S0… I’ve blinked and it’s September- and for the last two weeks I’ve been wondering in and out of writer’s block, an illness for which there is no cure, just a treatment of writers clichés. The would-be-writer is hitting hurdles on the bend toward the home-straight of university, and there is a distinct lack of numbers in the income column. But there is still music playing and I’m enjoying the writing talents of one, Aaron Sorkin.

See, my problem for a long time was I wont watch what I don’t like- meaning to say that I hate everything that I’m not interest in, verging on fickle. But, since reading the screenplay The Social Network I grew a relationship with Sorkin, he speaks freely and his pace is relentless; a perpetual-word-machine. You’re twenty pages in and still holding your breath, it’s great. But back to my problem- The West Wing; I have no interest in the goings on of the White House, or the relationships of presidents, congressmen and senators.  I mean my political vocabulary stops at ‘general election’ after that it’s a series of z’s.

But- I’m now very aware of Sorkin’s writing, so I re-watch A Few Good Men, Moneyball, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip and I’ve seen Social Network enough times to recite the opening passage (very pathetic, I know). But I walk past West Wing like its begging me for money. Then I get a reprise, The Newsroom starts to air on Sky Atlantic, immediately I’m like, Jeff Daniels- yes, Emily Mortimer- yes, Sorkin- yes.  So I start watching…

What happens next is a series of low concussions, I’m knocked out by a bombardment of dialogue and political jargon that I can barley get my head around- but I listen on with bated breath. Before you know I’m researching the ”Tea-Party” looking into political candidates, problems with republican government and before you know it- BANG! I’m three episodes into the West Wing. What the f— …Is this Aaron in Wonderland?…He’s defiantly having his way with me.

As much as this is a blog entry about my problems with politics and my difficulty watching programmes that others suggest. It’s also a real appraisal (yes, another one) for the work of Aaron Sorkin, if you don’t like the films, then read the scripts and tell me they aren’t brilliant- but the magic is really in his TV work, slick, quick and very opinionated but well written nonetheless.

I highly recommend The Newsroom… yes, okay and The West Wing (..as I start episode four).

So pick up your remote and:

VOTE SORKIN.

 

Author: Lee Whitelock
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Born on the South Ayrshire coast of Scotland, before moving to North East England, an almost nomadic life has seen me travel to and fro across Hadrian's border almost frequently in my youth. This footpath has continued across the UK, as I sailed through my teenage years towards University, a career in writing and film the destination at the end of the educational railway. A determined coastal soul that is stranded in-land, bound for a lifetime of typewriters and tip-ex, until one day I can set sail again.