David Brooks writes about character. Aaron Sorkin writes about characters. The opinionator and consummate storyteller join in a conversation about how Sorkin’s connection to and love of character distinguishes his writing and his craft.
Its important to listen to people who have actually written scripts that have sold, rather than people who find it easier to make money telling aspiring writers how to write scripts! Aaron Sorkin is the real deal.
An interview with Sorkin is as good as it gets....it's a performance...incredibly charming...articulate, thoughtful, deliberate..and hilarious...without even trying...
As a musician, I can truly appreciate what Aaron was saying, when he spoke about the music of the words. When I had the great good fortune to meet Theodore Sorenson, John F. Kennedy’s legendary speech writer, he, too, spoke of the music of the words.
@@MultiAustin86 not really... I mean he's making an anecdote about writing and creating believable character ideologies. It's not a religious statement. He's referencing the idea of "heaven" but what he said isn't religious in and of itself. I think analysing it any deeper than that is fully missing the broad point he's trying to lay out.
@@mikehiebert6227 I think not taking it further than an anecdote is a huge mistake. Could anyone make a justifiable case to get into Heaven? I know he was referring to screenwriting, but the conversation is worth expanding... especially when there are people out there who believe they’ll get into Heaven because they’re good. I know you don’t see it, but it’s actually important to discuss.
19:09 - Aaron gets as emotional and physical during writing as I do during reading. It's one of the reasons why my reading is so slow because I act it out in my head almost realtime. Not many people do that whether it's reading or writing.
It's funny that he talks about how TV used to be for the lowest common denominator, but now with services like HBO, the art is more important the the size of the audience. Especially when film has gone in the exact opposite direction; studios churning out reboots and sequels because they're scared of alienating the audience, doubling a film's budget just for advertising and deeming anything that doesn't make $500m a failure.
good point. The networks will continue to feast on the revenues of hollywood as long as hollywood doesn't grows the balls to try something different off the beaten tracks. When I was younger, I got to the movies at least once a week, nowadays it's down to like once a year, althrough I could easily afford to go once a week even at todays expenses. I just don't want to because it feels like I've seen every scene of every movie and heared like all the dialogue a thousand times. There's almost nothing new (and my friends are starting to complaint about me predicting like every movie :P)
7 лет назад
Watching his shows and films (particularly "Sports Night" and "The West Wing") have changed the way I look at the work place. When I was younger I used to work alone and always wanted to work alone, but watching the way his characters love what they do and are always trying to do their best made me realize that working with other people could be rewarding.
@@ovekindvall4702 simmer down, it's funny and true. Sorkin is a master of the page and there's no question about it, but the man sometimes sounds like a crackhead trying to describe what he's in your bathroom at 2 a.m. on a Tuesday
Another reason to take his MasterClass on writing. Very inspiring to hear a great writer say he's inspired to write good people trying to be great or even flawed people trying to be great. And admitting he's a romantic on the subject of humanity. His work will outlive all the critics who cynically cannot go with him on that journey.
I second this. Anybody thinking of watching his masterclass should do it! It’s absolutely worth it. He easily expresses honestly that it takes him time to write something really good. Certainly helps me be more patient with myself
I wrote ad copy for many years, and often notice parallels between Sorkin's dialogue and copy that sells products or ideas. Both musical, succinct, and (when it's good), can change the way you look at the world. He is, by far, my favorite Writer. I would literally read a box of cornflakes, if he wrote it.
7:28 - Something I'm still trying to explain to my fiancee after living together for over 2 years. She often walks by through the cloud of smoke and says, "I thought you were writing." And I'm watching a movie/documentary/RU-vid video, looking awfully squinty-eyed and smiley.... It's part of the process, honey! Trust me!
A non-pretentious and insightful interchange for those who daily observe and write through the challenges of life, whether words expressed are meant to be read or to inspire what is performed. Neither aim is easy to do well. It's nice to hear from two who have managed to do each form of writing in ways that connect. It may be of interest that their discussion also contains useful descriptions of the professional world which writers find themselves inhabiting.
The Dictionary is the best book on writing, you just have to find the right words, in the right order, and you have to break the code. The words are already there. Love it, he's right.
Precisely. Some language, if not most, use sound to emulate emotion, rather then the word itself. Most Asian people, tribal people, and even some anglo-european people. You mention music. I believe that dialogue, if done right, can be like a composition. For instance, a stand-up comedian uses language/words/sound to get the most of of a joke. If they didn't craft not only the words but also the attack or delivery of those words, the joke would fail.
@@robertford8476 meaning should trump all, but perception and expression are obstacles. This is why we can disagree and agree on things. This is why we grow! Thank god for disagreements
I am a true conservative. Not a Trump progressive, or a Romney moderate, but an actual conservative. The west wing is my favorite show of all time. The first four seasons of Toby Ziegler and Sam Seaborn are my two favorite characters of all time and they are as liberal as they come.
Hey, I'm a socially-liberal, economically-left Brit who's really into my US politics. I'm currently rewatching The West Wing s1 and love that the show appeals to conservatives too. I'm curious to know a bit more about your politics; are you socially conservative (i.e. narrow definition of marriage; anti drug liberalisation; anti abortion etc), economically conservative (low welfare, low tax) or combo of both? Regardless, were there any times where you either got frustrated with the show's political leanings or where it les to you changing your mind on an issue from a con position to a lib one? Last, are you religious? If so, what did you make of Bartlet's brand of faith and the scenes where the Christian Right would often be criticised or ridiculed?
@@Alex__H13 I recently re-watched the show in its entirety, and I noticed that it is full of Satanic propaganda. Bartlett misquoting and mocking the scriptures, God's laws, God Himself. I could see how Satan uses TV and movies to push his agenda, to push people away from worshipping God and toward worshipping politicians, media stars and the state (AKA the Beast). It was interesting to watch it, I still enjoyed the writing and the drama, but I could see behind that, see the evil.
it's always odd for me, the best writers - Sorkin, Trumbo, numerous video game writers I've seen - all stumble over their words; they live on in their pages, not actual conversation
I think, for them, the problem is trying to explain, to express in words, a talent that, for them, is fairly instinctive... not easy to explain to an audience how your brain works...!
This is so interesting. I've been in television/film for years as an editor, gfx/vfx artist and such and I've recently started writing a screenplay with someone for a tv series I want to make happen. I noticed that the plot is the easiest part for me and character + dialogue is kinda harder. The partner I'm writing it with is a bit of the opposite, so we really can continue off where the other has problems. But it's nice to see Sorkin's perspective and how he goes about doing it. For me, sometimes I just need to hear a certain song and I can build an entire story around that piece of music. For an example, at the end of one of our episodes there's a long (about 7-8 minutes) torture+murder scene we wanted to write in, but we didn't know what exactly. Eventually I heard this specific song and I just saw the entire scene in front of me. But without dialogue (or actually just 3 sentences in the entire 8 minutes). My partner will fill that in later when I'm done writing it. Though I doubt there will be much dialogue in a torture/killing scene anyway lol.
the breaking the nose in the mirror story he also told in his film courage mastercalss [on youtube] exactly the same way; he must have told this story a million times
I'm not anyone to say this, but it's youtube and I really want to. I think he can overcome everything he says he can't do, writing plot and writing his brilliant dialogue differently. It really frustrates me when an artist doesn't take full control of their field. Sorkin was made for bio dramas but he's an established writer, I think when you have complete control of one space of writing and you're famous and your career is as set in stone as it can be for a writer there is so much to be gained from taking control of all of the space. I don't know everything though, he is in that place in his career where he can go where he wants, if he doesn't want to do that he doesn't have to. For me when a brilliant artist completely shifts the way they do something and brings all of their talent to it they bring along everything they already had and also fills that massive space to where they are now.
I am a big fan of Sorkin, but he made me see a big flaw in our storytelling culture as humanity. With so much focus on intention and obstacle no wonder we live in a world of conflict and drama. I am pioneering storytelling and believe humanity collectively needs to go to rehab because of storydrugspushers like Aaron Sorkin. I mean this in a nice wat, Aaron can not help, he we are all born in this over-polarizing dopamine-reward storyculture. We can’t help but just go along. Bible, Quran, Vedas, all major religions program us into bad vs evil conflict resolution and whudunnit mode. This is fun and great for entertainment, but it also keeps humanity in-the-box of same old same old drama-conflict-polarizing-patterns. Anyone who understands what I mean?
I realised that if you loosen up, the dramatic moments will happen and be highly effective. The humor also accentuates them. This will help you remember the book or whatever. You won’t forget it, like, let’s say, “the newsroom”.
His characters just have jobs/duties. He doesn't write about people who sit around. He writes about intense driven people. He writes plot, his characters fill gaps and work as cogs in the machine of his plot.
The scene he was writing at 20:00 is when Mac send out the email blast to all the staffers then one of them accidentally forwards it to the entire company. Great scene.
Very well done interview on both parts. When you listen to AS without looking at him, the way he talks is rather annoying with his uhms and ahs. However, when you are watching him speak, he is encapsulating, intriguing and funny that you don't hear them, or you disregard them.
Can some one please tell me the name of the man Aaron talks about who had Writen the "rules" on storytelling. Aaron is saying a name but i cant understand how to spell the name
Wow! This has changed how I view Sorkin. Makes me want to sign up for his MasterClass ( www.masterclass.com/classes/aaron-sorkin-teaches-screenwriting#/ $90) just to hear more. I have experienced that kind of passion in my career as an engineer. Now that I'm retired I'd like to tell stories and he's an inspiration to me.
Me too! About wanting to take his master class. The price is fair but putting kids through college, auto insurance and repairs, and braces have to come before this Mom's pipe dreams. Somehow I feel as though I'm not worthy but I wouldn't turn down a scholarship. Ha. His passion is contagious and that alone, is worth the money.
Thank you for the pep-talk, Leigh and good for you! I know I could take the class if I skimp or take on an odd job but is this the class I'll gain the most from? Is this the best use of my time and effort? Tom Clancy has a Master Class as do many other Masters. Mr. Sorkin writes remarkable dialogue, how is he at teaching it? Is he teaching lessons he created or is someone else teaching their own interpretation under his name with his approval? Do you actually get feedback or is it naive for me to even ask? I'm excited to talk to someone who has actually gone through it. So tell me, what did you take away from Aaron Sorkin's Master Class? Do you interact with other students? Can you ask Mr. Sorkin questions pertaining to the classwork? I think I know the answer to that but, wow! Wouldn't that be a boost to your writing? I imagine he has other things he'd rather do than to interact with potentially thousands of students so I'm curious as to how the entire Master Class format is handled. Is it organized in a way for you to maximize and utilize what you are taught? Did you create a script within the class or energize a script you already have? How has this Master Class enhanced your writing or the characters within? Do I have more questions? Yes, but felt I was pushing my luck here. Still, it would be awesome if you actually have some extra feedback to share. By the way, have you thought about putting an RS feed on your website? I didn't find a link to subscribe to your blog or I would have. If I missed it, please stick it under my nose. Have a bountiful day. Your New Friend, ~Deb
West Wing is a left Fantasy Island where High Church Liberalism reigns. Relentless preaching to the choir. Decent conservative characters (Ainsley Hayes) and some great acting. Addictive, sure. Ditto many hollow shows.
Finally, haha...0:24...nobody seems to say that, that everyone has their own method, that some things work for some people and not for others, that no one way is the only valid way, haha...I suspect that goes for most things...
28:44 yeah, haha...I tried reading Shakespeare, stop after a little while...now, haha I pin it on not being accustomed to the language and not feeling like it at the time, but I read someone saying Shakespeare is meant to be performed, not read...I did read all of Victor Hugo's plays, though, or at least a good number of them, and it can be fun...so I don't pin my lack of perseverance on that fact...in another state of mind perhaps I would have done it...but that's a good point, they are made to be performed...music is probably even worse, haha, I mean...the sheet music is further removed from the experience than the play is from its performance...
31:15 the guy could have been a special case, haha, at any rate...I mean...there might have been who would have been satisfied in his shoes...at any rate, I have to say I never heard about him...
I didn't want to think a gov't agency would try to hurt me, but now I can barely stand up. I've been so depressed that I haven't done anything about warning signs of bad intentions. But I'm shaking and not eating. I've got to move. Not that anyone cares.
You should care about yourself. Why let the outside world, or those you feel that don't care, get to you? Most likely you have people that do care for you, personally. If you were in the service, you have your brothers-in-arms. Or sisters. Stop feeling sorry for yourself and your situation. I know. I've been suicidal a couple of times in my life. But, mercy held me from taking that last step. I didn't reach out to anyone beforehand of my intention. So, you saying this, means you're calling out for help. You don't want to be where you are or want to go through with what you're going through. You can get deeper in your hole if you give up. And that leads 6 feet under. You can choose to rise above the waterline or drown.
