If I mentioned the name Aaron Sorkin to you, you may think of ‘The American President’; ‘The Newsroom’; ‘The Social Network’; ‘A Few Good Men’; or ‘The West Wing.’ You may think of all the qualities that Aaron Sorkin is renowned for. His intricate plots, his sharp dialogue and his writing cadence. His work spans the impressive mediums of film, television and the theatre and is demonstrated by a charismatic blend of wit, emotional depth and intellect. He has a mastery of the dialogue that I have never seen with another writer. He has an incredible ability to create compelling yet relatable characters and the themes of his work resonate deeply with his audience.
He is a ‘Master of Dialogue.’
One of the defining features of Sorkin’s writing is his dialogue. Anyone that has watched ‘The West Wing’, will understand when I explain that his dialogue comes in the form of rapid-fire exchanges, the ‘walk and talk’. These exchanges have a rhythm and cadence that has become a signature. The dialogue, while impressive and at times fast, is not always about conveying information. At times, the words will advance the plot. But it’s the unspoken word, the underlying tone and nuance, the things that reveal who a character is.
Aaron Sorkin’s brilliance shines through the sharp and intricate dialogue he crafts. His characters engage in verbal sparring, delivering lines laced with layers of subtext that unfold over repeated viewings. In ‘The West Wing,’ for instance, President Bartlet and his team engage in frequent exchanges that not only address current issues but also reveal their deep-seated beliefs and personal stakes. While the dialogue may initially seem dense to newcomers, it flows seamlessly, drawing viewers into its compelling rhythm effortlessly.
Exposition and entertainment are balanced very well in Sorkin’s words. It’s a genius ability that he has. Complex ideas are promoted in his shows but without the need of simplification. He is a master of using words to captivate his audience while at the same time, propelling the narrative of the story. Such an example is ‘The Social Network.’ Legal battles and computer programming are combined to make a gripping drama.
Characters that are human
Sorkin’s characters are another prime example of the genius of the man. While his characters are larger than life in essence, they remain human and most importantly I believe, they remain flawed. No one is perfect in his shows which is an accurate reflection of life. Take ‘The West Wing’, (spoiler alert if you have never watched it!), Sam Seaborn sleeps with a call girl. Josh Lyman gets on a website and causes a riot! Donna Moss meets a communist farmer. Jed Bartlet lies about his health. Toby Ziegler shares classified information with the press. That’s just a few there for you. All of these characters display strong moral and ethical values but are not indifferent to the imperfections that we all have.
The characters that are created are passionate and idealistic. They all have an underlying desire, that desire being to make a difference. Think of Will McAvoy in ‘The Newsroom’ when he blurts out in episode one, that America is not the greatest country in the world. While some recoiled in shock, he knew that he was telling the truth and that by sharing the truth, he could start to make a difference.
Think of lawyer Daniel Kaffee in ‘A Few Good Men’. He knew his clients had not committed murder and that they were simply following an order. Daniel had a responsibility and dedication to find and respect the truth. One of his best lines is “it doesn’t matter what I believe. It only matters what I can prove.”
In order to prove that his two defendants were following the order (and win his case)he had to “smear a high ranking Marine officer in the desperate hope that the mere appearance of impropriety will win him points with the court members” Kaffee rolled the dice, took the chance and won the case.
Sorkin’s characters, whichever show or movie they are presented to the viewer in, portray their individuality with deeply held beliefs, their own personal struggles and commitments to their job. The depth of characterisation that is evident shows throughout every film and tv script that Sorkin has touched. Quite often it demonstrates those who may have widely differing worldviews and values.
Structure of Characters
Writing can be simply words on a page telling a story from the start to the finish. But Aaron Sorkin always seems to do that little bit more. He employs narratives, flashbacks and parallel story lines that when combined with his words, create a dynamic experience for the viewer. This also serves to add extra layers of complexity to the narrative and allows a more nuanced exploration of perspectives.
Look at ‘The Social Network’, Aaron Sorkin uses a non-linear writing structure in order to weave together two different aspects of the same story; the legal battle over ownership and the story of its conception. This structure not only heightens the tension and drama but also underscores the theme of betrayal and the consequences of ambition. The film’s structure reflects the fragmented nature of memory and truth, challenging the audience to piece together the story from multiple, sometimes conflicting, perspectives.
In ‘Steve Jobs’, the narrative of the story is divided into three, each set backstage before an Apple product launch. The uniqueness of this a,,owes exploration of the evolution of Jobs character and relationships over a period of time. Coupled with that, Sorkin was able to mix in recurring themes of excellence, control and innovation. The film’s structure mirrors the theatricality of Jobs’ presentations, creating a sense of anticipation and drama that builds with each act.
Exploring Themes
Throughout Sorkin’s work, lie themes that resonate deeply with audiences. There is a common intersection in his work that covers power, responsibility and morality, mixed in with challenges of leadership. `The West Wing’; ‘The American President’; ‘The Social Network’; ‘A Few Good Men’; ‘The Newsroom’; all of these display the previously mentioned themes. Many of Sorkin’s characters battle with tensions between their ideals and the realities of the world their character inhabits.
The West Wing Themes
In this show, Aaron Sorkin displays the challenges of governing through a complex and politically charged landscape. He delves into the ethical issues and moral compromises that have to be made when holding power. On the flip side, he also celebrates the positive change that can be made through holding a position of power. Sorkins characters in The West Wing often have odds stacked high against them as they are driven by their desire and need to do what is right.
A perfect example is episode 10, from Season 1; ‘In Excelsis Deo’, where we find Toby doing the right thing for a homeless veteran who had died and was wearing a coat that Toby had given to the Goodwill. Using the influence of the Office of the President, Toby arranges a military funeral. When this ‘transgression’ comes to light, the President expresses concern that there is precedent for other veterans to come forward. Toby has one line that sums up the theme of doing the right thing against all odds. He says to the President, “I can only hope , Sir.”
A Few Good Men Themes
In this 1992 movie that transcended beautifully from stage to screen, Sorkin examines themes of justice and honour as well as the cost of following orders. There is an infamous line that encapsulates the line between justice and the realities of power and authority. As Colonel Nathan R. Jessup, exquisitely played by Jack Nicholson, throws out the line, “You can’t handle the truth,” we are privy to an emotionally charged moment. That moment, and many more like it in this film, are all thought-provoking and challenging for audiences as they consider their own beliefs and values. While I have only addressed a small part of two of Sorkin’s works, it should be remembered that each theme is particular to the watcher. Individuality is key. While the themes hold a centrality in a movie or TV show, the person watching will decide what they mean and how they are projected.
Conclusion
Aaron Sorkin’s writing is a testament to the power of language, character, and structure in storytelling. His dialogue simply crackles with wit and intelligence, his characters are complex and compelling, and his narratives are innovative and thought-provoking. Sorkin’s exploration of themes resonate with audiences because it taps into the universal human experience of grappling with difficult choices and navigating a complex world.
But what makes his writing truly genius is its ability to engage both the mind and the heart. His work challenges audiences to think critically about the issues he presents while also drawing them into the emotional lives of his characters. Whether it’s in the fast-paced world of politics or in the high-stakes environment of a courtroom, Sorkin’s writing captures the essence of what it means to be human, making his work timeless and enduring.
In a world where storytelling can often favour spectacle over substance, Sorkin’s commitment to intelligent, character-driven narratives stands out. His genius lies not just in what he writes, but in how he writes it—crafting stories that are as intellectually stimulating as they are emotionally resonant.
