When you think of some of the most iconic moments in an Aaron Sorkin-written film or TV show, they all likely take place indoors. Whether it’s a boardroom in “Social Network” or a courtroom in films such as “The Trial of the Chicago 7” or even “A Few Good Men,” many of the most memorable lines of dialogue from Sorkin’s past take place in the confines of four walls and a roof. And according to the writer-director, that’s not by accident.
Speaking as part of this year’s THR Writer Roundtable discussion, Sorkin was asked why so many of his films take place indoors, with many of them existing primarily in courtrooms. Interestingly, Sorkin said that “going outdoors” scares him, and that it all stems from his background as a playwright.
“Listen, I’m a playwright who kind of fakes his way through movies and TV shows, so things like ‘One Night in Miami’ — plays that are movies — I love,” explained Sorkin. “They say if you’re bringing home a new puppy, you should get a crate that’s just big enough for the dog to be able to turn around in, but no bigger because those confines give the puppy a sense of security. They like being in that tight space. I’m the same way. I need four walls really badly.”
He continued, “The idea of going outdoors scares me in a script — you know, writing ‘EXT.’ scares me — so riots and violence and action was new territory for me. Also, in a courtroom the elements of drama are so clear. The intention and obstacle are clear. The stakes are clear. The jury is a stand-in for the audience — the jury knows as little as the audience does, so there’s a reason for exposition. And the dynamic between a lawyer and a witness who’s being cross-examined is the essence of drama.”
Obviously, Sorkin is being a bit humble and self-deprecating, somehow trying to convince people that he can’t possibly write films with outdoor scenes. It’s clear that the screenwriter is perfectly capable of doing that sort of thing. However, it is interesting that he brings up his playwright background as the reason for just imagining scenes indoors. And it does explain quite a bit, as you watch his films.
And if you want to go ahead and watch his latest, as it is primed for serious Oscars love, “The Trial of the Chicago 7” is available to stream now on Netflix. Not only that, if you are somehow not a Netflix subscriber, the streamer is making the film free to view on YouTube for 48 hours beginning this Friday, as a way to commemorate the anniversary of the trial verdict.
Here’s Sorkin and his cast talking about the film and it’s importance: