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Apple co-founder Steve Jobs is remembered as the genius behind the iMac, the iPod, the iPhone, and even Pixar. But director Danny Boyle’s stunning biopic, Steve Jobs, goes behind the scenes of some of the tech industry’s most memorable moments to offer a different perspective on the late Apple innovator.
Steve Jobs follows the tech icon (played by Michael Fassbender) on three important days, as he prepares for the launch of the Macintosh in 1984, the NeXT in 1988, and the iMac in 1998. The story takes place backstage, as Jobs meets with key players in his business and personal lives. He discusses strategies with colleagues like Apple’s co-founder, Steve Wozniak (Seth Rogen), and CEO John Sculley (Jeff Daniels). He argues with ex-girlfriend Chrisann (Katherine Waterston) about his failure to accept responsibility for his daughter, Lisa. And, through it all, Joanna Hoffman (Kate Winslet) remains by his side, carefully managing every detail.
It’s no surprise that those closest to Jobs have been quite vocal in their opposition to this film—because it definitely doesn’t paint him in the best light. This Jobs isn’t just a lovable genius who designed cool computers and put music in everyone’s pocket. He’s egomaniacal and intense—a tough boss who places unreasonable expectations on his team and threatens them until they get the job done. He’s a ruthless businessman, pushing, shoving, and stepping on anyone who gets in his way. And his interactions with his ex and their daughter may sometimes make you wonder if he even had a heart. But while he may not be an especially likable character, he’s certainly a fascinating one. And Fassbender’s commanding performance—complete with occasional glimpses of humanity—ensures that you’ll hang on his every word.
Meanwhile, screenwriter Aaron Sorkin once again employs the same smart and snappy dialogue that won him an Oscar for The Social Network. Steve Jobs is all talk—all last-minute crises and dressing room confrontations. It shows the moments leading up to these noteworthy events—not the events themselves. But Sorkin formats the story in such a captivating way, following characters, stories, and relationships through each segment. It doesn’t tell the whole story, but it tells enough.
You may not think that a chatty drama about the discussions that took place before important events sounds thrilling. But you’ll be surprised to find that it’s all so gripping and so intense that you’ll need to take a few minutes to relax your muscles and catch your breath once the closing credits roll.
I can’t speak to how accurate it all is, but Steve Jobs is definitely an intense biopic—and a worthy award contender. Be sure to add this one to your award season must-see list—if you can separate yourself from your iPhone and your iPad long enough.
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