Jobs (2013) Movie Review: A Glimpse into the Genius of Steve Jobs
The 2013 film "Jobs", directed by Joshua Michael Stern and starring Ashton Kutcher as the enigmatic tech visionary Steve Jobs, offers an intimate yet dramatized portrayal of the early days of Apple Inc. and the rollercoaster journey of its co-founder. Released just two years after Jobs' passing, the film attempts to pay homage to a man who redefined personal technology and revolutionized multiple industries — from computing and music to animation and communication.
A Biopic Anchored in Legacy
"Jobs" isn’t just a film about technology or Apple products; it’s a film about vision, ambition, and the unforgiving nature of innovation. At its core, the movie explores the evolution of Steve Jobs from a college dropout and spiritual seeker into a relentless entrepreneur who changed the world. It focuses primarily on the period from the founding of Apple in the mid-1970s through Jobs' ousting in the 1980s, and finally touches upon his triumphant return in the late 1990s.
Ashton Kutcher, known more for his comedic and romantic roles, was an unexpected but ultimately compelling choice for Steve Jobs. Kutcher's commitment to mirroring Jobs’ mannerisms — the stooped walk, the intense gaze, the confident posture — adds authenticity to the film. While he may not capture the full psychological complexity of Jobs, he succeeds in embodying his charisma, stubbornness, and passion for perfection.
Plot Summary:
From Garage to Global Giant
The film opens with Steve Jobs introducing the iPod to Apple employees — a symbolic moment that captures how far he had come. The narrative then rewinds to his college days at Reed College, where he drops out to pursue a path of self-discovery, experimenting with LSD and traveling to India. It paints Jobs as both a visionary and a troubled soul, someone deeply introspective yet outwardly arrogant and often emotionally distant.
The heart of the movie is the founding of Apple alongside Steve Wozniak (played by Josh Gad). Working out of Jobs' parents’ garage, the duo creates the Apple I and later the Apple II, which becomes a revolutionary product. The film emphasizes Jobs’ marketing genius and his ability to foresee the future of computing as something personal, beautiful, and user-centric.
As Apple grows, so does the tension. Jobs' leadership style becomes increasingly erratic, demanding, and intolerant of mediocrity. This eventually leads to internal conflict, particularly with Apple’s board of directors, and culminates in Jobs being forced out of the very company he founded. The film ends on a somewhat hopeful note as it hints at Jobs’ return to Apple — setting the stage for one of the greatest comebacks in business history.
Performance:
Ashton Kutcher as Steve Jobs
Kutcher’s performance is undoubtedly the centerpiece of the movie. Much of the pre-release buzz focused on whether the actor could rise to the occasion, and to a large extent, he does. Kutcher’s physical resemblance to the young Steve Jobs is uncanny, and his dedication to mimicking Jobs’ speech patterns and walk is commendable. He brings an intensity and unpredictability to the role that aligns with public perceptions of Jobs’ personality.
However, the portrayal occasionally falls short in capturing the full emotional depth of Jobs’ inner life. The film glosses over some of his more complex relationships — including with his daughter Lisa — and chooses instead to highlight his corporate battles and product vision. That said, Kutcher deserves credit for taking on a demanding role and delivering a performance that is both passionate and humanizing.
Supporting Cast and Characters
Josh Gad delivers a strong performance as Steve Wozniak, bringing warmth, humor, and technical brilliance to the screen. His character serves as the moral counterweight to Jobs’ ambition. Gad portrays Wozniak as the heart behind the technology, someone more interested in creating than in dominating.
Other notable performances include Dermot Mulroney as Mike Markkula, one of Apple's early investors and a mentor figure to Jobs, and Matthew Modine as John Sculley, the former Pepsi executive who famously clashed with Jobs. The ensemble cast does a solid job of illustrating the different forces — financial, personal, and ideological — that shaped Apple's trajectory.
Direction and Cinematography
Director Joshua Michael Stern takes a conventional but effective biopic approach. The film's pacing is swift, covering nearly two decades in just two hours. The decision to focus heavily on the early years of Apple helps distinguish this film from other Steve Jobs portrayals, such as the 2015 "Steve Jobs" film directed by Danny Boyle.
The cinematography by Russell Carpenter captures the era convincingly, from the hippie vibes of the 70s to the tech-boom energy of the 80s. The use of warm lighting and close camera angles during key emotional moments helps to humanize the characters, while the sterile boardroom scenes emphasize the cold, corporate world Jobs ultimately had to navigate.
Strengths of the Film
- Authentic Production Design: From the early Apple I prototypes to the classic rainbow Apple logo, the film pays close attention to historical accuracy and design details.
- Inspirational Themes: The movie highlights resilience, risk-taking, and the power of believing in one’s vision — all central tenets of entrepreneurial storytelling.
- Strong Lead Performance: Despite initial skepticism, Kutcher delivers a compelling portrayal that anchors the entire film.
- Educational Value: For viewers unfamiliar with Apple’s origin story, the film serves as an engaging primer on one of the most transformative companies of the 20th century.
Limitations and Criticism
- Oversimplified Characterization: The film tends to portray Jobs in extremes — either as a creative genius or as a tyrant — without fully exploring the nuances in between.
- Lack of Emotional Depth: Important relationships, such as Jobs' bond with his daughter or his philosophical journey, are underexplored.
- Missed Opportunity on Innovation: While the film shows what Jobs built, it does not delve deeply into the "how" — the product design process, the innovation culture at Apple, etc.
Comparison with Other Biopics
Compared to Danny Boyle’s 2015 “Steve Jobs” — which is more theatrical and introspective — “Jobs” is a more straightforward, linear narrative. Boyle’s film dives deeper into the psychological dimensions of Jobs’ relationships and leadership, whereas Stern’s version is more interested in telling the story of Apple as a company. For viewers seeking inspiration and a digestible version of Steve Jobs’ story, the 2013 “Jobs” film offers a more accessible entry point.
Audience Reception and Legacy
Upon release, “Jobs” received mixed reviews from critics, many of whom praised Kutcher’s dedication but criticized the script’s lack of complexity. However, among audiences, especially tech enthusiasts, startup founders, and Apple loyalists, the film found a modest following. It grossed over $35 million globally and sparked renewed interest in Steve Jobs’ leadership style and Apple's early history.
In retrospect, “Jobs” remains a polarizing but essential cinematic portrayal of one of the most influential figures of our time. It may not capture every layer of Jobs’ personality, but it does succeed in showcasing his brilliance, stubbornness, and sheer willpower that changed the world.
Final Verdict
The 2013 biopic "Jobs" is far from a perfect film, but it is undeniably an important one. It captures the essence of a man who dared to think differently and, in doing so, redefined what was possible in technology, business, and design. Ashton Kutcher’s surprising yet convincing portrayal, paired with a narrative that honors Apple’s humble beginnings, makes the film an inspirational watch for aspiring entrepreneurs and tech dreamers.
While the movie may simplify or dramatize certain events, it never strays from its central message: the power of vision, perseverance, and the belief that even a small group of people can indeed change the world.
Should You Watch It?
Yes, if you’re a fan of biopics, entrepreneurial journeys, or are simply curious about the man behind the iPhone. “Jobs” may not answer every question about its subject, but it will inspire you to chase your own “crazy idea” with relentless conviction.
