[wushuliu]

Here's what Mamet said to his writers when the show was cancelled:

http://movieline.com/2010/03/23/david-mamets-memo-to-the-writers-of-the-unit/

Genius. That's why he's the most influential dramatist of the last quarter century.

[neobop]

Genius. That's why he's the most influential dramatist of the last quarter century.

Be that as it may (or may not), this thread is about The Newsroom.  I suspect Mamet was introduced to this conversation, for his new-found political bent, as much as his dramatic writing skills?
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/19/books/review/book-review-the-secret-knowledge-by-david-mamet.html

It's not my intent to downplay Mamet's writing, and I don't much care about his politics.  He's a great writer. 

Getting back on topic, it will be interesting to see what happens in the two remaining episodes, and next season.  If Sorkin can find new staff writers, who can actually write something other than soap operas, this series should live up to the billing, The Best Show on Cable TV.

[wushuliu]

Be that as it may (or may not), this thread is about The Newsroom.  I suspect Mamet was introduced to this conversation, for his new-found political bent, as much as his dramatic writing skills?

Not at all. That's why I find the Newsroom frustrating. Both men are at their least interesting to me when they launch into polemics (which ties into the brilliance of that article, the goal is DRAMA not information). Mamet saves his rants for off screen/stage - and is self-effacing about them. Anyhoos I'll not go off topic any further. Sorry!

[django11]

I watched yesterday, it was pretty good.

[BrassEar]

Pure leftist propaganda designed to get Obama re-elected.

[neobop]

Pure leftist propaganda designed to get Obama re-elected.

I think the primary goal is to get ratings, but feeling that way is understandable.  There was a segment about Rep Weiner's weener. I don't think that hurts the President though. The reason it's getting more interesting is because dramatic tension is building and reporting goals are taking a back seat. 

Having the anchor a centrist Republican going after the far right for hijacking, is a cleaver way to present leftist POV.  On the other hand, even Barry Goldwater would turn over in his grave if he saw the party today.
Just my 2 cents anyway. I'm an Independent.

[Tyson]

The Newsroom will not be a big hit.  Not because of any particular political view.  No, it made a different mistake all together - it is trying to appeal to an intelligent audience.  That is it's flaw.  Because there are so few intelligent people, and the number of stupid people is legion.

This is not unique to the Newsroom.  Most smart shows have a pretty short life.  Same with movies and books - when your audience is only 10% of the general population, you've already cut your own throat.  Better to dumb it down and take the $$ to the bank.  No one ever went broke by underestimating the intelligence of the public.

[Chazro]

I'm officially of the opinion that this show's in trouble.  The fact the show's been picked up for another season is pretty much irrelevant as this was announced directly after the 2nd episode.  I think it's obvious that 2 seasons was a deal made prior to the show's premiere.  So whether it'll be renewed for a THIRD season will be it's true test.  I think that if the writing and characterizations don't get improved, the show'll go two and out.  If the rumblings reported from the Sorkin camp are true, apparently HE knows he's got some major work ahead of him.  The problems as I see them:  the female leads are flat (except for Nunn & Fonda), the dialog rambles, which makes the social proclamations seem "preachy" as opposed to sharp and succinct, and the "love interest" angles are entirely lame and predictable.  I say all this being a huge fan of Aaron Sorkin.  I sincerely want the show to succeed and I hope I'm 150% wrong.  But I don't think I am!

[django11]

Pure leftist propaganda designed to get Obama re-elected.

"New York magazine reported that Sorkin had planned for MSNBC host Chris Matthews and Andrew Breitbart to appear in a roundtable debate scene in the pilot. However, the idea was shot down by MSNBC purportedly because the network was displeased with the corporate culture portrayal of cable news and skewering of left-leaning media in the show's script."

Now if you are pissing everyone off you are doing something right!

[django11]

The problems as I see them:  the female leads are flat (except for Nunn & Fonda), the dialog rambles, which makes the social proclamations seem "preachy" as opposed to sharp and succinct, and the "love interest" angles are entirely lame and predictable.

I agree with most of that.  You have to think that with the egos, money and political interests involved there is more interesting stuff going on...

[2bigears]

   Won't go broke underestimating smarts ????  I love that..
         Coronation Street,,,,,   is that dumbing of age enough....On 7 days a week..  It's a soap !!

[neobop]

I think any show with a perceived political agenda, and purports to seek truth in reporting, will inspire very strong reactions.  Seems the writers weren't fired.  Initial ratings were decent.  HBO is running this often, so total viewers is unknown.

http://www.tvweek.com/blogs/2012/08/aaron-sorkin-stares-down-critics-of-hbos-the-newsroom.php

[neobop]

spoiler

OK, 1st season is over, just before the Republican convention.  Any other opinions? 

The last 4 or 5 episodes, I found every other one to be satisfactory, that is w/o serious flaw.  IMO pt 2 of trying to get the Republican primary debate, was ridiculous. To think that anchor boy could go after the candidates, interrupt them, pin them down in such a manner, and have that approved as a format, is absurd.  Adam Arkin shaking his head and saying it's legit, couldn't save bad writing.  On the other hand, dramatic content seemed to improve, especially with the last few episodes. 

I've been thinking about Wushuliu's comments about dramatic writing.  If I'm not mistaken, Sorkin's training is with theatre, musicals to be specific.  I wonder if that explains some of the shouting and overplaying, excessive melodrama?  An actor plays the part he/she is given.  Can a director fix writing like that?  Contrary to that thought, I still found the series enjoyable.  I tuned in each week to see where it would go, and if I could pick out Sorkinisms. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S78RzZr3IwI

I noticed Clint Eastwood made an appearance at the convention.  There's a guy who knows how to make a movie.  Anybody see Hereafter?  Perfect little gem of a movie, IMO.  The psychic, afterlife thing is just a vehicle, something a little different to get from point A to point B.  I'm not sure how this is relevant to Newsroom,  a TV series is different.  I guess my preference is for less melodrama, shouting and contrived theatrics. 
neo

[satfrat]

I personally will be looking foreword to Season 2 of The Newsroom myself. A show that actually makes one think is a good thing for all, regardless of political affiliation and my only real complaint was it was too short a season. This should be made a longer fall season instead of simply a summer filler series. It could easily trade places with Boardwalk Empire AFAIC. 

Cheers,
Robin

[wushuliu]

The Newsroom will not be a big hit.  Not because of any particular political view.  No, it made a different mistake all together - it is trying to appeal to an intelligent audience.  That is it's flaw.  Because there are so few intelligent people, and the number of stupid people is legion.

This is not unique to the Newsroom.  Most smart shows have a pretty short life.  Same with movies and books - when your audience is only 10% of the general population, you've already cut your own throat.  Better to dumb it down and take the $$ to the bank.  No one ever went broke by underestimating the intelligence of the public.

So you're excited about the next season of 'Girls', too? Yay!

[lonewolfny42]

Aaron Sorkin interview.....

[John Casler]

Decided to screen (again) "A Few Good Men", which is always a great film for me.

Bam!  As many times as I have seen it (maybe 15) I never knew it was a Sorkin film.

[GregC]

My wife and I started to watch it and thought the first episode was good, the next one was not at the same level, and the third episode started to show a strong agenda of pushing left wing politics.  I also think there was much over-acting and preaching.  When I found out the writers used ThingProgress for research that is is just as polarizing as using Fox News.  Sorry, I am stopping on episode 3.  This show does not come close to drawing me in like "Breaking Bad" and "Walking Dead."