Movie Review: “Steve Jobs”, Starring Katherine Waterston
Steve Jobs is the latest in a line of biopics based on the life of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, which stars Michael Fassbender in the title role. The cast also includes the likes of Kate Winslet as Joanna Hoffman, marketing executive for Apple and Jobs’s confidant; Seth Rogen as Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple and creator of the Apple II; Jeff Daniels as John Sculley, CEO of Apple from 1983-1993; and more importantly, upcoming Fantastic Beasts star Katherine Waterson (Porpentina “Tina” Goldstein) as Chrisann Brennan, Jobs’s girlfriend and mother of his daughter, Lisa.
The film, which is directed by Academy Award-winner Danny Boyle, is split into three acts, with each act set in the preceding moments before key product launches hosted by Jobs. Thanks to Aaron Sorkin’s incredibly witty script, which was inspired by Walter Isaacson’s biography on Jobs, the film’s 122-minute running time does not in any way feel lengthy. Many times throughout the film, I thought that it could easily be adapted into a stage play.
There is no doubt that come awards season most of the key players involved will deservedly score several nominations, but I also hope that Waterston is recognized for her subtle performance as Chrisann. She embodies the character with great nuance, and although she only features in the first half of the film, she is given some great material to show off her acting abilities alongside Fassbender. There is one great scene toward the beginning of the film where Jobs basically berates her in front of their daughter, Lisa, and Waterson really makes you feel for Chrisann through her intonation and facial expressions. You can check out an interview with Waterston about her role below:
It must be noted that the film involves a lot of talking, and those unfamiliar with Sorkin’s previous work (The Social Network, The Newsroom, The West Wing) might find themselves rather bemused. I found the film to be incredibly engaging, and I liked that it didn’t follow the stereotypical mold for a biopic. The score by Daniel Pemberton is also excellent and does a great job of enhancing the atmosphere throughout the film. I am already looking forward to my second viewing.
Steve Jobs is playing in theaters nationwide right now and will be released in the UK on Friday, November 13.
