Review: Steve Jobs
Woz forever.
Steve Jobs (Michael Fassbender), innovator extraordinaire was kind of an asshole. Maybe more so than "kind of." This film follows him at three points in his life. 1984, 1988, and 1998, all while at launches of his currents products. We see his various relationships with colleague, Jonanna Hoffman (Kate Winslet) former Apple colleagues, Steve Wozniak, (Seth Rogan) Andy Hertzfeld (Michael Stuhlbarg) and John Sculley. (Jeff Daniels) and his estranged relationship with hsi ex, Chrisann (Katherine Waterston) and the daughter that Steve likes to pretend isn't his when it clearly is.
This film hit plenty of bumps on the way. While it was always written by Aaron Sorkin, David Fincher was supposed to direct with Christian Bale starring, then it changed to Danny Boyle directing and Michael Fassbender starring. All good choices. The film is exceptionally well made. I liked how it was split into three timelines with news footage bridging one scene to the next. What was a bit strange about it was in the 122 minute run time, about only 30 minutes of that felt like a Danny Boyle film. The way a few things, mostly in the 1988 part of the film stood out as Boyle shots, the rest felt like an Aaron Sorkin film He's a writer that can very easily over shadow a director, and that's what happened here.
Michael Fassbender was wonderful as Steve Jobs. I couldn't picture anyone else playing him, he nails Jobs' voice. The other big stand out for me was Michael Stuhlbarg, who is so underrated. The cast works well as a whole, even though I wish we would've gotten to see a bit more of Rogen as Wozniak, because I just love that guy. Jeff Daniels, unfortunately kept reminding me about how pissed I am at Sorkin's ego sinking The Newsroom. Kate Winslet only brought her B game, but let's be honest her B game is still good.
Steve Jobs is still a wonderfully written biopic on a very complicated man. There's always going to be a bit of drama surrounding how he's portrayed in this film - essentially a dead beat dad - but it also helps account for some of the most tender scenes in the film as a whole.
Recommended: Yes
Grade: B+
Memorable Quote: "Fuck you." - Steve Jobs (Michael Fassbender)
At least it sounds like it's better than the Ashton Kutcher debacle.
ReplyDeleteI never saw that one, but this is probably leagues better.
DeleteIf I'm not mistaken there's also an old, made for TV movie about Jobs called The Pirates of Silicon Valley, with Noah Wyle (sp?) as Jobs.
ReplyDeleteGood review! Glad you noticed Stuhlbarg too. 100% agreed that he's underrated. Didn't know the bit about Bale/Fincher, but I could definitely see Bale as Jobs. He seems like enough of a real life asshole to be able to nail asshole onscreen.
lol Yes. I love Bale, but he's probably as asshole in real life. Which is even more hysterical when he has to tell someone like David O'Russell (on the set of American Hustle) to stop being an asshole.
DeleteI never saw Pirates of Silicon Valley, but I noticed a lot of other reviews brought it up, and it seems like it's very well made.
Haven't seen this one yet but I totally agree about Stuhlbarg - I saw him in Pawn Sacrifice, and he was the best thing in it. That still isn't saying much, but I heard he's also in Trumbo, and I'm looking forward to that.
ReplyDeleteI'm excited about Trumbo. Stuhlbarg was great on Boardwalk Empire. He was also excellent in this stupid ass film I watched awhile back that had Liam Hemsworth in it. It's name is escaping me because it was awful. lol
DeleteNice review! I really want to see this but I'm not sure if I'm up for another movie about him as an asshole. But then again, Michael Fassbender is in it. lol Do you think it has any chance at award show season? I honestly don't know what's going to be nominated this year besides The Revenant (if that lives up to the hype).
ReplyDeleteI think Fassy has a good shot at lead actor. Wishful thinking, Stuhlbarg would get in there. Otherwise the only other thing it might get near is editing, but even that's a bit of a stretch.
DeleteI enjoyed the hell out of this film not just for Sorkin's script, Boyle's direction, and the cast. Also for the fact that it was 122-minute film but it felt shorter. That is the key to making a great film.
ReplyDeleteThe pacing was on point for sure. I loved that.
DeleteI am hearing great things about this film even though i could care less about computer whizzes who become billionaires. I know it is tanking at the box office which often means it could be a great film.
ReplyDeleteI'm kind of surprised it's doing so poorly at the box office, to be honest.
DeleteIt sounds way better than the one with Ashton Kutcher, after all it's written by Sorkin and directed by Boyle. And Michael Fassbender is in there so I have no other choice than watch it. Unfortunately I have to wait till the end of January.
ReplyDeleteThat's a bummer. I never did see the Kutcher version, it seemed like it was hastily put together, and he's not that strong of an actor.
DeleteHow does Fassy's performance here compares to his other work? I cannot imagine him ever topping Shame
ReplyDeleteShame is still his best. I'd rate Steve Jobs as maybe his 4th best? Behind Shame, 12 Years, and Hunger. He's good.
DeleteMust say... I loved Winslet! But, overall, I agree on the film's issues. Good review!
ReplyDeleteShe's always good, but I didn't think she was on top of her game here. It's like she didn't get enough time to prepare.
DeleteI loved this! Fassy was amazing (like, it's his second-best performance for me - barely behind Shame), and I thought the writing, directing, pacing, and ensemble performances were top-notch. If Leo has to lose the Oscar, I hope it's to Fassy.
ReplyDeleteI just can't have Leo lose to anybody. lol I'm not sure if I'd put it close behind Shame myself, but Fassy was still excellent.
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