In 2013 we were subjected to a Steve Jobs biopic that offered no real emotion, a sloppy story line, and an underwhelming performance by Ashton Kutcher. Two years later, we can wash that bad taste out of our mouths as Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire, 127 Hours) and Aaron Sorkin (The Social Network, Moneyball) have treated us to a captivating film with a brilliant script.
Let’s be frank. This film was going to be better than that first attempt of Steve Jobs’ story by default. This cast, this director, and this screenwriter already had the upper hand. Fortunately, the talented combination delivered.
Steve Jobs is set in three acts; each containing a few necessary flashbacks built around Jobs’ (Michael Fassbender) first three big product unveilings. Essentially, we are seeing three days in his life spread out over 14 years. Adding to the authenticity of the movie, each day is filmed using the technology of that specific time period.
In each of the three acts, Jobs has what seems to be some of the most pivotal and confrontational conversations with the same five important people: His PR person (Kate Winslet), Steve Wozniak (Seth Rogen), Andy Hertzfeld (Michael Stuhlbarg), John Sculley (Jeff Daniels), and his daughter. All of which are equally captivating. Within these fast-paced moving acts, we get emotionally invested in all these characters, including Jobs. Oddly enough, you can’t help but root for all them even though at times they are on opposing sides. Though all his relationships were enthralling, I mostly enjoyed watching Jobs’ development with his daughter, who was played by three different actresses (Makenzie Moss, Ripley Sobo, and Perla Haney-Jardine). It’s touching to see the gradual transformation of Steve Jobs, as he first goes from denying any paternal role to eventually proving just how much he cares for his daughter.
The acting is superb. Michael Fassbender gives a mesmerizing performance as Steve Jobs, and Seth Rogen is no laughing matter as he succeeds to show off a more serious side as “Woz.”
It’s a film that will make you feel as though we have been given an inside look into three of the most significant moments of Jobs’ life. This is how Steve Jobs’ story should be told.
Rating: 4/5
Steve Jobs opens in theaters October 16.
“Steve Jobs” Official Trailer HD
The beginning of the film moves slow because of the extended “philosophical” conversations each one-on-one scene has. Rarely are more than two people on screen together. Every discussion these characters have is filled with analogies. So much so that you loose all meaning to whatever they are saying. I am sure there was some thoughtful lessons behind these speeches, but feeling forced and out of place, you simply loose all interest.
The actors give great performances, which is no surprise. With a cast this strong you would think director, Ridley Scott (Prometheus) noticed they were not being utilized in a monotonous script. It just felt more like they were reading for an audition, giving their all in useless dialogue that does not move the story forward.