Steve Jobs (2015) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Steve Jobs, the 2015 biographical drama directed by Danny Boyle and written by Aaron Sorkin, offers a unique take on the life of the iconic Apple co-founder. Rather than focusing on the entire scope of Jobs’ life, the film zeroes in on three pivotal product launches in his career, with a screenplay that mimics the structure of a stage play. Starring Michael Fassbender as Steve Jobs, the film dives deep into the man behind the brand, exploring his genius, his flaws, and his complicated relationships with the people around him.
This review will explore the film’s narrative style, key performances, and where to watch Steve Jobs online in the United States.
Plot Overview: Three Acts of Genius and Turmoil
Instead of presenting a traditional cradle-to-grave biopic, Steve Jobs is structured in three acts, each taking place before a major product launch: the Macintosh in 1984, the NeXT Computer in 1988, and the iMac in 1998. These events serve as a framework for exploring Jobs’ personal and professional conflicts, highlighting his complex relationships with his colleagues and family.
Each act follows a similar structure—tense, behind-the-scenes moments leading up to the product launch—with characters reappearing at different points in Jobs’ life. These characters include Steve Wozniak (Seth Rogen), Jobs’ Apple co-founder; Joanna Hoffman (Kate Winslet), his loyal marketing executive; and John Sculley (Jeff Daniels), Apple’s former CEO. The film also delves into Jobs’ strained relationship with his daughter, Lisa, whom he initially refuses to acknowledge as his own.
The central question of the film is whether Jobs, known for his visionary brilliance, is also capable of genuine human connection. This tension plays out in his interactions with those closest to him, revealing a man whose obsession with perfection often came at the expense of his relationships.
Michael Fassbender’s Intense Portrayal of Steve Jobs
Michael Fassbender’s portrayal of Steve Jobs is nothing short of remarkable. While he doesn’t bear much physical resemblance to the real Jobs, Fassbender embodies the essence of the character—his ambition, intensity, and relentless drive for innovation. Fassbender captures Jobs’ charismatic but often abrasive personality, presenting him as both a visionary and a deeply flawed human being.
What stands out in Fassbender’s performance is his ability to convey the emotional complexity of Jobs. He portrays him as someone who is unapologetically demanding, sometimes cruel, but also deeply passionate about his work. Fassbender’s performance humanizes Jobs without excusing his behavior, showing the toll his single-minded pursuit of greatness takes on the people around him. His scenes with Kate Winslet, Seth Rogen, and Jeff Daniels are electric, filled with rapid-fire dialogue and emotional intensity.
Aaron Sorkin’s Dialogue-Driven Screenplay
One of the standout aspects of Steve Jobs is Aaron Sorkin’s screenplay, which is built around rapid, dialogue-heavy exchanges. Sorkin is known for his ability to write sharp, fast-paced dialogue, and he brings this signature style to Steve Jobs, turning what could have been a dry biopic into a riveting character study. The film’s structure—three product launches—acts as a backdrop for a series of intense, personal conversations that peel back the layers of Jobs’ persona.
Sorkin’s script doesn’t shy away from exploring the darker sides of Jobs’ personality. It highlights his perfectionism, his unwillingness to compromise, and his often cold treatment of those around him. Yet, the film also shows the genius behind the brand, the visionary who saw the future of personal computing before anyone else.
This dialogue-driven approach is not typical of most biopics, which often rely on montages or flashbacks to tell the story. Instead, Steve Jobs feels more like a play, with its focus on character interaction and the dramatic tension that builds between them.
Kate Winslet and Supporting Cast: Strong Performances All Around
Kate Winslet delivers an outstanding performance as Joanna Hoffman, Jobs’ longtime marketing executive and one of the few people who can stand up to him. Winslet’s Hoffman is the emotional heart of the film, acting as both Jobs’ confidant and conscience. Her performance is subtle yet powerful, showing the toll it takes to work alongside someone as difficult as Jobs while still maintaining her loyalty to him.
Seth Rogen, as Steve Wozniak, provides a grounded, humanizing counterpoint to Jobs’ more ruthless persona. Rogen brings warmth and empathy to the role, particularly in the scenes where Wozniak confronts Jobs about his refusal to acknowledge the contributions of the Apple II team. Their interactions highlight the philosophical differences between the two men—Jobs as the visionary who refuses to look back and Wozniak as the engineer who values the contributions of the past.
Jeff Daniels, as former Apple CEO John Sculley, also delivers a strong performance. His relationship with Jobs is one of the most complex in the film, shifting from mentorship to betrayal over the course of the story. The power struggle between Sculley and Jobs is one of the film’s central conflicts, and Daniels plays the role with the right mix of authority and vulnerability.
Danny Boyle’s Direction: A Stylish Approach
Director Danny Boyle brings a unique visual style to Steve Jobs, using different film stocks to represent each time period. The 1984 segment is shot on 16mm film, giving it a grainy, nostalgic feel, while the 1988 and 1998 segments are shot on 35mm and digital, respectively, to reflect the evolving nature of technology and Jobs’ career. Boyle’s direction adds a sense of urgency to the proceedings, keeping the film visually engaging even though it’s largely dialogue-driven.
The film’s pacing is relentless, much like Jobs himself. Boyle’s direction ensures that the tension never lets up, even during quieter moments. The result is a film that feels dynamic and kinetic, despite the fact that it mostly takes place in backstage rooms and hallways.
Themes: Innovation, Ego, and Redemption
At its core, Steve Jobs is a film about the price of genius. The movie explores the tension between Jobs’ relentless pursuit of innovation and his failure to connect with the people around him. It raises questions about the nature of leadership, the sacrifices required for greatness, and whether it’s possible to achieve success without losing part of one’s humanity.
Jobs is portrayed as a man who is constantly pushing forward, always looking to the next big thing. This drive is what made him a revolutionary figure in the tech world, but it also left a trail of damaged relationships in its wake. The film doesn’t provide easy answers about Jobs’ character, instead leaving viewers to grapple with the complexity of his legacy.
Where to Watch Steve Jobs Online in America
If you’re looking to watch Steve Jobs online in the United States, there are several streaming and rental services where the film is available:
Streaming Services
- Netflix: Steve Jobs is available for streaming on Netflix for subscribers. This makes it a convenient option for those who already have access to the platform.
- Hulu: With a Hulu subscription, you can stream Steve Jobs. Hulu offers the film as part of its extensive movie catalog.
Rental and Purchase Streaming Services
- Amazon Prime Video: You can rent or purchase Steve Jobs on Amazon Prime Video. Both standard definition (SD) and high definition (HD) options are available for viewing.
- Apple TV: Fittingly, Steve Jobs is available for rent or purchase on Apple TV. You can stream the film in HD, which is perfect for those using Apple devices.
- Google Play Movies: For Android users, Steve Jobs can be rented or bought on Google Play Movies, making it accessible on a variety of devices.
- YouTube Movies: You can also rent or purchase Steve Jobs directly through YouTube Movies. This option is convenient for users who prefer streaming on the YouTube platform.
- Vudu: Another platform offering rental and purchase options is Vudu. It provides flexibility for users across various devices, including smart TVs and Roku.
Final Thoughts
Steve Jobs is a bold, unconventional biopic that refuses to follow the typical formula. With a sharp, dialogue-driven script by Aaron Sorkin, an outstanding lead performance by Michael Fassbender, and strong direction by Danny Boyle, the film offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind of one of the most influential figures of the 20th century.
For those interested in a deeper exploration of Steve Jobs’ character, Steve Jobs is a must-watch. It’s a film that celebrates his genius while also acknowledging the personal cost of his success. Whether you’re a fan of Apple’s products or simply enjoy character-driven dramas, Steve Jobs is a compelling film that leaves a lasting impression.
