Aaron Sorkin Movies
Despite being a writer whose impressive list of credits boasts The West Wing, the show considered by many viewers and critics to be the best American television series of the early millennium, Aaron Sorkin would be the first to admit the paralyzing fear that greets him every time he starts a new script. Though at first things may be slow going for the Emmy winner, once he gets going and the dialogue starts flowing, there's almost literally no stopping him. A New York native who graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in Theater, Sorkin's initial bid for onscreen credit gradually waned as his reputation as a notable playwright grew due to the success of his play Hidden in the Picture. When his 1989 Broadway play A Few Good Men was turned into the 1992 feature that proved a runaway hit, Hollywood took notice. Sorkin next penned the screenplay for the 1993 thriller Malice; the feature was only lukewarmly received by critics and audiences, and was later overshadowed by his screenplay for the 1995 political romantic comedy The American President. This was followed by work as writer and executive producer on the universally hailed, but inexplicably short-lived, series Sports Night, and soon Sorkin was one of the most talented writers working in television. As popular as Sports Night was with critics and audiences, however, it was his next series that brought Sorkin his biggest success to date. Molded from dialogue left over from his bloated 385-page screenplay for The American President (most screenplays average only 120 pages), his initial scripts for the political TV series The West Wing were smart, fast-paced, and, according to Washington insiders, uncannily spot-on. Sorkin was arrested in April 2001 when authorities at Burbank Airport discovered hallucinogenic mushrooms, marijuana, and crack in his baggage; the writer was later ordered into a drug diversion program. By the time he announced his departure from The West Wing in May 2003, he had claimed three Emmys for his efforts and many thought the show had reached its creative peak. As he bid farewell to the NBC show, Sorkin was rumored to be preparing a series based on the backstage banter of a Saturday Night Live-style comedy sketch series.That program, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, lasted only a season, but it was three high-quality scripts produced after that show ended that solidified his status as one of the best screenwriters of his generation. The historical political film Charlie Wilson's War got strong reviews, but in 2010 Sorkin's screenplay for The Social Network resulted in one of the most decorated films of the year and captured the scribe Screenwriting awards from the Academy, BAFTA, the Golden Globes, the L.A and New York Critics, and the WGA. One year later he was back in the Oscar race with his work on the adaptation of Michael Lewis' non-fiction baseball flick Moneyball. Never one to rest on his laurels, he returned in 2012 with HBO's The Newsroom -- a series centering on an apathetic news reporter (played by Jeff Daniels) who gradually begins to regain his integrity following a seismic shift in the ranks of his staff. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- 2014
Aaron Sorkin adapts Walter Isaacson's best-selling biography in this Sony Pictures production centering on Apple founder Steve Jobs. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, Rovi
- 2013
The long and winding tale of John Edwards' political career is tackled in this big-screen drama adapted from the tell-all book from the former Vice Presidential candidate's aide, Andrew Young. Aaron Sorkin (The West Wing, screenwriter of The Social Network) directs from his own screenplay. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, Rovi
Bennett Miller's adaptation of Michael Lewis' non-fiction best seller Moneyball stars Brad Pitt as Billy Beane, a one-time phenom who flamed out in the big leagues and now works as the GM for the Oakland Athletics, a franchise that's about to lose their three best players to free agency. Because the team isn't in a financial position to spend as much as perennial favorites like the Yankees and the Red Sox, Beane realizes he needs to radically change how he evaluates what players can bring to the squad. After he meets Peter Brand (Jonah Hill), an Ivy League economics major working as an executive assistant for scouting on another team, Beane realizes he's found the man who understands how to subvert the system of assessing players that's been in place for nearly a century. However, as the duo begin to acquire players that seem too old, injured, or inept to play major-league baseball, they face stiff resistance from both the A's longtime scouts and the team's manager Art Howe (Philip Seymour Hoffman), who outright refuses to allow Beane's more-nontraditional acquisitions to play. Moneyball screened at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival. ~ Perry Seibert, Rovi
- Starring:
- Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, (more)
Director David Fincher (Fight Club, Seven) teams with screenwriter Aaron Sorkin (The West Wing) to explore the meaning of success in the early 21st century from the perspectives of the technological innovators who revolutionized the way we all communicate. The year was 2003. As prohibitively expensive technology became affordable to the masses and the Internet made it easy to stay in touch with people who were halfway across the world, Harvard undergrad and computer programming wizard Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg) launched a website with the potential to alter the very fabric of our society. At the time, Zuckerberg was just six years away from making his first million. But his hearty payday would come at a high price, because despite all of Zuckerberg's wealth and success, his personal life began to suffer as he became mired in legal disputes, and discovered that many of the 500 million people he had friended during his rise to the top were eager to see him fall. Chief among that growing list of detractors was Zuckerberg's former college friend Eduardo Saverin (Andrew Garfield), whose generous financial contributions to Facebook served as the seed that helped the company to sprout. And some might argue that Zuckerberg's bold venture wouldn't have evolved into the cultural juggernaut that it ultimately became had Napster founder Sean Parker (Justin Timberlake) not spread the word about Facebook to the venture capitalists from Silicon Valley. Meanwhile, the Winklevoss twins (Armie Hammer and Josh Pence) engage Zuckerberg in a fierce courtroom battle for ownership of Facebook that left many suspecting the young entrepreneur might have let his greed eclipse his better judgment. The Social Network was based on the book The Accidental Billionaires by Ben Mezrich. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Jesse Eisenberg, Justin Timberlake, (more)
- 2010
Screenwriter Aaron Sorkin explores one of the defining events of the 1960s in this drama detailing the trials of the protestors who clashed with police at the 1968 Democratic Convention in Chicago. Sacha Baron Cohen stars in the pic as political activist Abbie Hoffman. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 2008
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You've seen Hollywood's version of this remarkable tale, now take the opportunity to look behind the scenes and find out how boisterous Texas congressman Charlie Wilson and aggressive CIA operative Gust Avrakotos (aka "Dr. Dirty") really armed the Afghan Mujahideen in the most expansive campaign in CIA history. The effects of Wilson and Avrakotos' efforts are still being felt around the globe nearly two decades after the fact, making their story as relevant in the new millennium as it was when they first began plotting together back in the 1980s. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Bill Lloyd, Charlie Wilson, (more)
Produced by Tom Hanks, written by Aaron Sorkin, and directed by Mike Nichols, this adaptation of George Crile III's incendiary bestseller tells the remarkable story of the Texas congressman whose efforts to prevent the Red Army from overtaking Afghanistan eventually led to the collapse of the Soviet Union while simultaneously fueling the rise of radical Islam. In the early 1980s, a hastily assembled army of Afghan "freedom fighters" achieved the remarkable feat of fending off Soviet invaders despite the fact that the odds were overwhelmingly stacked against them. At the time, Texas congressman Charlie Wilson (Hanks) was a key member of the hugely powerful House Appropriations Committee. Illuminated to the specifics of this remarkable war by a high-profile Houston socialite, Wilson spearheaded an effort to provide hundreds of millions of dollars in weapons and training to the Mujahideen with more than a little help from brilliant but prickly CIA operative Gust Avrokotos. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, (more)
- 2006
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One of the two NBC series debuting in the fall of 2006 which took place backstage at a Saturday Night Live-style comedy show (the other was 30 Rock), Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip was the brainchild of The West Wing's Aaron Sorkin. This weekly, hour-long dramedy concerned itself with the million-and-one intrigues behind the hallowed walls of the fictional "NBS" network, where ambitious new president Jordan McDeere (Amanda Peet) was determined to pump fresh blood into the network's anemic Prime Time schedule. Over the objections of imperious NBS chairman Jack Rudolph (Steve Weber), McDeere rehired writer Matt Albie (Matthew Perry) and director Danny Tripp (Bradley Whitford), who had been fired from the staff of the network's weekly ensemble-comedy offering "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip" two years before. It was hoped that Albie and Danny could save the flagging property from cancellation, a formidable task in that "Studio 60" was already collapsing from within thanks to a surfeit of egotism and ill-will. For head writer Matt Albie, the challenge was doubly difficult: it so happened that "Studio 60"'s star Harriet Hayes (Sarah Paulson) was his former lover. Fortunately, Matt and Cal worked together so harmoniously that it would seem that Jordan McDeere's strategy for rescuing her network from oblivion was sheer brilliance. . .maybe. Other regulars included D.L.. Hughley and Nathan Corddry, respectively, as popular "Studio 60" cast members Simon Styles and Tom Jeter. Filled to overflowing with smart-and-savvy inside references to the state of network TV in the first decade of the 21st century (many of the "jokes" were at the expense of the series' host network NBC), Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip premiered September 18, 2006. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Matthew Perry, Bradley Whitford, (more)
- 2006
One of the two NBC series debuting in the fall of 2006 which took place backstage at a Saturday Night Live-style comedy show (the other was 30 Rock), Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip was the brainchild of The West Wing's Aaron Sorkin. This weekly, hour-long dramedy concerned itself with the million-and-one intrigues behind the hallowed walls of the fictional "NBS" network, where ambitious new president Jordan McDeere (Amanda Peet) was determined to pump fresh blood into the network's anemic Prime Time schedule. Over the objections of imperious NBS chairman Jack Rudolph (Steve Weber), McDeere rehired writer Matt Albie (Matthew Perry) and director Danny Tripp (Bradley Whitford), who had been fired from the staff of the network's weekly ensemble-comedy offering "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip" two years before. It was hoped that Albie and Danny could save the flagging property from cancellation, a formidable task in that "Studio 60" was already collapsing from within thanks to a surfeit of egotism and ill-will. For head writer Matt Albie, the challenge was doubly difficult: it so happened that "Studio 60"'s star Harriet Hayes (Sarah Paulson) was his former lover. Fortunately, Matt and Cal worked together so harmoniously that it would seem that Jordan McDeere's strategy for rescuing her network from oblivion was sheer brilliance. . .maybe. Other regulars included D.L. Hughley and Nathan Corddry, respectively, as popular "Studio 60" cast members Simon Styles and Tom Jeter. Filled to overflowing with smart-and-savvy inside references to the state of network TV in the first decade of the 21st century (many of the "jokes" were at the expense of the series' host network NBC), Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip premiered September 18, 2006. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Matthew Perry, Bradley Whitford, (more)
- 2002
The White House is placed on high alert in anticipation of possible attacks on U.S. military installations. Despite several death threats, not to mention the omnipresence of Secret Service Agent Donovan (Mark Harmon), C.J. (Allison Janney) is determined to go on a shopping excursion with her niece. Toby (Richard Schiff) puts pressure on the TV networks to changes their minds about an announced cutback of convention coverage. And Josh's (Bradley Whitford) gift to Donna (Janel Moloney) somehow winds up in an eBay auction. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 2002
Just before Bartlet (Martin Sheen) is to meet with new Russian president Ivanovich (Ian McShane), he receives a report from Joint Chiefs Chair Fitzwallace (John Amos) indicating that a Russian firm may be building a heavy-water reactor in Iran. Another Russian, outspoken Ivanovich critic Ludmilla Koss (Svetlana Efremova), poses a diplomatic problem for Toby (Richard Schiff). Leo (John Spencer) wants to help a big campaign contributor whose company is in serious financial trouble. Presidential aide Charlie (Dulé Hill) is perplexed about a curiously encoded letter. And during a press conference, C.J. (Allison Janney) makes pointed comments about the deaths of several Saudi women -- and receives a death threat as a result. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 2002
A crisis arises over Vice President Hoynes' (Tim Matheson) place on Bartlet's re-election ticket. Later on, Hoynes shows up at the same meeting as Leo (John Spencer) -- but it isn't a political meeting. In other developments, the staff ponders the likelihood of terrorist activity in Idaho; Donna (Janel Moloney) encounters difficult securing a Presidential Proclamation for her favorite teacher; and the tax debate hits home for President Bartlet (Martin Sheen) and his aide Charlie (Dulé Hill). This episode was based on a story by former Clinton advisor Dee Dee Myers. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 2002
Josh (Bradley Whitford) is embarrassed to no end by a worshipful website dedicated to him. Toby (Richard Schiff) cannot wait to meet new U.S. Poet Laureate Tabatha Fortis (Laura Dern), who unfortunately has several choice non-rhyming words to say about American policy. The national press has a field day with President Barlet's (Martin Sheen) comment about his opponent ("a .22-caliber mind in a .457-magnum world"). And after running interference for the president, Republican staffer Ainsley Hayes (Emily Procter) is rewarded. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 2002
On the eve of her birthday party, First Lady Abbey Bartlet (Stockard Channing) runs afoul of the medical board vis-à-vis her controversial treatment of Jed's (Martin Sheen) multiple sclerosis. Elsewhere, Sam (Rob Lowe) must deal with prickly Senator Enlow (Robin Thomas) over the issue of a controversial superconductor. British ambassador Lord Marbury (Roger Rees) protests the administration's decision to invite an IRA terrorist to the White House. And Donna (Janel Moloney) loses her security clearance...because, technically, she is not an American citizen. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 2002
Josh (Bradley Whitford) expects Donna (Janel Moloney) to perform some "retail politics" to help President Bartlet (Martin Sheen) win the all-important New Hampshire primary, which this year is being held in the tiny community of Hartsfield's Landing. Meanwhile, Bartlet divides his time between a war of intellects with Sam (Rob Lowe) and Toby (Richard Schiff) in a chess game and a more serious war of nerves and diplomacy involving China's outrage over the testing of U.S.-built patriot missiles in Taiwan. And on a lighter note, C.J. (Allison Janney) and Charlie (Dulé Hill) challenge one another to a duel of practical jokery. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 2002
Psychiatrist Stanley Keyworth (Adam Arkin), the man who treated Josh (Bradley Whitford) for trauma after the shooting incident, is now determined to find out the cause of President Bartlet's post-Iowa insomnia. Also weighing heavily on the proceedings is the possibility that Bartlet (Martin Sheen) will condemn Islamic fanaticism in his upcoming UN address. On this issue, Toby (Richard Schiff) clashes with his ex-wife, Andrea Wyatt (Kathleen York), a congresswoman and foreign policy expert. Elsewhere, C.J. (Allison Janney) asks Leo (John Spencer) to negotiate the release of a White House reporter who has been captured in Africa; Sam (Rob Lowe) quarrels with Republican lawyer Ainsley Hayes (Emily Procter) over matters of feminism; and Donna (Janel Moloney) considers accepting a more prestigious job. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 2002
Bartlet (Martin Sheen), Toby (Richard Schiff), and C.J. (Allison Janney) journey to Iowa on the day of the Democratic Caucus. At issue is Barlet's intention to publicly discuss affirmative action, and his response to an attack from his opponent in the upcoming election. In other developments, Josh (Bradley Whitford) is pulled away from a crucial moment in his relationship with Amy (Mary-Louise Parker) in order to persuade an old friend to cease opposition of Navy Arms testing in Puerto Rico; a well-known and well-connected conspiracy theorist demands that Fort Knox be investigated in relation to a cover-up involving alien spaceships(!); and Donna (Janel Moloney) tries to wriggle out of jury duty. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 2002
On the night that President Bartlet (Martin Sheen) is to deliver the State of the Union Address, the staff wrestles with the problem of Bartlet's (Martin Sheen) congressional censure. Also at issue is the anti-cancer initiative which the president may or may not include in his speech. Before the night is over, several other mini-dramas have played themselves out, including a conflict between Sam (Rob Lowe) and his ex-fiancée -- and current Vanity Fair correspondent -- Lisa Sherbourne (Traylor Howard), and the ongoing romantic tribulations between Josh (Bradley Whitford) and lobbyist Amy Gardner (Mary-Louise Parker). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 2002
Lowe, Rob~Sam Seaborn Sheen, Martin~President Josiah "Jed" Bartlet Janney, Allison~Claudia Jean "C.J." Cregg Whitford, Bradley~Josh Lyman Schiff, Richard~Tobias Zachary "Toby" Ziegler Spencer, John~Leo McGarry Hill, Dule~Charlie Young Channing, Stockard~Abigail "Abbey" Bartlet Moloney, Janel~Donnatella "Donna" Moss Parker, Mary-Louise~Amy Gardner Gleason, Joanna~Jordon Kendall Feuerstein, Mark~Clifford Calley Robinson, Nicole~Margaret ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 2002
Threats of terrorism, and problems with a welfare-reform bill, lead to dissension and quarrels amongst the staffers. Donna (Janel Moloney) acts as President Bartlet's representative at a riotous North Dakota state-party caucus, while Toby (Richard Schiff) tries to prevent Bartlet (Martin Sheen) from coming face to face with political opponent Robert Ritchie at a New York fundraiser. Sam (Rob Lowe) must grit his teeth and vote against pro-ecological legislation. The search continues for a new secretary for the president. And FBI agent Donovan (Mark Harmon) proves his mettle in a most decisive fashion while guarding C.J. (Allison Janney). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 2002
Lily Tomlin makes her first appearance as President Bartlet's new secretary, Debbie Fiderer, in this final episode of The West Wing's third season. Debbie arrives amidst a great deal of tumult and tension, as Bartlet (Martin Sheen) weighs the option of assassinating Qumar's terrorist defense minister. Elsewhere, Sam (Rob Lowe) and Toby (Richard Schiff) settle scores with Bartlet's political opponent Ritchie (James Brolin); Josh (Bradley Whitford) and Amy (Mary-Louise Parker) cannot overcome their ideological differences; and the would-be killer who is stalking C.J. (Allison Janney) finally shows his hand. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 2001
It is two days before Christmas, and all through the White House, no one is sleeping, not even....Well, to get down to business: Leo (John Spencer) engages the very expensive services of lawyer Jordon Kendall (Joanna Gleason) in preparation for his testimony before the committee investigating Bartlet's (Martin Sheen) failure to disclose his MS. During the hearings, it becomes obvious that Leo is the specific target of a ruthlessly ambitious congressman. Elsewhere, the FBI joins forces with the White House staff to investigate warnings that several black churches will be firebombed on Christmas Eve. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 2001
C.J. (Allison Janney) passionately objects to an arms-sale deal to build an airstrip in the Persian Gulf state of Qumar, where women are subjected to deplorable treatment. President Bartlet (Martin Sheen) tangles with feminist lobbyist Amy Gardner (Mary-Louise Parker, in her first series appearance) over the wording of a treaty addressing the issue of prostitution. Toby (Richard Schiff) tries to mollify a group of veterans who are angry over the Smithsonian's Pearl Harbor exhibition. Sam (Rob Lowe) ponders the possibility of a national seatbelt law. And casting a sinister shadow over all these events is the likelihood of a mad cow disease outbreak. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
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