Film review: 'Steve Jobs'

Michael Fassbender delivers a remarkable performance in the title role of the new film, "Steve Jobs." His portrayal of the diabolical genius who changed the world is visionary in itself.

The film's format is a theatrical triptych, which plays out in three acts as Steve Jobs launches three Apple products over the course of fourteen years (1984-1998). The action takes place backstage as stomping devotees eagerly await his entrance. Personal and technical clashes run rampant at breakneck speed just moments before he's due on stage. Some of them have the potential to threaten the product's unveiling.

The conflicts which arise lend vast insight into how Steve Jobs operates and interacts with his family and co-workers. He seemingly has no friends. The ones he had in the past have abandon him. When Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak (Seth Rogen) is ruthlessly denied the credit he deserves by Jobs, hes offers, "You can be decent and gifted at the same time." But it's lost on deaf ears. Steve Jobs is not a decent man.

Even his closest and most trusted confidant, Joanna Hoffman (Kate Winslet), tries desperately to encourage Jobs to treat people fairly — especially his daughter, whose paternity he denies. But sadly, Jobs recognizes that being kind isn't in his DNA. He observes, "I'm poorly made."

"Steve Jobs" is a dialogue-driven film, slickly scripted by the iconic Aaron Sorkin ("The Social Network").The storyline is peppered with flashbacks that highlight turning points in Jobs' career. And once again, Sorkin proves how deliciously adept at character assassination he can be.

Director Danny Boyle is known for breaking the mold in his choice of projects ("Slumdog Millionaire," "127 Hours"). In "Steve Jobs," he crushes it. Backstage banter becomes high drama in his treatment of this revealing and masterful piece of filmmaking. 

The third genius in this amazing triumvirate is Michael Fassbender ("Shame"). He inhabits his character with such finesse, you can't take your eyes off of him. Virtually in every scene, Fassbender manages to make Mr. Jobs such a multi-layered enigma that we're left reeling at his precision. 

Brilliant directing, scripting and acting are just cause in making "Steve Jobs" a must-see. To witness what drove one of most influential visionaries in history to become a part of all of our lives, is a spectacular and enlightening experience.