As a matter of personal taste, I have not seen the 2013 film Jobs starring Ashton Kutcher. Because I do not care for Ashton Kutcher. Therefore, I went into this film with a blank slate of what to expect of the Steve Jobs story. And all the better for it.
The film catches up with Mr Jobs during the launch of three separate products and their respective press events. But what we really see is the behind the scenes tension that goes into each event.
The narrative structure of this film is absolutely brilliant. Aaron Sorkin has crafted a magnificent script. Much like a three act play. As opposed to a cut and dried biopic, this film focuses on three events of his career and the emotions that surround them. So rather than a plot based narrative, we have a character based narrative. It's ingeniously clever to spotlight who these characters are as people instead of what happens to them.
The script is remarkably clever. It doesn't kneel at the altar of Steve Jobs. It sheds light on the fact that this was a deeply flawed human being, surrounded by deeply flawed human beings. I can't attest to whether or not the film is accurate to actual events, but I can attest to that it's at least truthful with what it's conveying. There's manipulation and deceit, and whether you choose to believe it's real, it's real enough for the film.
The cinematography as well is used as tool. You'll notice that the scenes in 1984 have a grainer look than the scenes in 1999. It's an aesthetic choice to use different camera lenses as a reflection of the time periods. It's a small decision, but appreciated by those who can tell the difference.
And the broader structure of the film allows for so many strong performances to take shape.
Michael Fassbender creates a Steve Jobs unencumbered by expectations. It's a character unto it's own with his motivations and traits. It's hard to root for him or against him at any given time. There is no sinister intentions, but the Steve Jobs that Michael Fassbender is more human than what the generations of loyal Apple users hype him to be with flaws and ulterior motives. This is truly a transformative performance, the likes of which Fassbender hasn't done before.
There is nothing wrong with Kate Winslet's performance. She's immersed herself. But something that took me out was the wild unevenness of her Polish accent. It's non-existent in the first sequence, emerges in the second, and comes and goes as she pleases. It's really distracting.
The performance that stands out the most to me, especially considering the amount of screen time he gets, is that of Seth Rogen as Steve Wozniak. This is not a Seth Rogen anyone has seen before, but it's the Seth Rogen I always knew he could be. It's a wrenching, heartbroken performance, one that shows a man betrayed for no reason other than personal gain. When Rogen's Wozniak lets loose his frustrations, he is a man who is completely justified for doing so. It's so honest and raw. And for years, i've wanted to see Judd Apatow's stoner-in-residence show us he was capable of doing this kind of acting. And he finally has.
Steve Jobs is a near perfect movie. One that doesn't conform to what is expected of a biopic, and one that you anguish for having to ever end. I thoroughly recommend it.
A
