This STEVE JOBS movie is not a documentary…
Nor is it your typical bio drama.
Instead it plays out very much like a stage production presented in three acts.
To be more specific, behind the scenes of Jobs’ three iconic product launches with the film painting a portrait of a troubled, flawed—yet genius marketeer.
One thing is for sure, director Danny Boyle and screenwriter Aaron Sorkin unveil a side of—or make that INSIGHT into— Job’s character here that many a viewer of the film will be surprised at. And that’s putting it mildly.
“I am like Caesar—surrounded by enemies.”
Act One is set in 1984 and finds Jobs in a backstage rage when he learns just prior to its public introduction that his Macintosh computer was unable to greet its users with a simple “Hello.”
Fast forward to Act Two set in 1988. The Macintosh is history and Jobs has been fired by Apple. So now it’s on to the launch of ‘NeXT,’ Jobs’ educational computer with the Black Cube design.
Finally Act Three which concludes in 1998 with Jobs’ return to Apple and the successful launch of the iMac with the explosion of the internet just around the corner.
At these three events we live through Jobs’ incredible highs and down and almost out lows—always displaying his cocky showmanship and will power to stay ahead of the game. And especially of IBM!
The personal downside throughout the film explores Jobs’ unwillingness to accept his ex-girlfriend’s daughter Lisa as his own. Some of these scenes are heartbreaking.
But foremost the Steve Jobs movie is an actor’s showcase similar to last year’s BIRDMAN with Michael Fassbender at the center as the troubled visionary. He is supported by Kate Winslet as his long time trusted friend and marketeer Joanna Hoffman.
Also Jeff Daniels as Apple CEO John Sculley who fired him from the almost bankrupt computer company.
There is long-suffering designer Andy Herzfeld brought to the screen by Michael Struhlberg.
And in a surprisingly strong performance is Seth Rogen as Steve Wozniak who was the co-founder and tech-brain of Apple during the early days.
Sadly Woz was unable to persuade Jobs to publicly acknowledge him and his team as the force behind the Apple II computer which really launched the company’s ambitious future.
STEVE JOBS is not for everyone. But I guarantee that the film will suck you in for all of its 122 minutes running time.
It opened here last weekend as an exclusive engagement but spreads out to theaters throughout greater Kansas City this Friday, October 23.
My score: B+
(Reviewed at AMC BARRYWOODS)
JACK GOES TO THE MOVIES Friday mornings during Kansas City’s Morning News with E.J. & Ellen on 98.1 FM, KMBZ.
For some reason my husband despises Jobs and so would never dream of seeing this. Why do you say it’s not for everyone?
Because Jobs was a colossal a-hole.
Hey Gigi,
Good question. The reason for my statement that the film might not be for everyone is because of the way it is being presented. Like I said, it pretty well plays like a three act stage play and that may turn some people off.
Just like some people were turned off by “BIRDMAN” for similar reasons.
But it’s a fascinating portrayal and if you can get over the fact that–as the Dude suggests—that Jobs was not a ‘perfect human being’, it makes for an interesting motion picture.
One thing that CAN be said about Mr. Jobs is that he was a genius marketeer!
Thank you.
So he was Don Draper slinging electronics. Yay.