Aaron Sorkin Still Believes in American Institutions, Even If No One Else Does

Lulu Garcia-Navarro sits down with writer and director Aaron Sorkin to discuss his latest film, "The Social Reckoning," a follow-up to his acclaimed 2010 movie, "The Social Network." Sorkin shares insights into his creative process, his perspective on the role of Hollywood in shaping political discourse, and his unwavering belief in American institutions, even in the face of widespread cynicism.

The Power of Storytelling and the Influence of Hollywood

Garcia-Navarro opens with a broad question about the influence of Hollywood on politics, referencing Andrew Breitbart's assertion that "politics is downstream from culture." Sorkin, known for his works that often use politics and institutions as backdrops, such as "The West Wing," "The American President," and "The Newsroom," clarifies his primary motivation. He states, "It's not a political agenda. I think before a movie can be anything else, before it can be thought-provoking or relevant, it has to be good. It has to work as a movie." He emphasizes that his goal is to captivate the audience for the duration of the film. However, he acknowledges that he writes idealistically and romantically, finding inspiration in areas like government, news, and journalism, which he believes naturally lend themselves to compelling narratives.

When pressed on whether he writes to make the world a better place, Sorkin firmly responds, "No, let's be really clear. I write to in some way captivate you for the two hours that I've asked for your attention while you're in the theater." He expresses pride in the fact that some viewers have told him they entered public service because of "The West Wing." He also touches upon the common phrase "a West Wing moment," which signifies a moment of bipartisan resolution, and laments that such moments are increasingly rare in real-world politics.