After a failed attempt to bring the life of late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs to the big screen back in 2013, the computer pioneer finally gets a worthy representation in this intriguing, often unnerving character study, directed by Danny Boyle.
Director Joshua Michael Stern’s biopic ‘Jobs’ went somewhat under the radar in 2013, probably largely due to its general poorness and the fact that Ashton Kutcher was cast in the lead role. However, Boyle makes no mistake this time, casting a magnificent Michael Fassbender, as we follow Apple boss Steve Jobs through three separate essential product launches in his career. The film’s casting is arguably its strongest point, both Fassbender and Kate Winslet are sensational; Winslet plays Jobs’ loyal assistant Joanna Hoffman, who is often the calming second mate on Jobs’ seemingly sinking ship at times. There is also excellent support in the shape of Jeff Daniels and Seth Rogen.
Boyle’s biopic is more of a character study than anything else, the product launches merely provide a background, almost a battle ground, for an in-depth examination of Jobs’ warped, egotistical, sometimes psychotic mind. Fassbender’s Jobs is very unlikeable, his complete mistreatment of his estranged family becomes centre stage, completely eclipsing the product launches themselves. Even when his final product finally becomes successful, we are solely focused on his relationship with his daughter.
There also exists a real theatrical tone to the film, the entire story takes place in real time, and always in the winding backstage corridors of Apple’s product launches. It is reminiscent of Birdman in its camerawork, we are constantly on the move with the characters, rushing around winding corridors, the backstage tunnels may even represent the inner, warped depths of Jobs’ mind.
Although Boyle’s film seems to paint the Apple co-founder as a rather unlikeable person, it is nonetheless a masterfully crafted piece of work, with a wonderfully 80’s video game-esque soundtrack, and expectedly fantastic performances from an all-star cast. Kudos to Danny Boyle for creating a worthy film for a man who has changed all of our lives for the better.
[rating=4]
Josh Hall
Biography, Drama | UK, 2015 | 12 | Universal Pictures | 21st March 2016 (UK) | Dir. Danny Boyle | Michael Fassbender, Kate Winslet, Seth Rogen, Jeff Daniels, Michael Stuhlbarg, Katherine Waterston | Buy: DVD
