Aaron Sorkin, known for his successful career in writing, shares stories about his mentor William Goldman, his first play, A Few Good Men, and his struggles with addiction. They discuss the importance of tolerance and diversity, themes of individual morality, and the transformative power of Alcoholics Anonymous.
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Quick takeaways
Aaron Sorkin wanted to give the character of Atticus Finch a flaw in his adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird, challenging the idea of inherent goodness in everyone.
Aaron Sorkin highlights the importance of intellectualism and the need for a society that values intelligence and critical thinking to combat anti-intellectualism.
Aaron Sorkin reflects on the impact of Donald Trump's presidency, emphasizing the importance of civics education in fostering tolerance and combating ignorance.
Deep dives
Adapting a Classic: Aaron Sorkin's Take on To Kill a Mockingbird
In this podcast episode, Aaron Sorkin discusses the process of adapting Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird for the stage. Sorkin reveals that he wanted to give the character of Atticus Finch a flaw, challenging the idea that there is goodness in everyone. He also touches on the relevance of the play's themes in today's society, particularly the importance of tolerance for democracy to function. Sorkin also talks about the influence of playwright William Goldman on his career and the lessons he learned from him.
Challenging the Dumb Problem in America
During the conversation, Sorkin addresses the issue of intellectualism and the divide between those who admire smart people and those who resent them. He points out the danger of anti-intellectualism and the need for a society that values intelligence and critical thinking. Sorkin also discusses the impact of Donald Trump's presidency on the country and the importance of civics education in combating ignorance and fostering tolerance.
Lessons from Writing for the Screen
Sorkin reflects on his experiences writing for movies and television, sharing insights he gained from legendary screenwriter William Goldman. He discusses the importance of crafting a screenplay that creates an immersive experience for the reader, rather than simply serving as a set of instructions for the film. Sorkin also touches on the balance between authenticity and stylized dialogue in his writing, drawing inspiration from 1930s banter and witty repartee.
Exploring the Personal Connection to Writing
The speaker describes their journey into writing and how it started with a realization of their love for dialogue. They attribute this love to their exposure to plays from a young age. The speaker reflects on their fascination with dialogue and the power it holds. They also discuss their approach to writing and the significance of plot in their work.
Reflections on Jewish Identity
The speaker delves into their Jewish heritage and reflects on the historical stereotypes and misconceptions associated with Jewish people. They express confusion regarding the hatred directed towards Jews, given their small population and lack of influence in comparison to popular belief. The speaker discusses their cultural Jewish identity and the influence of their family's history, emphasizing their pride and connection to their heritage.
It's very possible the only reason Aaron Sorkin became a writer is because he spent a lonely night in a friend's apartment where the only thing working was an electric typewriter. Aaron tells Marc how that fateful night put him on the path to writing his first play, A Few Good Men, and kicked off a writing career on Broadway, in film and on TV that has few rivals. Aaron also talks about his hero and mentor William Goldman, why his first try at adapting To Kill A Mockingbird was no good, and how his habit of writing high landed him in rehab. Plus, stories about the making of The West Wing, The Social Network and more. This episode is sponsored by Squarespace and SimpliSafe.