when talking about The Newsroom and Chicago 7? An enthralling interview all the way through, though, and one of America's best modern writers across any art form.

[@terrology]

This man s writing can do no wrong for me....i watch social network every year and i grew up admiring the West Wing. Just genius

[@Kaylee_eeee]

While doing a rewatch of West Wing (my boyfriend had never seen it), I could not appreciate this video more. What a brilliant guy.

[@xavierdecker7266]

Aaron Sorkin is straight up the greatest writer in cinema and television history.

[@DJS11811]

Nicely done. Aaron should have mentioned the West Bank Theater Bar, where he built his chops with his one act. James Gandolfini got his start there, and it was run by Lewis Black.

[@mlw2001]

Brilliant Man! Brilliant Career! Actually, Aaron gives the word Brilliant a whole new meaning!!!

[@52BLUE]

This man inspires me so much. Some of the dialogue he writes is way too formulated, but with reason. The exposition interwoven into some of the massive dialogue parts is extraordinary. He writes with incredible empathy in mind. I'll shake your hand one day, good sir.

[@jackson857]

The Trial of the Chicago 7 was an incredible movie. Best film I've seen in 2020!

[@megvoss3329]

Aaron is my favorite film/television storyteller. Always looking forward to his next project.

[@lizziebooth5397]

You WANT me on that wall. You NEED me on that wall.

[@devilpupbear09]

A-A-Ron Sorkin

[@ChrisGeden]

You done messed up A-A-Ron Tolkien!

[@rext8949]

Can't believe that a guy like Sorkin could ever have doubts. He talks so confidently.

[@JohnSmith-nn7tw]

TALENT. Sad he didn't rate The Newsroom. I think I know what he means buy it's still better than 99%. Loved it Same with Studio 60.

[@ArtemisScribe]

We are always our own worst critic.

[@gergq5888]

Every single line of dialogue that Sorkin writes is a mic drop moment, or the perfect remark that you think about the day after the situation.

[@taofeeqtijani6364]

Wow, he just mentioned Akiva Goldsman like that 😂♥️♥️

[@emmal9534]

Why are people in the comment section asking about Billie Eillish's interview?

[@seppet0ni]

Forgive them Emma L. they do not know....

[@nichka_kra]

Because we are waiting for new episode

[@diandraleahhyman1371]

i dont even know who this guy is

[@SkeletonCreeper03]

@@diandraleahhyman1371 one of the best screenwriters of our time

[@NSankeerthUrkec]

Best screenwriter ever... he's the reason I started to see the movies differently

[@markcarey67]

Writing Abbie Hoffman and Tom Hayden as if they were antagonistic brothers who were still seeking the approval of the other was genius.

[@zoerebuffo]

the newsroom is EVERYTHING to me! i really hope aaron brings it back, give it a second chance, he has so much material due to *coughs* recent events and orange politicians..

[@r.a.monigold9789]

Thank you Aaron. I have enjoyed your works. Some have even inspired me while others opened my eyes - farther than I thought possible. But every last one has been an enjoyable adventure...

[@frankrueger8538]

I love this man, the way his mind works. I am a fan of anything he's done, and no doubt of the many things he will do next. Remarkable. My thanks always. Going to go watch the folks at the West Wing and cheer up in contrast to current WH madness.

[@ashleybarloweNC]

One of the best screenwriters of our time. 🙏🏼

[@TheRockinGinger]

This is just the thing I needed!! Aarons' writing is superior 👌🏾

[@inoki1387]

I just got into cinematography/filmmaking. And only have basics of basics knowledge but The Social Network was very well written, I was hyping alone for no apparent reason towards a non-action movie. I was swayed by the way it was produced while it included some of my personal favorite actors Andrew & Jessie, masterpiece. Edit: even struck by Steve Jobs, Newsroom and Molly's game (before even knowing who Aaron was)

[@MikeyLove22]

Aaron says that he didnt get the newsroom quite right that it was his pebble in his shoe ... it's my favourite tv show of all time, the characters, stories and of course monologues are the greatest.

[@NubbyNubbster]

Aaron Sorkin and Charlie Kaufman. My two favorite screenwriters, I hope to see more of their art in either streaming services or theaters soon.

[@127Lee]

Huuuuuuuuuge fan of everything this dude EVER wrote. All of it! ❤️

[@UditTumuluri]

As a tribute to his characters, listened at 1.5x speed 😛

[@spsingh8805]

Pl pl give us a season 2 of Studio 60. And thank you for all the words you have written till date, and the ones you'll write. Many of us hang by them. Also, thank for that Network (1976) reference at 10:05. We now live in that TV world.

[@emiliabolsas]

I didn’t love Molly’s Game - but wanted to because the subject is so fascinating. I sort of wonder if it’s because he directed it and should have left it at the writing.

[@davidmckesey7119]

So drull. Still haven't finished it. Jessica chastain best movie is zero dark thirty

[@127Lee]

LOOOVED the film. Wasn't interested when it first came out. Stumbled on it one day when I was bored and thoroughly enjoyed it.

[@constancemiller3753]

He's a wonderful storyteller. He makes everything in his career sound like Cinderella.

[@branscombe_]

Moneyball and Social Network are my fav comfort movies. I can put them on anytime,

[@guyjperson]

What an absolutely terrific timeline explanation. A self effacing guy who happens to be a brilliant writer. My fave of this series all of a sudden

[@MrROKinROK]

A bit disappointed that he made no mention of Sports Night. That's what put him on my radar.

He wrote many great things, but Sports Night was amazing, he was still young and fresh and the episodes were not only funny but really smart.

[@robertpadillosandiego2821]

@ It was a little ahead of its time. Dramedy, drama and comedy, with no laugh track, wasn’t quite the norm then, so people didn’t get it. But if you go back and look at the show, it totally makes sense in today’s world

[@kaushikikushwaha86]

happened by accident, excuse me, sir your accidents are far better than some people's best work!!

[@CJayin]

This man is without a doubt, the best writer working today.

[@ktwashere5637]

so the real question is how did he get his agent because it sounds like he had one before he'd actually written anything. And the agent is who made it all happen.

[@emiliabolsas]

Yup

[@robexists]

Nothing on Studio 60? How dare you.

[@paulengle5784]

It's probably kinder that way. Sorkin is my favorite writer, full stop, but I won't pretend that everything he touches is gold. Studio 60 and Newsroom had flashes of inspiration but were not his strongest works. (All my opinion, of course. Your mileage may vary.)

[@Praevalidum]

@@paulengle5784 My mother never understands how I, who adores everything Sorkin, am just kinda indifferent to Studio 60. It just never really clicked with me and I never particularly cared about any of the characters. There were great comedic moments sure but not enough to get me hooked. I did watch the whole series though.

[@evionlast]

Amazing carrer, how insightful thank you Sorkin.

[@tomgio1]

I don’t Hollywood or it’s machinations. But came away thinking how tough it it must be to constantly prove yourself or get your next thing done even after crushing it for several years prior.

[@j.d.piland8652]

I still listen to that Newsroom bit every so often.

[@phospho1ipid]

"I was having lunch..."

[@nicolesanchez4954]

This was great

[@chillith926]

the West Wing is my favorite show and i watch it through like once a year. The Newsroom is my second favorite. such a talent!

[@Noonenoone440]

What so good about west wing Is it thriller or drama

[@chillith926]

@@Noonenoone440 it's a dramedy. it's wonderfully written and acted, for most of the seasons.

[@Noonenoone440]

@@chillith926 dramedy. ? Political drama or comedy

[@chillith926]

@@Noonenoone440 dra·me·dy /ˈdrämədē/ noun a movie, play, or broadcast program that combines elements of drama and comedy.

[@antonego9581]

It's refreshing to hear him talk about the Newsroom... he's totally right. It was never quite right despite having many individually brilliant scenes

[@anthonyhernandez2314]

I'm watching The Newsroom again, it's a favorite of mine.

[@jeanclaudevantom692]

Love this mans work... incredible

[@aadeshramaswamy3445]

Let it just sink in that there was a point where The Social Network, was to not be directed by David Fincher

[@filmreviewer117]

The only time I'm interested in a movie script once it's annonced is if Sorkin is writing it, this man has created fantastic scripts and I look forward to whatever he creates next.

[@folarinosibodu]

I enjoyed it even though I knew just about Aaron's history. I see what you did there, Vanity Fair with the almost non-linear timeline. Just like Aaron's scripts. Nice.

[@hunterotails2015]

I love the first season of Newsroom.

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

The cream usually rises to the top. I doubt Sorkin would have been ignored, with that great writing talent.

[@TheNickHaas]

This was delightful

[@samuelbungo4339]

I didn't know that The Trials of the Chicago 7 were an Aaron Sorkin movie and I actively searched for Aaron Sorkin movies on Netflix. I think that tonight I'm watching The Trials of the Chicago 7.