Fresh Air Celebrating 25 Years Of 'The West Wing'
Sep 27, 2024
Aaron Sorkin, the brilliant mind behind The West Wing, joins actor Allison Janney, known for her role as C.J. Cregg, and fellow actor John Spencer, who played Leo McGarry. They delve into the show's dynamic 'walk-and-talk' scenes and its optimistic take on politics. The trio shares insights about character complexities and the ethical dilemmas woven into the narrative. Additionally, film critic Justin Chang discusses the ambitious journey of Francis Ford Coppola's Megalopolis, tying together themes of storytelling and political intrigue.
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Walk and Talk Origin
- Aaron Sorkin doesn't write much action, exemplified by a simple scene in A Few Good Men.
- Director Thomas Schlamme created the "walk and talk" to add visual interest to Sorkin's dialogue-heavy scenes.
30 Rock Parody
- Sorkin appeared on 30 Rock, parodying himself and the show Studio 60.
- He joked about the decline of traditional media due to social media and mobile games.
Sorkin's Writing Process
- Sorkin admits to lacking extensive higher education and liberal arts knowledge.
- He focuses on crafting dialogue that sounds intelligent, creating "the sound of smart people talking."