Despite a strong start at the boutique box office, Steve Jobs is bombing a bit in national release. It totally doesn’t deserve to bomb though. This is an excellent film. But I think the general public is suffering from a bit of Steve Jobs fatigue. There was the Ashton Kutcher lead Jobs movie a few years ago (which was much better than you heard). Then there was the Jobs documentary last year and another Steve Jobs documentary this year. Couple that with a ton of press still writing about the legacy of Jobs and a heavy marketing push for this film (which has been a troubled production for a long time) and I think you get a seriously burned out public.
And it’s sad that I think people are avoiding this because of all the Steve Jobs films and documentaries, this is the one to watch. Michael Fassbender is magical in the role. I won’t be surprised if he’s nominated for an Oscar. Aaron Sorkin’s fast-paced dialogue crackles as the characters play off each other with witty remarks and sharp insults. Kate Winslet is practically unrecognizable as Jobs’ confident and who know Seth Rogen could do more than just deliver slurred dialogue and looked stoned? He’s genuinely excellent here. Danny Boyle’s direction is as assured as ever and his visual flourishes elevate every scene. Much of the film comes across as a stage play and that perfectly fits the material. I know the facts are fast and loose here but I couldn’t care less because the tone is right. This is a dissection of the man and the myth, a character study above all else, and I think, a work of art.