Aaron Sorkin has owned Television for the past 15 years. He just never misses.
I've been on a Sorkin set ('West Wing'), the recipient of his quick barbed wit, and a witness to his working with actors and directors.
His brilliance is legendary - when Aaron pulls up to the gas pump, there is a Sorkin octane choice...jet fuel. Spend even 5 minutes talking with him and you will be convinced of this. He is also radical, keenly focused, intensely in tuned to the nuances of others (picking up on voice inflection, body language, even physio clues), fiercely loyal, blatantly opinionated and quick barbed (he will call you out without hesitation and you best be on your A Game if you dare to engage), an optimist with a pragmatic foundation, a visionary and dreamer with chutzpah and a get-it-done (and done right) attitude, and as finely tuned no-fear mentality as I have ever witnessed in the entertainment field.
Sorkin clearly has a vision of the world where right has might, intellect is the most valuable asset, one's ethics compass has no ambiguity (save for the complex journey and angst one must sometimes endure in getting to the right decision) - In Sorkin's world, those who care a lot about what they do, and how well they do it, earn the front row seat and get the best view.
When Sorkin arrives on set, his presence is immediately felt...even the most seasoned actors respond to his attention like an adoring offspring. I am certain Sorkin just being on set raises the level of every actor. His "hardware collection" (and that of actors and crew) is a testimony to his brilliance in bringing out the best in others.
The Newsroom is a tour de Sorkin. Only a three year run, but that in itself is so Sorkin - do it right or not at all and get out on top. How many TV dramas get past three years without noticeable decay?
This is my favorite of all Sorkin creations. Verbal excess has killed many a TV show. The Newsroom thrives on it. What could have been perceived as sanctimonious, is inspiring. The often frenetic pace (always under pressure and deadlines), gives the perception you've just watched a perfectly paced two-hour movie somehow shrunk to one hour, and you cannot wait to see the sequel.
Watch this series from Episode one on. I've purposely NOT seen the extra behind the scenes bits or trailers. Maybe another time. The show is so good, I don't need reinforcement of it.
This series sucks you in from the first episode and never lets you escape its gravity - HIGHLY recommended viewing.
Bravo to the entire cast and crew, with obvious special acknowledgment to Jeff Daniels for his believable and inspirational portrayal of the ideal prime time news anchor. He brings the Sorkin vision and communication style to life, and his performances are brilliant and inspiring.
HBO's 'The Newsroom' is a must-see TV series.
I've been on a Sorkin set ('West Wing'), the recipient of his quick barbed wit, and a witness to his working with actors and directors.
His brilliance is legendary - when Aaron pulls up to the gas pump, there is a Sorkin octane choice...jet fuel. Spend even 5 minutes talking with him and you will be convinced of this. He is also radical, keenly focused, intensely in tuned to the nuances of others (picking up on voice inflection, body language, even physio clues), fiercely loyal, blatantly opinionated and quick barbed (he will call you out without hesitation and you best be on your A Game if you dare to engage), an optimist with a pragmatic foundation, a visionary and dreamer with chutzpah and a get-it-done (and done right) attitude, and as finely tuned no-fear mentality as I have ever witnessed in the entertainment field.
Sorkin clearly has a vision of the world where right has might, intellect is the most valuable asset, one's ethics compass has no ambiguity (save for the complex journey and angst one must sometimes endure in getting to the right decision) - In Sorkin's world, those who care a lot about what they do, and how well they do it, earn the front row seat and get the best view.
When Sorkin arrives on set, his presence is immediately felt...even the most seasoned actors respond to his attention like an adoring offspring. I am certain Sorkin just being on set raises the level of every actor. His "hardware collection" (and that of actors and crew) is a testimony to his brilliance in bringing out the best in others.
The Newsroom is a tour de Sorkin. Only a three year run, but that in itself is so Sorkin - do it right or not at all and get out on top. How many TV dramas get past three years without noticeable decay?
This is my favorite of all Sorkin creations. Verbal excess has killed many a TV show. The Newsroom thrives on it. What could have been perceived as sanctimonious, is inspiring. The often frenetic pace (always under pressure and deadlines), gives the perception you've just watched a perfectly paced two-hour movie somehow shrunk to one hour, and you cannot wait to see the sequel.
Watch this series from Episode one on. I've purposely NOT seen the extra behind the scenes bits or trailers. Maybe another time. The show is so good, I don't need reinforcement of it.
This series sucks you in from the first episode and never lets you escape its gravity - HIGHLY recommended viewing.
Bravo to the entire cast and crew, with obvious special acknowledgment to Jeff Daniels for his believable and inspirational portrayal of the ideal prime time news anchor. He brings the Sorkin vision and communication style to life, and his performances are brilliant and inspiring.
HBO's 'The Newsroom' is a must-see TV series.