American screenwriter and director Aaron Sorkin spoke today with the United States about the dangers of social media and the correspondence of his film.
Chicago 7 Started in 2020, with a wave of protests in the United States. Did you expect that the script of the 1960s would reflect the current situation in such a powerful position?When we shot the film in 2019, the story was already very relevant. Donald Trump was in power and had an uproarious speech, which he considered a period of turmoil. This speech was associated with repression against opponents, the reality of 1968.
Trump called Black Lives Matter activists “terrorists”. How do you analyze this response?Wrong and wrong. When Trump supporters broke into the Capitol on January 6, he said, “You’re special, patriot, I love you.” Black Life Protesters (Black life matters) Are part of a protest; Capitol rebels have already attacked democracy. There is a big difference.
In Brazil, as in the United States, extremists use the free speech argument to protest. What are the limitations?Freedom of speech exists to protect unpopular ideas, not to protect lies. Particularly dangerous ones, such as an election rigged, or Kovid-19 are harmless. American author Mark Twain said that before the shoe is put on the truth a lie moves around the world. This has never been so real as it is now with social media.
In 2010, you were the leader in warning about the dangers of Facebook Social Networks. How do you analyze these platforms today?I lost my opinion on Facebook. When I wrote this film, social media seemed like a hoax to me when it came into human contact. But they became more dangerous.
by which method?Due to the action of the algorithm, which I was unaware of. Motivated by Artificial Intelligence mechanisms, networks do not give us the necessary information, but the information that holds and engages them – is that which causes fear and anger. Not to mention that the hammock has become a place for cowards who shout against the world of security on their couch.
Today there is a deadlock between cinema and streaming. What’s your point, now you’re nominated for an Oscar with a film on Netflix?I can only say that I am grateful. Had it not been for Netflix, the film would have been released next year. And I wanted him to leave before last year’s US elections. Netflix was like a lifeboat with luxury cabins and scrumptious meals. At the same time, I look forward to the collective experience of watching a film in cinema again.
Published in VEJA, 28 April 2021, edition nº 2735
