Sorkin concedes $15 million box office for directing debut 'The Social Reckoning'

Aaron Sorkin confirmed that his directorial effort The Social Reckoning has collected only $15 million in global ticket sales since its nationwide release on Oct. 9. The 65-year-old screenwriter disclosed the figure while accepting the Maverick Director Award at the Newport Beach Film Festival this week. The film, which he also wrote, is currently sitting at a 54 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes, a reception he described as considerably less enthusiastic than the one reserved for his earlier work.

Sorkin stated that he was the second choice to helm the $40 million production. He explained that his preferred director, David Fincher, had an exclusive deal with Netflix, while the film was owned by Sony. Sorkin noted that Fincher directed The Social Network, the 2010 film Sorkin wrote, which became a massive critical and commercial hit. The new film centers on Facebook’s internal knowledge of its societal impact and features Jeremy Strong as Mark Zuckerberg.

The writer expressed concern that his specific gaps in directing ability are innate. He compared the craft to screenwriting, noting that while many elements can be taught, the core of talent cannot be learned. Sorkin said he is worried that the parts of directing he struggles with fall into that unteachable category. He admitted to having no visual sensibility and being surprised by how little of the science of filmmaking he had absorbed during his first four attempts behind the camera.

Sorkin acknowledged a decade of criticism regarding his work on Molly’s Game, The Trial of the Chicago 7, and Being the Ricardos. He said he feels like he just entered the movie business and still does not know much. However, he emphasized that he has learned from working with acclaimed directors like Rob Reiner and Mike Nichols. He compared his current position to a football coach after a loss, believing the elements for a win are present but have not yet come together.

The film marks Sorkin’s 11th feature script. He observed that all of his recent projects, with the exception of A Few Good Men, would likely be streaming productions in the current market. Sorkin said he is not finished wanting to work with great directors but continues to seek opportunities to direct. He expressed a desire to put all his skills together in a future project.

During the interview, Sorkin also discussed a planned revival of The West Wing and a new Lincoln Center production of A Few Good Men. He said he misses the West Wing cast and characters but needs a strong story to bring the series back. Regarding A Few Good Men, he is rewriting the script for the new stage production, calling it a new play because he was very young when he originally wrote it.

Sorkin concluded his comments by reflecting on his 35-year writing career. He listed his major credits, including The American President, Charlie Wilson’s War, and Moneyball. He said he is happy to be working on the A Few Good Men revival clean and sober, referencing a period in his life when he struggled with drugs while writing his first play.