Director: Danny Boyle
Writer: Aaron Sorkin (Screenplay) Walter Isaacson (Book)
Starring: Michael Fassbender, Kate Winslet, Seth Rogen, Jeff Daniels, Michael Stuhlbarg, Katherine Waterston, Sarah Snook, John Ortiz
Plot: Steve Jobs takes us behind the scenes of the digital revolution, to paint a portrait of the man at its epicentre. The story unfolds backstage at three iconic product launches, ending in 1998 with the unveiling of the iMac.
There may be spoilers the rest of the review
Verdict: Good Drama
Story: Steve Jobs starts as Jobs (Fassbender) is about to release the Mac in 1984 and we follow as along with his assistant Joanna (Winslet) are struggling to make the computer just say ‘Hello’ we also follow how Jobs deal with his ex Chrisann (Waterston) who is trying to get Jobs to accept his responsibility to his daughter Lisa.
We move to 1988 for the release of the ‘Black Cube’ under the company name ‘Next’ as all the former friends and co-workers have come to witness this new release. We get to see how his relationship with Wozniak (Rogen) and John Sculley (Daniels) change between the releases.
The final act is set in 1998 where the IMac is being released and how Jobs can finally give the world his perfect design.
Steve Jobs is a very interesting look at one of the most important men in technology history. We get to see how his attitude was what made him difficult to work with. We see how even after he failed he came back stronger even though he made enemies. My big issue with this is that if you don’t know anything about Steve Jobs and the people involved this feels very distant for the audience to relate to. If you didn’t know anything about Jobs you won’t learn that much about him because this is just his reaction towards his releases with the people who would be the closest to him.
Actor Review
Michael Fassbender: Steve Jobs is the brain behind the Apple, we follow his life in three different times with three different releases that show his personal battles with people within the company and in his personal life with his estranged wife and daughter. Michael gives us a brilliant performance in this role through three different time periods.
Kate Winslet: Joanna Hoffman is the assistant to Jobs, she has been with him through all of the releases trying to keep him prepared for both success or failure but struggles to witness his behavior towards his daughter. Kate gives us a great performance in this role working brilliantly with Fassbender.
Seth Rogen: Steve Wozniak is the former partner of Jobs who started in a garage building the first computer, they have their differences through the years but Jobs does stay loyal to his old friend. Seth gives us a great supporting performance showing he can do the serious roles too.
Jeff Daniels: John Sculley is the marketing man who came into Apple from Pepsi who clashes with Jobs through the years, they both clash over how the world should work with Jobs wanting people to think and Sculley wanting to make money. Jeff gives us a great supporting role which is something you would always expect from him.
Support Cast: Steve Jobs has a great supporting cast that all give us great performance with their interaction with Jobs.
Director Review: Danny Boyle – Danny gives us a great film because of the subjects it was covering but unless you know the story it will fall short to the unknown person.
Biographical: Steve Jobs shows three big moments in the life of this brilliant minded man as we see how he real nature is portrayed.
Settings: Steve Jobs uses the settings which is mostly back stage areas before a big release.
Suggestion: Steve Jobs is one to try, I do think it will be hard for some people to understand. (Try It)
Best Part: Fassbender is brilliant.
Worst Part: If you don’t know the Jobs story you will find yourself wondering what is happening.
Believability: Based on the real man and events leading up to the big releases.
Chances of Tears: No
Chances of Sequel: No
Post Credits Scene: No
Awards: Nominated for 4 Golden Globes Including Best Actor, Actress, Screenplay and Original Score.
Oscar Chances: Will get a few nominations.
Budget: $30 Million
Runtime: 2 Hours 2 Minutes
Tagline: Can a great man be a good man?
Overall: Great performances, great story but not understanding leaves us feeling empty.
Rating
