One thing Aaron Sorkin did well on all three shows was incorporate music. Wheter it was “Eli’s Coming” on Sports Night or “Under Pressure” from Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. Here’s a scene from the Rock the Vote rally from “College Kids.” The song is “Shed a Little Light” by James Taylor, here performed by Aimee Mann. Larger version available in the Full Diagnosis.
The West Wing
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Sometimes even the professionals screw-up. Here’s Dan (Josh Charles) thinking too much about Rebecca (Teri Polo) and making a small one-word mistake in reporting a story in this clip from “Dana and the Deep Blue Sea.” Larger version available inside the Full Diagnosis.
Sports Night
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Here are two clips from the flashback episode “Bartlett For America” as Leo (John Spencer) testifies about the early days of the Bartlett campaign. The second clip (along with a larger version of this one) is available in the Full Diagnosis.
The West Wing
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The American President, starring Michael Douglas, Annette Bening, Richard Dreyfuss, Martin Sheen & Michael J. Fox, is a poignant and romantic look into politics during the 90’s. With an all-star cast and great writing and directing American President is a pleasure to watch. It’s certainly one of those films you can watch over and over again and get the humor and life out of it every time.
The American President
4 Stars
I like how this discussion ignites between Michael Douglas and Annette Bening; the two really have a great flare between them, as their characters grow closer to one another.
President Andrew Shepherd: You’re attracted to me, but the idea of physical intimacy is uncomfortable because you only know me as the President. But it’s not always going to be that way, and the reason I know that is there was a moment last night when you were with ME, not the President. And I know what a big step that was for you. So, Sydney, I’m in no rush. Here’s my plan. We’re going to slow down, and when you’re comfortable, that’s when it’s going to happen.
[Sydney emerges from the bathroom wearing nothing but one of his shirts]
President Andrew Shepherd: Perhaps I didn’t properly explain the fundamentals of the slowdown plan.
Sydney Ellen Wade: [feeling the bed] No, you explained it great.
President Andrew Shepherd: Are you nervous?
Sydney Ellen Wade: No.
President Andrew Shepherd: Good. My nervousness exists on… several levels. Number one, and this is in no particular order, I haven’t done this in a pretty long time. Number two, uh, any expectations that you might have, given the fact that I’m… you know…
Sydney Ellen Wade: [approaching seductively] The most powerful man in the world?
President Andrew Shepherd: Exactly, thank you. I think it’s important you remember that’s a political distinction that comes
with the office. I mean, if, uh, Eisenhower were here instead of me, he’d be dead by now… and number three…
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Andrew Shepherd (Michael Douglas), a dedicated Democrat, single father and the president of the United States, finds himself head over heels for lobbyist Sydney Ellen Wade (Annette Bening), not only falling in love, but tripping over his presidency to court her. Sydney is shocked and really excited all at the same time when the president calls her apartment to ask her out on a date. Throughout their relationship, both must duck and dodge the political paparazzi and keep their names clean. With Sydney being a lobbyist, it’s hard to explain that she isn’t sleeping with the pres to get her way and with the new election coming up and Bob Rumson (Richard Dreyfuss) trying to win the election; Andrew must watch his p’s and q’s. Bob spends most of the campaign politically and personally trashing Andrew, lowering his ratings, cause Andrew won’t fight dirty and won’t acknowledge the slanderous plows. Even after A.J. (Martin Sheen) and Lewis (Michael J. Fox), the presidents advisors, plea with him to stop dating Sydney during election time and confront Rumson and his attacks, Andrew still won’t back down. Finally he holds a conference that sets everything straight and puts Rumson in his place. In the process of putting Rumson in his place and setting things straight he was forced to turn down the bill the Sydney was lobbying for, which put a huge riff in their relationship. Of course, in the end, Andrew wins out and gets her flowers, she forgives and everybody is happy.
Great film, a real enjoyment to watch. Michael Douglas and Annette Bening have real talent and work well together.
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Here’s a quick promo recaping some of the better moments from the first half of Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip‘s one season run. Larger version available in the Full Diagnosis.
Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
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