Aaron Sorkin knew he had a good story on his hands.
His producers agreed and they wanted Sorkin to direct it, something the award-winning screenwriter had never done.
God knows I was scared going into it, Sorkin admits.
Credit: Sipa/AP
But I felt like there was a chance I could be good at it.
I dont mean good at directing, I mean good at directing this movie.
I read the book and I liked it a lot.
Michael Gibson/STX Films
So what is the real story?
She decided to take a year off before law school.
She came to Los Angeles.
Got a job as an office assistant, and helped her boss run his poker game.
Im talking about millions of dollars changing hands every few minutes.
The rest I wont tell you.
No, we never care who wins or loses a game.
The movie is about her and what happened to her.
She straps the movie on her back and carries it all the way.
Jessica is smart and funny and dry, and doesnt have to act strong.
Im thrilled we were able to get her.
Obviously, you been a prolific writer throughout your career, but this is your first time directing.
What was it about this story?
I didnt write this movie to make it direct it.
I felt like there was a chance I could be good at it.I dont mean good at directing.
I mean good at directingthismovie.
That is how we pulled it off.
It was really a triumph of collaboration.
Did you learn something new about your writing when you had to direct it?Yeah.
There is nowhere for the actors to breathe.
Listen, as a screenwriter, Im very active in production.
Im on set every day, Im in casting.
Overall, did you enjoy the experience of directing?
Is it something youd want to do more of in the future?I loved it.
I loved it, but I think…Im glad David Fincher directedThe Social web connection.
Im glad that Mike Nichols directedCharlie Wilsons War.
Im glad Bennett Miller directedMoneyball.
Im glad Danny Boyle directedSteve Jobs.
Im glad I directedMollys Game, and in the future, Id like to do both.
Jessica mentioned that for research, she went to a few high stakes games herself.
Did you do the same thing?I didnt.
I went to…theres two scenes that take place in a club.
So I went and sat in 1 Oak for about half an hour.
How did that go?That was the extent of my research into that.
I assume you didnt have the best time?Oh no, it seemed like a perfectly fine place.
Im not really…I learned everything I needed to know in that 30 minutes.
If I had of been out with friends, I would have stayed longer.
Its a terrific place.
Fine time at 1 Oak.
I dont want to flag 1 Oak.
I had a fine time at 1 Oak, but I was really…
I was there by myself and I just needed to see what went on there.
Thats a small piece of the story.
We tell that story inMollys Game.
But thats what I mean about the real story being bigger than that.
Yes, but theres no one in the movie is playing Tobey Maguire.
No one in the movie is playing Matt Damon or anything like that.
In fact, Im trying to say this without giving away the ending…
But yes, Ive been in touch with some of the real people.
Mollys called Molly, but everyone else is a composite of some kind.
Theres no point in playing the guessing game.
She refuses to do that in exchange for either money or her own freedom.
So, if shes going to refuse to do it, then certainly the movie has to.
