Film Review: Steve Jobs (Danny Boyle, 2015) ★★★★

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Based on Walter Isaacson's best-selling Steve Jobs biography and set entirely in a backstage environment over 14 years, Steve Jobs confronts the both technical and personal dramas of Apple's CEO and icon, Steve Jobs (Michael Fassbender). 

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As we've seen before from his previous productions, in particular 127 Hours (2011), Boyle tends to create character studies over biopics. Whilst the film is based on the biography of Jobs, it centers itself entirely backstage in the heated moments before going on stage for product launches. Stretched over a period of 14 years, Jobs and his associates may change in appearance but his ill-temperament and lack of social skills are still ever present. Jobs, famous for his attitude and ability to alienate his team, is a fascinating subject matter. As pointed out by fellow Apple co-founder, Steve Wozniak (played by Seth Rogan), Jobs was not a developer nor a designer yet he successfully emerged as an icon, placing Apple well and truly on the map and in the history books. Whilst no known knowledge is assumed at any time, Steve Jobs is very much iWorship for Apple, showcasing it's legacy and playing on nostalgic values yet little is lost for those who are oblivious to Jobs' career.

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Written by The Social Network and The West Wing screenwriter, Alan Sorkin, we delve in to the depths of Job's childhood, his awareness of his adoption, and his struggles to connect with his own child. Furthermore, whilst it may be hard to believe that a narrative set only in small backstage rooms can grip an audience or even get the heartpounding, yet Sorkin's screenplay manages to pull it off with ease. In the case of Steve Jobs, it is the dramas that occur off-stage which are the most intense.

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These sometimes intense scenes create a feeling that you are not only watching an argument play out, but you are in the room with the characters as though you are witnessing the awkwardness and stress of being part of the conversation. In true Boyle style, we are truly able to amerce ourselves in the surroundings and space that Boyle creates for us with outstanding spacial direction and mise en scene.

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Mastering Jobs' mannerisms is Michael Fassbender, an outstanding choice for the role. As always, Fassbender proves his versatility within the complex role of someone who is sometimes crippled by his own stubbornness. Combined with issues of paternity with his daughter Lisa, arguments with his ex-partner Chrisann (Katherine Waterson) and under pressure from his boss, John Sculley (Jeff Daniels), the tensions are high throughout. This is aided further, of course, by a stellar cast - also made up of Kate Winslet as Joanna Hoffman, Job's marketing director and loyal friend. Rogan is utterly believable and ideal for the role as Wozniak, which I believe may spark rumours of Academy nominations for the comedic actor, as seen with Steve Carell, John C. Reilly and Jonah Hill in previous years. 

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 Shot in three different formats, starting in 16mm and then on to 32mm and finishing in digital to mirror the decades, every shot, prop and line has meaning - everything perfectly and strategically placed for effect and to aid the development of the narrative. The film starts, backstage where Jobs does not appear on stage at all, as an employee of Apple. As the narrative builds, he edges ever closer to the stage but still never yet appearing himself in front of a real audience. In our finale of course, he has his time on stage - a standing ovation to a vast crowd and a stunning end to a beautifully constructed piece of cinema. With an outstanding cast, visually stunning cinematography, excellent writing and with an award-winning Boyle algorithm, Steve Jobs has Oscar nominations marked all over it. A truly brilliant character study, excellently executed in true Boyle style - Steve Jobs gets a Sophie star rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

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Have you seen Steve Jobs yet? What's your favourite Danny Boyle film? With more Oscar films being released I'm so excited and already gearing myself up for February. This was on my list for a long time and I'm so glad it lived up to my expectations. I can't wait to share more of my Oscar picks for you soon.

Until next time movie lovers,