TROUBLED genius, egomaniac, dropkick dad; Steve Jobs is not interested in sugar-coating the life-story of the man behind Apple.
His self-appointed God-like position, according to this film, was never more prominent than in the minutes leading up to each product launch throughout his career.
As his legions of fans wait outside of theatres and halls with bated breath in 1984, Jobs (Michael Fassbender) belittles his staff and ex-girlfriend Chrisann Brennan (Katherine Waterston) and dodges responsibility with his daughter Lisa (Makenzie Moss, Ripley Sobo, Perla Haney-Jardine).
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READ NOWMeanwhile, his loyal marketing executive Joanna Hoffman (Kate Winslet) works tirelessly to keep the show running smoothly, despite the drama that mounts each time.
Taking a different tact from other bio films, particularly the drearily routine Jobs (2013), we get these snapshots in three cleverly structured chapters behind curtains and in green rooms, with flashbacks to conversations and meetings held in other times and locations sprinkled in for context.
We are privy to the culmination of Jobs’ work as opposed to being with him while they are developed.
Essentially a play, director Danny Boyle brings energy to the story that complements the performers who spout Aaron Sorkin’s dialogue in a rapid fashion.
Sorkin has tackled some of this territory in the past with his bio The Social Network, the socially inept genius who puts product before friendship, but the stakes are heightened with the inclusion of Jobs’ offspring.
It is only the concluding moments of a broken relationship mended in minutes and a wink to the impending iPod that feels on the nose.
THE ESSENTIALS
Steve Jobs (M)
Directed by: Danny Boyle
Starring: Michael Fassbender, Kate Winslet, Seth Rogen
Four stars
In cinemas now