I'll Take the Job(s)

The late Apple cofounder Steve Jobs was many things. He was a genius, as well as a jerk. He was an inspiration, and also a tyrant. He filled many people with joy, and others with sadness. With such a polarizing figure to canvas, one would expect that a film about Jobs’ life would be quite exciting to see. With a unique storytelling method, brilliant acting and excellent direction, Danny Boyle’s “Steve Jobs” is just that.

“Steve Jobs” tells the story of the life and times of Steve Jobs (Michael Fassbender), the late cofounder of Apple Inc. The film takes place during three different launch events; the launch of the Macintosh in 1984, the launch of NEXT in 1988, and the launch of the iMac in 1998. Each event fills in the missing years with dialogue and explains all that has happened since then.

Jobs’ is a highly successful yet highly disliked tech guru. His perfectionism leads to the creation of breakthrough products but also alienates all those around him. He refuses to acknowledge not only the people who help him attain success, but his own daughter as well. The film shows Jobs at three very different times in his life and invites audiences to take a deeper look at the marvel that he was. Kate Winslet, Seth Rogen and Jeff Daniels also star.

The concept of having the film take place only at three distinct event in Jobs’ life was a bold decision, but also one that Boyle and screenwriter Aaron Sorkin pull of very well. The dialogue and transition scenes fill the viewer in on all of the events that happened in between, and do so without beating the viewer in the head with exposition. Boyle’s use of camera tricks, a longtime staple of his, shines as brightly as Steve Jobs himself. All audiences will appreciate the unique style that Boyle brings to the film.

Sorkin’s screenplay is also to be commended. It was apparently his decision to break the film up into three specific parts. Though at times the fast pace can be hard to follow for some (a flaw that Sorkin has become infamous for), those that keep up will be hanging on to every word of the back and forth dialogue throughout the film. Several of the monologues from each of the primary characters also leave the viewer with a profound impact.

The acting is probably the biggest strength that “Steve Jobs” has. Many people were critical of the decision to cast Fassbender as Jobs due to his lack of physical resemblance. Those people will change their minds after witnessing the brilliant performance that Fassbender gives. Fassbender gives Jobs the unique ability to make audiences burn with anger at his cold demeanor while also feeling sympathy for some of his hardships. Winslet and Daniels give wonderful performances as usual, and even Rogen shows that he is much more than just a goofball comedian with his impressive role as Apple cofounder Steve Wozniak.

“Steve Jobs” is not without its flaws. The rapid fire dialogue may be hard to follow for some and one cannot help but feel that there was much of Jobs’ life left out of the film. It should also be noted that with a team of Boyle, Sorkin and the cast, one would imagine that the film could have and should have been even better than it was. With all of the talent present throughout the film, however, “Steve Jobs” comes through as a solid film, and one worth seeing.