Film Review: Steve Jobs
When I say “Aaron Sorkin” you probably think of HBO’s The Newsroom or 2010’s Oscar-gobbler The Social Network. Both of these projects showcase the nuance of Sorkin’s quick, needle-sharp writing. Both of these projects benefit greatly from the performances of their entire casts (yes, even JT as the Napster guy). And most importantly, both of these projects inject some unquestionably-flawed humanity into the lives of their larger-than-life protagonists. Ultimately his newest film (Danny Boyle’s Steve Jobs) is no different.
Much like The Social Network, this film follows the rise, fall and redemption of a Silicon Valley icon. In truth, Sorkin’s Steve Jobs strongly resembles his previous take on Mark Zuckerberg; a selfish everyman who, despite all odds, manages to grow an empire out of practically nothing. Steve Jobs fanboys be warned: this might not be the film for you. This is the darker side of the icon that you know and love. This is the story you never knew (or wished you didn’t) about the man who put music in your pocket.
At it’s core, this is the story of a father who struggles to make amends with his past and present because he is so dead-set on shaping the future. While it’s true that the film largely operates on the “crappy dad trying to make amends” trope, it does it in a way that never subverts the other forces at work in the plot. Every character in this movie is important, and serves as a different freudian lesson to be learned in the end. The boss. The daughter. The best friend. The ex-lover. These lessons, however subtle or strikingly obvious they may be, will leave you thinking about this movie for a good while upon leaving the theater.
Much like The Newsroom, the supporting cast rounds out this story really well. Seth Rogen is remarkable in his turn as Steve Wosniak, giving what is without a doubt the most profound performance of his career. It’s hard to think that this is the same guy from The Interview. Kate Winslet and Katherine Waterston add depth in their respective roles, giving Michael Fassbender’s Steve Jobs some much needed clarity. They also breathe life into some of the more dialogue-dense moments, particularly one of the opening scenes of the film.
Jeff Daniels is fantastic in his turn as former Apple CEO John Sculley, but after a few similar roles, one has to figure that he is in danger of being typecast. Given his connection to Sorkin and The Newsroom, I’ll let this one slide, but seriously if I am subjected to another McAvoy-esque Daniels role without HBO giving us more seasons of The Newsroom, I’m not going to be a happy camper. #RIPNewsroom #GoneButNotForgotten
Danny Boyle really brings the most out of these characters, and does a good job of grounding his anti-hero protagonist in the mess that is his personal life. He does not hold back Fassbender. He leaves Fassbender uncaged, and this film is all the better for it. I would argue that this is the best Michael Fassbender we have seen since Steve McQueen’s Hunger. He will get a best actor nom, and will ably challenge anyone who stands in his way.
This is the film I never knew that I wanted. I walked into the theater with little-to-no expectation and I left thinking about life and my place in it for the better part of the day. I would challenge you to finish the film and then think about how much Steve Jobs affected and continues to affect your life on a daily basis. The iPhone in your pocket? The Macbook I’m writing this review on? The iPod with the cracked screen you dropped while jogging a few years ago? I’m telling you, I haven’t had a moment like this since the end of The Imitation Game last year. You will leave this film feeling inspired, and a little more insightful on life. Is there much more you can ask for?
True events aside, this film presents a narrative that feels both larger than life and intrinsically personal at the same time. You will laugh. You will cry. You will feel the sudden urge to wear a black turtleneck and levi’s.
Dare I say it?
5 stars out of 5.
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