Review of Steve Jobs (2015) by Josh K — 17 Jan 2016

Here's a film that proves that cinema is not only dead, but that great filmmaker can be pushing the boundaries of film and deliver a film that puts together a different structure and feel than earlier biopics.

The film is set before the launches of three key products: the Macintosh, NeXT Computer and iMac G3, mostly showing the behind the scenes troubles that have occurred.

The cast is superb, most notably Michael Fassbender as Steve Jobs. Fassbender once again proves why he is such an amazing actor and why every director wants to work with him, bringing Jobs to life with dread, determination and a feel of perfection, depicting Jobs as a creator who wants everything to be perfect and if its not, than it shouldn't be created or advertised in the first place. Christian Bale was the originally choice to depict Jobs and while I feel that he could have done a fantastic job, Fassbender's performance is routed in your memory so firmly, it's just so difficult to see any other actor in this role. Kate Winslet wonderfully supports Fassbender as Joanna Hoffman, his marketing executive, who has to put up with most of his problems throughout the film. Winslet and Fassbender work together perfectly, sharing the screen in many key scenes of the film. Winslet successfully transforms herself into the character, while she is also completely unrecognizable. Seth Rogen is superb as Steve Wozniak, the co-founder of Apple. Rogen proves that he can successfully do drama and doesn't have to waste his career on stupid comedies. Rogen and Fassbender share only a few scenes together, but in those scenes you see not only the camaraderie, but also the differing views of both characters. Jeff Daniels, as John Sculley, wonderfully supports the film and Fassbender. Katherine Waterston is terrific as Jobs' former girlfriend, Chrisann Brennan. Michael Stuhlbarg is outstanding as Andy Hertzfeld, a member of the original Mac team. Makenzie Moss, Ripley Sobo and Perla Haney-Jardine do a fine job as the daughter of Steve and Chrisann at different ages. John Ortiz puts forth a good performance as a journalist interviewing Steve Jobs throughout the film.

Danny Boyle once again proves that he is terrific director and true visionary, ever since his films Slumdog Millionaire and 127 Hours. The film was originally meant to be directed by David Fincher, who wanted Bale as Jobs, but left due to certain reasons. While the film does at times have the feel of a Fincher film, it is still true Boyle, who wonderfully stages the film. Aaron Sorkin's screenplay, based on the novel by Walter Isaacson, plays out almost like a play and is perfectly structured. Instead of following the general trope of most biopics, this film makes the smart move of instead focusing on three major launches surrounding key products, an approach like I really like. Each launch, or act, is almost like a play and at times feeling like a short film in a way, with those specific launches. Sorkin's screenplay carries many of trademarks, including his genius dialogue. Daniel Pemberton's score is chaotic, wonderfully supporting the film and the characters. Alwin H. Kuchler's cinematography is beautiful and stylish, supporting the key launches. For the launches, a specific cinematographic stye was taken to distinguish the different timeframes: for 1984, 16mm film was used; for 1988, 35mm film was used; for 1998, digital was used.

The end result is a well made film, which even though it may not be for everyone, is clear proof that great film can still be made with great storylines that have a great meaning, message and original plot. Well done.