Aaron Sorkin
Full Name and Common Aliases
Aaron Benjamin Sorkin, commonly known as Aaron Sorkin, is a celebrated American screenwriter, director, producer, and playwright. His distinctive style and sharp dialogue have made him a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
Birth and Death Dates
Aaron Sorkin was born on June 9, 1961. As of the latest available information, he is alive and continues to contribute to the world of film and television.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Aaron Sorkin is an American by nationality. He is renowned for his work as a screenwriter, playwright, producer, and director. His contributions span across various mediums, including film, television, and theater.
Early Life and Background
Aaron Sorkin was born in Manhattan, New York City, and raised in the suburb of Scarsdale. He grew up in a Jewish family, with his father, Bernard Sorkin, working as a lawyer, and his mother, Claire Sorkin, as a schoolteacher. From an early age, Sorkin showed a keen interest in the performing arts, participating in school plays and developing a passion for storytelling.
Sorkin attended Scarsdale High School, where he was actively involved in the drama and theater club. His love for the stage led him to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theater at Syracuse University, graduating in 1983. During his time at Syracuse, Sorkin honed his writing skills and developed a unique voice that would later define his career.
Major Accomplishments
Aaron Sorkin's career is marked by numerous accolades and achievements. He first gained widespread recognition with his play "A Few Good Men," which debuted on Broadway in 1989. The play's success led to a film adaptation in 1992, directed by Rob Reiner and starring Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson. The film was a critical and commercial success, earning Sorkin an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay.
Sorkin's work in television is equally notable. He created the critically acclaimed series "The West Wing," which aired from 1999 to 2006. The show received numerous awards, including multiple Emmy Awards for Outstanding Drama Series. Sorkin's ability to craft compelling narratives and complex characters made "The West Wing" a benchmark for political dramas.
In film, Sorkin's screenplay for "The Social Network" (2010), directed by David Fincher, earned him an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. The film, which chronicles the founding of Facebook, was praised for its sharp dialogue and insightful portrayal of ambition and betrayal.
Notable Works or Actions
Aaron Sorkin's body of work is extensive and varied. In addition to "A Few Good Men," "The West Wing," and "The Social Network," he has written and produced several other notable projects. His screenplay for "Moneyball" (2011), co-written with Steven Zaillian, was nominated for an Academy Award, showcasing his ability to transform complex subjects into engaging narratives.
Sorkin made his directorial debut with "Molly's Game" (2017), a film based on the true story of Molly Bloom, a former Olympic-class skier who ran a high-stakes poker game. The film was well-received, further establishing Sorkin's versatility in the industry.
His recent work includes writing and directing "The Trial of the Chicago 7" (2020), a historical legal drama that received critical acclaim and multiple award nominations, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay.
Impact and Legacy
Aaron Sorkin's impact on the entertainment industry is profound. His distinctive writing style, characterized by rapid-fire dialogue and intricate plots, has influenced a generation of writers and filmmakers. Sorkin's work often explores themes of justice, integrity, and the complexities of human relationships, resonating with audiences worldwide.
His contributions to television, particularly with "The West Wing," have left a lasting legacy, setting a high standard for political dramas and inspiring future series in the genre. Sorkin's ability to tackle complex subjects with intelligence and wit has cemented his status as one of the most respected writers in Hollywood.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Aaron Sorkin is widely quoted and remembered for his exceptional ability to craft dialogue that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. His characters often deliver memorable lines that capture the essence of the human experience, making his work a rich source of quotes for fans and scholars alike.
Sorkin's influence extends beyond his written words; his commitment to storytelling excellence and his exploration of moral and ethical dilemmas continue to inspire and provoke thought. As a result, Aaron Sorkin remains a significant figure in the cultural landscape, celebrated for his contributions to the art of storytelling.
Quotes by Aaron Sorkin
Aaron Sorkin's insights on:
The Internet, in general, I find troubling. The anonymity has made us all meaner and dumber. This thing that was supposed to bring us closer together, I see it doing the opposite.
I desperately need the love of complete strangers. That's one reason I overtip. I love when skycaps, waiters, and valets are happy to see me.
I get the 'The New York Times' and 'Los Angeles Times' thrown at my door every morning. I'll read the front page of 'The New York Times,' then the op-eds, then scan the arts section and then the sports section. Then I do the same with the 'L.A. Times.'
My way of getting the best from people on a set is to notice their work, to make every prop master, every seamstress, part of 'The Newsroom' or 'The West Wing' or 'Steve Jobs.'
I have all of the Apple products. Everything I've ever written, I've written on a Mac. My first computer, my roommates and I chipped in, and we got that first Macintosh - 128K. It had as much memory as a greeting card that plays music.
First scenes are super-important to me. I'll spend months and months pacing and climbing the walls trying to come up with the first scene. I drive for hours on the freeway.
I have a big problem with people who glamorize dumbness and demonize education and intellect. And I'm giving a pretty good description of Sarah Palin right now.
I can't remember my dreams more than a couple of seconds after I wake up. It's frustrating because sometimes I dream that I'm watching a really good movie.
I have a lot of respect for people who are great at ad-libbing and for writers and directors who are able to create a scene in which that works. Judd Apatow is fantastic at it. But as an audience member, I like the sound of something that's been written - I like it to sound written.