This figure puts it second only to another documentary's record-breaking opening weekend. Despite being screened in a relatively limited number of theaters - 855 this weekend - the movie is drawing massive crowds. In fact, there were reportedly over 2,000 sold-out screenings across the country.

The film has been getting rave reviews from critics, with an impressive 99% score on both Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic. This is not surprising given its fascinating subject matter: Holmes' meteoric rise as the founder of Theranos, her subsequent downfall, and her eventual sentencing to 11 years in prison for defrauding investors.

The documentary's unique access to Holmes and her family adds an extra layer of intrigue. Just a month before she began serving her sentence, the filmmakers were given extensive behind-the-scenes access to the Holmes household. This was made all the more interesting by the involvement of Nathan Fielder, creator of The Rehearsal, who co-directed the film alongside Lance Oppenheim.

It's not hard to see why tickets for You Can See Everything are proving so elusive - at least in major cities like Manhattan. I can attest to the difficulty of finding a screening with available seats that aren't in the front row, after spending several hours searching yesterday.

The documentary You Can See Everything is generating significant buzz, and its premiere seems to have been a closely watched event. TechCrunch's Amanda Silberling was among those who got an early look at the film on Thursday. According to her report, the enigmatic Elizabeth Holmes has finally found a match in Fielder, a comedian known for his deadpan style.

Fielder's month-long stint with Holmes is just the beginning of what promises to be a surreal and metatextual journey. The documentary's unusual premise may be contributing to the intense interest surrounding it. This attention could be having an impact on other tech-centric films trying to break through in the market.

Recent box office numbers suggest that You Can See Everything is not alone in generating significant buzz. Aaron Sorkin's follow-up to The Social Network", titled "The Social Reckoning, opened to a disappointing $5.5 million last weekend and has since fallen out of the top 10. Another documentary, Alex Gibney's four-hour film about Elon Musk, managed only $306,702 at the box office this past weekend.

This intense interest in Holmes' story may be making it harder for other films to gain traction. The market is filled with stories about influential figures and their rise to power, but You Can See Everything" seems to be capturing a significant share of attention. The documentary's unique blend of mystery and intrigue is likely contributing to its appeal.

The week's news cycle has been filled with a mix of innovation and setbacks for various tech startups.

In one notable development, Tesla made headlines by unveiling its SpaceX-powered Roadster, which boasts flying capabilities in addition to its high-performance features. The vehicle is designed to showcase the company's ambitious goals in electric transportation. This latest reveal from Elon Musk's team continues to generate buzz around the brand's cutting-edge technology.

Several major deals have also been announced recently, with Bumble agreeing to a $1.3 billion acquisition deal as the online dating industry undergoes significant changes. Just five years after its launch, Character.AI has filed for bankruptcy despite being an interactive chatbot platform. This contrast between success and failure highlights the challenges faced by startups in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

Meta's release of its first frontier model, Muse, marks another milestone in AI research, demonstrating the company's commitment to pushing boundaries in this field.

TechCrunch: https://techcrunch.com/2026/10/18/everyones-watching-the-elizabeth-holmes-documentary-you-can-see-everything/

This figure falls short of the studio's initial projections, which ranged from $7 million to $8 million. The underwhelming performance raises doubts about whether Sorkin's new film will match the success of its predecessor. The Social Network opened with a $22 million weekend and went on to gross $97 million domestically.

The disappointing box office numbers for The Social Reckoning are notable, especially considering the film's darker tone and focus on whistleblower Frances Haugen's decision to leak the Facebook files. In contrast, the original movie captured the excitement and drama of Facebook's early days.

This weekend's box office results may also provide insight into audience interest in movies about real-world tech CEOs. Several films are set for release over the coming weeks, including a four-hour documentary on Elon Musk, a documentary about Elizabeth Holmes, and an OpenAI boardroom drama titled Artificial.

The documentary landscape is shifting with these new releases, which join a growing list of projects exploring the world of tech and its influential figures. Netflix also has a series in the works, The Altruists, set to debut in November.

As the fall season gets underway, moviegoers will be treated to a slate of films that delve into the complexities of Silicon Valley and startup culture. Whether these movies spark conversation or leave audiences underwhelmed remains to be seen.

The mixed reception of Aaron Sorkin's latest film, The Social Reckoning, has raised questions about its appeal to audiences. The movie, which tackles topics such as Senate hearings and algorithm changes, may not be resonating with viewers in the way that was hoped.

Critics have panned the film, leaving it with underwhelming reviews. While some reviewers have found fault with Sorkin's trademark speechifying, others have praised the movie for its thought-provoking themes. The mixed response has led to speculation about the target audience for The Social Reckoning.

Meanwhile, another film exploring similar subject matter has fared relatively well at the box office. Musk, a documentary about Elon Musk and his business ventures, earned $69,000 in its opening weekend in four theaters. While this may not seem like a significant amount, it is likely that the film will reach a wider audience once it becomes available to stream on HBO Max.

The contrast between The Social Reckoning" and "Musk highlights the challenges of making movies about complex, real-world issues. Whether these films spark conversation or leave audiences underwhelmed remains to be seen.

As more people return to theaters after the pandemic, it is possible that some viewers may find themselves drawn to older movies rather than new releases like The Social Reckoning". The trend towards streaming and on-demand viewing also means that many films are reaching wider audiences outside of traditional theatrical releases.

The tech industry is abuzz with news and updates from various sectors, including the startup ecosystem, where connections and momentum are crucial for success.

As part of the Disrupt experience in San Francisco from October 13 to 15, attendees can take advantage of a promotion that allows them to bring a colleague or partner at 50% off. This offer is an opportunity for individuals to cover more ground by making new connections, building on existing relationships, and discovering what's next in the startup world.

The tech news landscape also continues to evolve with various announcements from major players such as Google, Microsoft, and Adobe, including updates on green card programs for skilled foreign workers. Meanwhile, some notable startups are raising significant funding amounts, highlighting the ongoing innovation and investment in emerging technologies.

TechCrunch: https://techcrunch.com/2026/10/11/aaron-sorkins-social-reckoning-is-off-to-a-weak-start/

The film tackles two key issues: the irresponsible spread of false information on Facebook and the public's willingness to accept whatever is fed to them. The Social Reckoning highlights how Facebook has become a breeding ground for misinformation, with no effort made to fact-check or regulate its content.

In the movie, Jeremy Strong plays Mark Zuckerberg, who describes himself as a "free-speech absolutist. However, this term is misleading, as it implies that he genuinely believes in unbridled freedom of expression. In reality, his stance on fact-checking is driven by company policy, which prioritizes profits over truth.

The film's portrayal of Facebook's algorithm as the primary enemy is a central theme. Sorkin explores how this system promotes hate groups, politicians spreading disinformation, and cyberbullying, all while profiting from user engagement. This critique is timely, given the platform's significant influence on modern society.

Aaron Sorkin wrote and directed The Social Reckoning, which marks his follow-up to 2010's The Social Network. His adapted screenplay for the latter earned him an Oscar, and he has set a high bar for himself with this new film. While it may not match its critically acclaimed predecessor, The Social Reckoning offers sharp entertainment value.

The movie is rated R and clocks in at 1 hour and 52 minutes. Its release date is scheduled for Friday, October 9. With a talented cast that includes Mikey Madison, Jeremy Allen White, and Wunmi Mosaku, The Social Reckoning promises to deliver thought-provoking commentary on the dangers of unchecked social media power.

The film's central message is bleak, serving as a cautionary tale about a problem that has already become entrenched. While it may be too late to fix these issues, The Social Reckoning provides an important reminder of the need for greater accountability and regulation in the world of social media.

The rapid-fire dialogue and self-righteous indignation that are hallmarks of Aaron Sorkin's style are on full display in The Social Reckoning, but the film's subject matter provides ample justification for his ire.

Mikey Madison shines as Frances Haugen, a Facebook data engineer who initially believes in the company's mission to empower global expression, only to discover its profit-driven tactics that amplify extremist voices.

The film's portrayal of the toxic culture behind Facebook's massive reach is all the more compelling thanks to its talented cast. Jeremy Allen White brings depth and nuance to his role as Jeff Horwitz, a Wall Street Journal reporter who collaborates with Haugen on explosive exposés known as The Facebook Files.

As the tech world continues to capture the public imagination, film industry interest in exploring its darker aspects has reached a fever pitch. A new documentary about Elon Musk is set for release just days after The Social Reckoning hits screens.

The synchronicity between real-world anxieties and the film industry's fascination with the tech world's underbelly is striking. Three films, including Musk, Artificial, and a forthcoming Elizabeth Holmes documentary, all feature reimagined tech moguls as modern-day villains.

Tech billionaires like Zuckerberg, Musk, and Altman are increasingly being portrayed as skilled con artists who sell their insatiable pursuit of wealth as a service to humanity. This repositioning of the industry's elite is a marked shift from previous depictions.

The convergence of these films highlights a growing public awareness of the need for greater accountability in the tech world, and The Social Reckoning is just one part of this larger cultural reckoning.

The film opens with a biting prologue that sets the tone for the rest of the story. A motorist is pulled over by police and becomes increasingly hostile when asked to take a sobriety test. The scene is a stark commentary on entitlement and victimhood.

The motorist's behavior is later revealed to be a symptom of a larger problem, one that Frances has been investigating through her data research. She uncovers disturbing statistics about Facebook users who join extremist groups, with 64 percent being directed to those sites by the platform's algorithm.

This alarming trend is just one aspect of the company's dark underbelly, which Sorkin paints in stark colors. The working environment at Facebook is portrayed as uncongenial and lacking in transparency. Frances' attempts to raise her concerns are met with dismissal and even ridicule from her colleagues.

When Frances tries to speak out at a team meeting addressed by Mark Zuckerberg, she's cut off without being given the opportunity to ask any questions. This lack of accountability is mirrored in the way the company handles user data and its impact on society.

Meanwhile, Jeff is introduced as a new tech reporter for the publication. He transfers from Washington to cover Facebook and Big Tech in San Francisco. His arrival is met with skepticism by bureau chief Christina, who seems more interested in rolling her eyes at his old-fashioned ways than in helping him get up to speed.

Christina's reaction is telling of the challenges Jeff faces as he tries to navigate the complex world of social media. He's assigned two interns who are experts on Facebook and instructed to get up to speed quickly, which he does by noticing an unusually low number of negative comments about user satisfaction.

As Jeff delves deeper into his story, he begins to uncover more disturbing trends and statistics about Facebook's impact on society. The platform's algorithm is revealed to be a key driver of extremism and radicalization, with many users being directed to hate groups through its recommendations.

The film's portrayal of Facebook's inner workings raises important questions about accountability and transparency in the tech industry. With its sharp writing and timely themes, it's clear that Sorkin has created something special with The Social Reckoning.

As Aaron Sorkin's scathing critique of Facebook continues to unfold in The Social Reckoning, a PR team led by Raya is tasked with humanizing Mark Zuckerberg for the public eye. This effort proves challenging, given Zuckerberg's apparent inability to connect with others on an emotional level.

Raya, played by Wunmi Mosaku, oversees a crisis management team that includes media relations expert Teddy Marks, who observes their efforts from afar. Meanwhile, Raya invites Charlie Garrigan, a former colleague of Zuckerberg's, to join the team in an attempt to shake things up. Garrigan, portrayed by Bill Burr, has recently published a scathing op-ed piece criticizing Facebook's lax safeguards.

Jeffrey Strong, a journalist determined to expose Facebook's wrongdoings, sends personal letters to numerous employees in an effort to gather information from within. When Frances, a whistleblower who is struggling to bring attention to algorithmic glitches, responds to one of these letters, the two meet in secret. Despite her nervousness about breaching her contractual non-disclosure agreement, she shares some basic details with Strong.

As Strong delves deeper into his investigation, he discovers that Mark Zuckerberg and members of his executive team are aware of the negative consequences of their business strategy. This includes prioritizing reshares over likes and using rage bait to drive traffic. The journalist's findings suggest that Facebook is more interested in generating exponential numbers than in taking meaningful action against content violations.

Internal initiatives, such as MSI (Meaningful Social Interactions), CIT (Civic Integrity Team) or SATF (Soft Action Task Force), are touted as evidence of Facebook's commitment to responsible practices. However, when the prospect of engagement dropping by even one percent is raised, Zuckerberg abruptly rejects any serious measures against content violation.

Zuckerberg's response to Charlie Garrigan's concerns about policing political ads for falsehoods is telling. We're a corkboard," he says with characteristic impassivity, implying that Facebook should not be held responsible for the content pinned on it. This statement highlights the company's apparent lack of accountability and willingness to prioritize profits over people.

The film's narrative takes a sharp turn when it delves into the aftermath of the Capitol riots on January 6, 2021. The events are recreated in footage that appears to be largely re-enacted, highlighting the chaos and violence that unfolded.

In this critical moment, Facebook's leadership is shown struggling to decide whether to remove videos posted by the sitting U.S. president. This internal conflict is a stark reminder of the immense power wielded by social media giants like Facebook.

The company's reluctance to take decisive action in the face of mounting pressure is a recurring theme throughout The Social Reckoning. Despite repeated calls for accountability, Facebook's leadership appears hesitant to make significant changes to its policies or practices.

This lack of urgency is particularly concerning given the platform's vast influence on global discourse. With over 3 billion monthly active users worldwide and 43 percent of adults relying on it as a primary news source, Facebook's impact on public opinion cannot be overstated.

The film's portrayal of Facebook's insensitivity to the harm caused by its platform is also noteworthy. The company's failure to address issues like fact-checking, despite high-profile scandals and Congressional testimony, raises serious questions about its commitment to accountability.

As the story unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear that Facebook's actions have far-reaching consequences for individuals and society as a whole. The film's unflinching critique of the platform's impact on democracy and individual well-being is both timely and thought-provoking.

Mikey Madison and Jeremy Allen White deliver standout performances in 'The Social Reckoning', a film that takes aim at the darker side of social media's influence on democracy and individual well-being.

Mosaku, Burr, Magnussen, and Gilpin also bring depth to their respective roles, but it is White and Madison who drive the narrative forward with their nuanced portrayals. White's character embodies journalistic integrity, refusing to compromise his values in the face of adversity. Madison's performance is equally impressive, as she expertly conveys her character's transformation from a Facebook enthusiast to a courageous whistleblower.

The Hollywood Reporter: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/the-social-reckoning-review-mikey-madison-aaron-sorkin-1236724207/

As the years passed, public perception began to shift, and criticisms of Zuckerberg's business practices gained traction. Writer-director Aaron Sorkin's latest film, The Social Reckoning, delves into these criticisms by drawing from real-life events surrounding Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen.

In 2014, Mark Zuckerberg himself expressed hurt over the depiction of him in The Social Network, sparking a debate about how much leniency should be given to young entrepreneurs who push boundaries. At the time, many people were willing to excuse Zuckerberg's actions as youthful indiscretions.

The landscape has changed significantly since then, and it is now challenging to imagine widespread public sympathy for the Meta CEO. The recent wave of scandals surrounding Facebook has led to a growing distrust of the company and its leadership.

As The Social Reckoning takes on the story of Frances Haugen's time at Facebook, it sheds light on how the company's relentless pursuit of growth created problems that have had far-reaching consequences for society.

The film's narrative is split between past and present, as it delves into the time when Frances Haugen worked on Facebook's civic integrity team.

Haugen's character is introduced in 2019, a year marked by growing concerns about hate speech and misinformation on social media platforms like Facebook.

As she navigates her role at the company, Haugen becomes increasingly aware of the impact that Facebook's algorithms have on society, particularly when it comes to amplifying harmful content.

She genuinely believes that Facebook can take steps to mitigate these issues, but her efforts are met with resistance from colleagues who seem more interested in prioritizing engagement over accountability.

The film's portrayal of Haugen and Horwitz's relationship is complex, with both characters understanding the significance of Facebook as a global news source but acknowledging that they must adhere to traditional journalistic standards to expose the truth about the company.

To gather information, Haugen and Horwitz resort to old-fashioned methods, meeting in secret locations such as parks and hotel rooms to examine internal documents revealing Facebook's knowledge of its products' potential harm.

The movie effectively captures the tension in these clandestine meetings, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the risks taken by the two characters. However, their portrayal is not consistently handled, particularly when it comes to Haugen's dialogue, which often feels incongruous with the severity of the story being told.

In these tense moments, The Social Reckoning resembles a genuine thriller, as Haugen and Horwitz navigate the complexities of exposing Facebook's culpability in creating an environment conducive to conspiracy groups and radicalization.

The film also illustrates how Facebook prioritized growth over accountability, allowing its platform to become a breeding ground for misinformation and intentionally deceptive content.

The film's portrayal of Mark Zuckerberg's character in Congressional hearings is particularly noteworthy, showcasing an older and more calculating individual preparing to face lawmakers.

In these scenes, Benedict Cumberbatch brings a sense of detachment that sets him apart from Jesse Eisenberg's portrayal of the younger Zuckerberg in The Social Network. Cumberbatch's performance exudes an unsettling robotic quality that makes his character feel like a man who has prioritized profit above all else.

This depiction is particularly striking given the context, as it highlights the company's willingness to push boundaries and skirt accountability. It's a testament to the film's ability to distill complex themes into compelling drama.

While the rest of the movie struggles to balance information density with engaging storytelling, these scenes stand out as some of the most effective in The Social Reckoning. They serve as a reminder that the company's actions have real-world consequences and that accountability is essential for any corporation operating at this scale.

For those who may not be familiar with the Facebook saga, these scenes provide a useful primer on the company's history, highlighting key moments where it faced scrutiny and criticism from lawmakers and the media.

The documentary's narrative arc serves as a stark reminder that despite numerous controversies surrounding Meta's products, there has been no fundamental shift in how people interact with them. This is reflected in the company's continued dominance in the digital landscape.

A day may arrive when the public demands greater accountability from tech giants like Meta, but for now it feels like an elusive dream. The movie's release on October 9th offers a timely opportunity to reflect on the complex issues surrounding social media and its impact on society.

The Verge: https://www.theverge.com/entertainment/1005997/the-social-reconing-review-facebook-zuckerberg-frances-haugen

The Succession actor's intense preparation for his roles has led to scrutiny from colleagues in the past. Strong's dedication to immersing himself in his characters' lives and experiences has raised questions about how far this commitment should go.

In a recent conversation, host David Remnick asked if Strong's method acting is appreciated by those around him, pointing to his Oscar-nominated performance in The Apprentice as an example of how he brings his research into the role.

Strong's commitment to method acting has drawn mixed reactions from those around him. While some may view it as an asset, others might see it as excessive. In response to these criticisms, Strong emphasized that his approach is driven by a desire to serve the material at hand.

He explained that he doesn't feel obligated to apologize for his level of commitment, suggesting that any discomfort caused is often a personal reaction rather than a professional one. The directors he works with, including Aaron Sorkin on their upcoming project, share this perspective, believing that Strong's dedication enhances the overall performance.

Strong will next be seen in Sorkin's latest film, playing Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. In an interview, Sorkin praised Strong for his thorough preparation and immersion into character. This attention to detail extends beyond just research; Strong reportedly performs many of his own actions on set, including mannerisms that are characteristic of the real-life Zuckerberg.

Sorkin noted that Strong's commitment to authenticity goes even further, with him often avoiding speaking in his own voice or adopting his own gait while on set. This level of dedication is a testament to Strong's ability to fully inhabit the characters he portrays and bring them to life in a convincing way.

Strong's intense preparation for his roles has not gone unnoticed, with some colleagues expressing reservations about its impact on the set.

In a viral New Yorker profile, Strong's former Succession co-star Brian Cox criticized his method acting approach, describing it as "a particularly American disease" that blurs the line between an actor's character and their own identity. According to Cox, this inability to separate oneself from the role can create tension among ensemble casts.

Cox is not alone in expressing concerns about Strong's method, having previously stated that it "creates hostility on set. His comments sparked a reaction from Strong himself, who reflected on the experience of seeing his approach scrutinized by others.

Strong has acknowledged the discomfort he felt when reading Cox's criticism, describing the process as painful" and suggesting that he had been given assurances about the tone in which his views would be presented. However, this level of candor may have contributed to the public controversy surrounding his acting methods.

Strong acknowledged being hurt by his co-stars' apparent dismissal of his method acting approach, but attributed this to misunderstandings fueled by selective presentation or biased agendas.

He emphasized that despite reported friction, a deep respect and even love exist among the cast members, who consider themselves a family in every sense.

The Hollywood Reporter: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/jeremy-strong-method-acting-never-intention-interfere-1236721716/

The theatrical release and simultaneous production of the play are a double-edged sword for Sorkin, who acknowledges the added pressure this brings. However, he seems to be taking it in stride, saying "it's a pretty glamorous problem to have" when discussing the back-to-back premieres.

Sorkin is revisiting A Few Good Men, a military court drama that originally premiered on Broadway over three decades ago. He penned the play while working as a theater bartender, using cocktail napkins as his writing surface. The production brings together familiar faces from the original show, including Bradley Whitford and Krysta Rodriguez.

The revival of A Few Good Men marks a return to Sorkin's roots in theater, where he launched his career with this very play. It is a testament to the enduring impact of his work and its ability to continue resonating with audiences today.

In preparation for The Social Reckoning, Sorkin has faced unique challenges due to the subject matter. He reveals that Sony required a high level of security around the film, limiting the number of people who have seen it so far.

The film tells the true story of Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen and Wall Street Journal reporter Jeff Horwitz, with Mikey Madison and Jeremy White set to portray them in the movie. Despite the limited access to the film, Sorkin expresses confidence in its quality, saying he's "very proud of The Social Reckoning.

Sorkin's initial reluctance to write a follow-up to The Social Network was due in part to concerns about being typecast as a writer who churns out sequels, much like the infamous Jaws 2. However, he couldn't shake off the feeling that there was still more to explore within the story of Facebook's rise and fall.

The turning point came when Sorkin spent years researching and speaking with Haugen and Horwitz about their exposé on Meta's alleged mishandling of its platforms' impact on teenagers and misinformation. Their conversations sparked an idea in Sorkin, who began to see a story emerge from the shadows.

Sorkin has revealed that he asked Horwitz what triggered Haugen's transformation from devoted Facebook employee to whistleblower. The answer came when Horwitz mentioned that Haugen had a friend who was radicalized by the social media platform and she wanted to investigate further.

This pivotal moment allowed Sorkin to envision the first scene of his new film, which is always essential for him to start working on a project. He described it as an epic period where he faced writer's block, but this new idea reignited his passion and drive to write.

As Sorkin delves into the story, he draws parallels between his writing process and navigating through dark woods with a flashlight. The beam of light only illuminates what is directly ahead, but as one progresses, their vision expands, revealing more of the path.

Sorkin's eagerness to start working on this new project was palpable, especially considering his prolonged period of writer's block. His confidence in the story's potential is evident, and he seems undaunted by the pressure that comes with following up a critically acclaimed film like The Social Network.

Sorkin's Broadway revival of A Few Good Men is a departure from his current focus on The Social Network follow-up, but one that holds personal significance for him. This time around, he was approached by The Lincoln Center and Tony Award-winning director Michael Arden, which likely played a role in his decision to take on the project.

The play's themes of military justice and the consequences of following orders are particularly timely given the current political climate. Sorkin has noted that the revived production is an opportunity for him to revisit familiar material with fresh eyes. He has also expressed enthusiasm about being able to do a little polish on the original script.

Sorkin's initial experience writing A Few Good Men was marked by humble beginnings, as he penned the play while working as a bartender at the Palace Theater during the Broadway run of La Cage Aux Folles. This unusual setting likely influenced his creative process, and the plot was largely developed in short bursts between serving drinks to patrons.

Sorkin has spoken fondly about his memories of writing A Few Good Men, but also acknowledges that it's not a work he looks back on with great nostalgia. He humorously referred to it as looking at old high school yearbook pictures, a reminder that things often appear more impressive in hindsight than they actually were.

The play was inspired by a conversation Sorkin had with his sister, who was visiting Guantanamo Bay and dealing with the aftermath of a code red. While he did conduct further research on this case, the rest of the story is largely fictionalized. This blend of fact and fiction likely presented challenges for Sorkin as a writer.

The revival's focus on military justice and the consequences of following orders will undoubtedly provide an interesting contrast to The Social Network follow-up, which has been in development for some time.

The revival of A Few Good Men is set to bring a fresh perspective to the story, as Bradley Whitford takes on the role of Col. Jessup, the commanding officer at the center of the drama.

This marks a significant departure for Whitford, who has previously played the lead role of Kaffee in the original production, where he made his big break alongside Aaron Sorkin's work. The experience of playing Kaffee had a lasting impact on Whitford, who recalls standing backstage before his first performance and feeling overwhelmed by the gravity of the character's words.

In the revival, Whitford is now tasked with bringing Col. Jessup to life, a role that was famously portrayed by Jack Nicholson in the film adaptation. However, Whitford has chosen not to study Nicholson's iconic performance, instead developing his own interpretation of the character based on his experiences playing opposite several Jessups during the original production.

Whitford's take on Col. Jessup is expected to be a nuanced one, with the actor describing him as a complex figure who defies easy categorization. He notes that, in his mind, Jessup often takes on the characteristics of a Democrat who is about to trash the classroom, rather than the stereotypical Republican.

Whitford's portrayal of an antagonist role is not new, having appeared in shows such as The Handmaid's Tale and Get Out. However, he insists that this is not a deliberate choice, and that his ability to play complex characters is simply a skill that has developed over time.

When asked about how he approaches playing such dark roles, Whitford humorously notes that while he may struggle with everyday tasks like sending food back in a restaurant, he has no problem bringing monstrous characters to life on stage.

Sorkin has revealed that his approach to refining A Few Good Men before its preview involved making some adjustments to the dialogue and plot points to make them clearer for the audience.

This process allowed him to give the cast and crew the space they needed to delve deeper into their characters and explore the themes of the play without interference from the writer.

As rehearsals progressed, Sorkin emphasized that he wants the production team to view this iteration as a new play, rather than a rehashing of his previous work. This openness to changes and suggestions is reflected in his willingness to rewrite scenes if they're not working during previews.

The cast has spoken highly of Sorkin's collaborative approach, with Whitford recalling that he advised the actors to treat Sorkin like any other writer, rather than being intimidated by his reputation.

Sorkin's comments on his own writing style suggest that he draws inspiration from a romantic" idea about how institutions should function in American democracy. This vision is tempered by an acknowledgment of their complexities and flaws.

While the play's themes are likely to resonate with audiences given its timing, Sorkin hopes that viewers will also be entertained by the production itself, rather than just focusing on the message it conveys.

To create an engaging and thought-provoking theatrical experience, Aaron Sorkin emphasizes that audiences must consider the authority figures behind a particular action or decision. He highlights how individuals in positions of power, such as military personnel, tend to follow orders without questioning them.

Sorkin's approach underscores the importance of examining the motivations and intentions of those who hold influence over others.

The Hollywood Reporter: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/aaron-sorkin-social-network-reckoning-movie-broadway-1236718158/