Aaron Sorkin on Writing "Steve Jobs"

TL;DR

Famed writer discusses challenges in creating impactful dialogue and films, including personal anecdotes.

Transcript

it's great to have you here you're you're there aren't many writers who are famous by face like people see you and recognize you when did that first happen for you you know I'm not sure I think maybe uh it was either during the westwing or uh I was arrested at Burbank airport with a lot of cocaine in my bag and I think I became known for that as we... Read More

Key Insights

• 📺 The writer’s recognition stems from both their notable roles in television and personal controversies that impacted their public persona.
• 👪 Creative dialogue is a hallmark of the writer's filmography, influenced by real-life conversations and family dynamics.
• 🆕 The writer deliberately avoids traditional storytelling methods to offer a fresh perspective, emphasizing dialogue and character conflict.
• 👏 Despite the accolades and praise received for their film "Steve Jobs," the writer experienced challenges in reaching broader audiences upon its general release.
• 👪 The interplay of smart character conversations showcased in projects reflects the writer's upbringing in a highly intellectual family environment.
• 💦 The writer actively seeks inspiration from everyday interactions, often using snippets of real conversations in their work.
• 😄 The act of writing is portrayed as a laborious process for the writer, suggesting a commitment to quality and authenticity over ease.

Questions & Answers

Q: What incident contributed to the writer’s early fame?

The writer recalls that their early fame may have stemmed from their role in "The West Wing" and a notorious incident at Burbank airport involving cocaine. This unexpected event grabbed public attention and perhaps set the stage for their later recognition in the entertainment industry.

Q: What unique storytelling approach did the writer take for "Steve Jobs"?

Instead of following a traditional biopic format, the writer opted for a more focused narrative that highlighted dialogue and character interactions. They were influenced by childhood experiences around a dinner table where verbosity was encouraged, resulting in a script filled with engaging conversations rather than a chronological recounting of achievements.

Q: How did the writer view the collaborative process of filmmaking?

The writer described the filmmaking process, especially for "Steve Jobs," as challenging yet rewarding. They appreciated the talents of their cast, including actors like Seth Rogan and Kate Winslet, and felt a sense of fulfillment seeing their hard work transformed into a finished product directed by Danny Boyle, known for his acclaim in the industry.

Q: What was the writer's perspective on audience engagement with the film?

The writer expressed confusion about the film's reception after its successful festival run but poor wide release turnout. They encouraged audiences to see it by expressing surprise that it had not drawn more viewers, indicating a belief in its quality and their work’s significance, despite initial box office performance.

Q: How does the writer find inspiration in everyday conversations?

The writer shared their habit of eavesdropping on conversations in public places, which they find a rich source of inspiration. They enjoy capturing snippets of dialogue that intrigue them, often scribbling down ideas sparked by overheard exchanges, and drawing from the sound of intelligent debates they experienced growing up.

Q: What role did family influence play in the writer’s development?

The writer noted that growing up in a family where intelligence was abundant shaped their writing style. Dinner table conversations were spirited, and they learned the value of rich dialogue, which they sought to replicate in their own work. This family dynamic pushed them to appreciate depth in communication.

Q: Why does the writer find writing so challenging?

The writer admits to finding writing consistently difficult, highlighting the challenge of avoiding cliché biopic storytelling. They mentioned that this particular film required a lot of dialogue construction, suggesting that complexities in character development and interaction added layers to the writing task.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The writer reflects on their rise to recognition, possibly stemming from their work in television and a controversial incident at the airport, alluding to the intersection of personal turmoil with professional life.

• The dialogue in their projects, especially in the movie "Steve Jobs," is highlighted for its complexity and depth, showcasing the importance of character interaction.

• Despite facing difficulties in writing, including not wanting to conform to traditional biopic formats, the writer emphasizes the joy found in crafting rich dialogue inspired by real-life conversations.