Steve Jobs (A-) Movie Review
Michael Fassbender gives a bravura performance as Steve Jobs, cofounder of Apple. Steve Jobs chronicles our titular character's life and relationships through three prominent product launches.
One of the greatest performances of the year can be found in Steve Jobs via Michael Fassbender, whose fierce, captivating, and powerful performance could get him an Oscar win. There's little doubt in my mind that he'll get a nomination. His delivery of Aaron Sorkin's dialogue is so snappy and exciting and the complexities of Steve Jobs show through every movement of Fassbender's.
Also terrific is Steve Job's ensemble. Katherine Waterston gave great work earlier this year in Queen of Earth and last year, gave a fantastic performance in Inherent Vice. Here, she is remarkable as well, though she has a little less to do. Seth Rogen gives some of the best dramatic work of his career here, if not the best dramatic work. He captures our sympathies very well. And Kate Winslet could very well earn an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her mesmerizing work here. As marketing executive Joanna Hoffman, she's the only character who can equal Steve Jobs in intellect and far surpasses him in humanity, keeping Jobs grounded in his technical efforts.
Aaron Sorkin's screenplay is apparently a pretty divisive element of the film. It worked very well for me. It's intense and unrelenting in its fast-paced dialogue, always keeping you on your toes. It's refreshing to see a screenwriter who gives the audience enough credit to keep up with everything being said and understand it. Sorkin also manages to save the film from being a clinical workroom drama by adding genuinely moving scenes between Jobs and his daughter, Lisa.
But perhaps what works best about the film is that it exceeds where so many other biopics fail. Too many biopics are devoid of important themes and messages, only aiming to encapsulate one person's life. Steve Jobs uses the person Steve Jobs as a canvas; a canvas to excellently explore the idea of brilliance and genius and the alienating nature of both.
Danny Boyle's direction is also masterful. The shooting on 16mm, 35mm, and digital is a wonderful way to portray a change in time and setting. The techno and occasionally orchestral score that ebbs and flows in the film is beautiful. He also has a knack for capturing important character movements and emotions through direction of the camera. Just an all around brilliant incorporation of strong ideas and impressive filmmaking.
To be honest, I'm having a very difficult time coming with negatives to the film. It didn't stun me or overwhelm me but it's a masterclass in dialogue, acting, and direction. Steve Jobs is most definitely one of the best films of the year and not to be missed.
FINAL GRADE: A-
MPAA RATING: R for language
One of the greatest performances of the year can be found in Steve Jobs via Michael Fassbender, whose fierce, captivating, and powerful performance could get him an Oscar win. There's little doubt in my mind that he'll get a nomination. His delivery of Aaron Sorkin's dialogue is so snappy and exciting and the complexities of Steve Jobs show through every movement of Fassbender's.
Also terrific is Steve Job's ensemble. Katherine Waterston gave great work earlier this year in Queen of Earth and last year, gave a fantastic performance in Inherent Vice. Here, she is remarkable as well, though she has a little less to do. Seth Rogen gives some of the best dramatic work of his career here, if not the best dramatic work. He captures our sympathies very well. And Kate Winslet could very well earn an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her mesmerizing work here. As marketing executive Joanna Hoffman, she's the only character who can equal Steve Jobs in intellect and far surpasses him in humanity, keeping Jobs grounded in his technical efforts.
Aaron Sorkin's screenplay is apparently a pretty divisive element of the film. It worked very well for me. It's intense and unrelenting in its fast-paced dialogue, always keeping you on your toes. It's refreshing to see a screenwriter who gives the audience enough credit to keep up with everything being said and understand it. Sorkin also manages to save the film from being a clinical workroom drama by adding genuinely moving scenes between Jobs and his daughter, Lisa.
But perhaps what works best about the film is that it exceeds where so many other biopics fail. Too many biopics are devoid of important themes and messages, only aiming to encapsulate one person's life. Steve Jobs uses the person Steve Jobs as a canvas; a canvas to excellently explore the idea of brilliance and genius and the alienating nature of both.
Danny Boyle's direction is also masterful. The shooting on 16mm, 35mm, and digital is a wonderful way to portray a change in time and setting. The techno and occasionally orchestral score that ebbs and flows in the film is beautiful. He also has a knack for capturing important character movements and emotions through direction of the camera. Just an all around brilliant incorporation of strong ideas and impressive filmmaking.
To be honest, I'm having a very difficult time coming with negatives to the film. It didn't stun me or overwhelm me but it's a masterclass in dialogue, acting, and direction. Steve Jobs is most definitely one of the best films of the year and not to be missed.
FINAL GRADE: A-
MPAA RATING: R for language