SORKIN'S GENIUS RUNS THE NEWSROOM
Courtesy HBO
It's a subjective thing and thus, Aaron Sorkin's scripts in season two of HBO's THE NEWSROOM weave a brilliant faux reality that parodies, parses and probes what we know as "true reality," however vague and ephemeral that may be and gives us entertainment without peer.
Last year he build a foundational understanding of the sliding iterations of broadcast journalism in modern America, against the back drop of journalistic iconography. This year he bores in, delivering core samples, albeit fiction, that examines how it is in the newsrooms of broadcast journalism. The fiction is virtually life like, and he delivers characters, drama and intrigue in story arcs that are painted in some of the most effective dialogue ever.
The situational ethics are real and so are the characters. Yes, it's fiction, but after a life time in newsrooms I tell you unreservedly he nails it all. And brilliantly he holds a mirror to America where our political and journalistic mores are exposed, laid bare and in a way that will move you-to laughter, anger and even tears. And yes, the cast, everyone of them are up to walking and talking those brilliant words.
If you haven't joined in this Newsroom fandom, make a point of starting with last year's season 1. I'll best most of you will be like the rest of us-we can't wait until the next episode. It's not Downton Abbey, but it is just as addictive. And it is about our age.
Last year he build a foundational understanding of the sliding iterations of broadcast journalism in modern America, against the back drop of journalistic iconography. This year he bores in, delivering core samples, albeit fiction, that examines how it is in the newsrooms of broadcast journalism. The fiction is virtually life like, and he delivers characters, drama and intrigue in story arcs that are painted in some of the most effective dialogue ever.
The situational ethics are real and so are the characters. Yes, it's fiction, but after a life time in newsrooms I tell you unreservedly he nails it all. And brilliantly he holds a mirror to America where our political and journalistic mores are exposed, laid bare and in a way that will move you-to laughter, anger and even tears. And yes, the cast, everyone of them are up to walking and talking those brilliant words.
If you haven't joined in this Newsroom fandom, make a point of starting with last year's season 1. I'll best most of you will be like the rest of us-we can't wait until the next episode. It's not Downton Abbey, but it is just as addictive. And it is about our age.
LIGHT FUN
Jeff and Florence Pipes hosted a marvelous wine club dinner in the Pipestone Vineyards. The candles and torches set against the gloaming created an enchanting mood. You can see more in a brief video below.
MUSICAL SHADOWS
A pre sunset concert at Harmony Cellars provided a couple of interesting shadow moments.
Spend a gorgeous evening dinning in a vineyard
in about a minute and half-thanks to Pipestone Vineyards and my IPhone.
See you down the trail.
Lovely setting and some great jazz. Who was that playing?
ReplyDeleteThanks.
DeleteThe music is from the IMovie library. It is called "Fifth Avenue Stroll."
Actually, I'm about ready to give up on Newsroom. I think it's painfully self indulgent and the banter between the characters is tedious at best. Each show last season provided at least fifteen minutes of excitement in otherwise bland scripts and this season just isn't working for me. Having said this, I'll probably watch one or two more episodes because I'm such a big Aaron Sorkin fan.
ReplyDeleteWell, I guess that's why there is vanilla, chocolate and neapolitan ice cream. I'm also viewing it through the lens of someone who spent most of his life in a news room and so I'm seeing people, situations and processes that I know. I managed kids, very much like the staff portrayed. And, I like the idea that Sorkin has created a character in Will, who as an anchor is viewed as part of the "liberal" mainstream media, while in fact he is a conservative leaning old fashioned Republican (now probably near extinct in real life).
DeleteI had to grin at your self indulgent line. In truth, many of those who work in broadcast news are indeed
self indulgent, self empowered, self obsessed, but when it hits the fan they can also be selfless in
keeping the public informed.
Anyway, hope it improves to your liking.
Tom,
ReplyDeleteAfter a slow start in season one, the show is maturing, the characters growing on me and some of the takes (such as the Romney campaign bus scenes) are spot on. The episodes are kind of like typical days in a newsroom...some are exciting and frenetic and others are just plain slow. So it is with Sorkin's shows...you indulge him until the fire alarms ring and then enjoy the ride.
Too bad the characters can't produce an interesting story without using profanity.
ReplyDeleteYour point is made, though profanity is pretty common at crime scenes, emergency events, hostage takings, political wrangling and other news events and certainly in some newsrooms.
DeleteI used to tell my staff to watch their language because you never know when a microphone might be hot, or a girl scout troop might be taking a tour.
Still I think standards have declined and there is altogether too much use of profanity EVERYWHERE today.