Jobs Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A hippie drops out of college, does some drugs, then yells at people until they make computers, gets rich, gets kicked out, then comes back and does it again, but this time with more yelling and better gadgets.

🍿 Jobs: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Early Life and College Years

The movie opens with Steve Jobs (Ashton Kutcher) introducing the iPod in 2001. It then flashes back to 1974, depicting Jobs dropping out of Reed College but continuing to attend classes. He explores his interest in calligraphy and encounters influences from spiritual books and LSD. This period sets the stage for his unique perspective and future endeavors. The film portrays his journey of self-discovery and unconventional thinking during his formative years.

Atari and the Birth of Apple

In 1976, Jobs is working at Atari and forms a partnership with Steve Wozniak (Josh Gad). Wozniak creates the Apple I computer, sparking Jobs’ entrepreneurial vision. They establish Apple Computer in Jobs’ family garage, recruiting a team to build the computers. The film highlights the challenges and innovative spirit of their early ventures, showcasing their collaboration and determination to create something groundbreaking. This section depicts the initial struggles and successes that laid the foundation for Apple’s future.

The Apple II and Early Success

The Apple II becomes a remarkable success, propelling the company and Jobs into the limelight. However, success strains Jobs’ relationships with friends and his girlfriend, Chris-Ann Brennan, especially after she becomes pregnant. The film portrays Jobs’ growing ambition and sometimes ruthless decisions, including denying paternity of his daughter, Lisa. This section illustrates the personal costs of success and the evolving dynamics within Apple.

Conflicts and Ousting from Apple

Jobs brings in John Sculley (Matthew Modine) as CEO, leading to internal conflicts and ultimately, Jobs’ ousting from Apple in 1985. His erratic behavior and disagreements over the Macintosh’s direction contribute to his departure. This segment focuses on the power struggles and strategic differences that led to a pivotal moment in Apple’s history, showcasing the challenges of maintaining control and vision within a growing corporation.

Return to Apple and Reinvention

In 1996, after running NeXT, Jobs returns to Apple as a consultant and soon becomes CEO, revitalizing the company with innovative products and strategies. The film concludes with Jobs recording the “Think Different” commercial, symbolizing Apple’s renewed vision. This section emphasizes Jobs’ resilience and ability to learn from past failures, highlighting his commitment to innovation and his lasting impact on Apple’s identity.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Steve Jobs (Ashton Kutcher): The visionary co-founder of Apple, driven by perfection and innovation, who struggles with interpersonal relationships.
• Steve Wozniak (Josh Gad): The engineering genius and co-founder of Apple, whose technical skills complement Jobs’ vision but whose values clash with Jobs’ ambition.
• Mike Markkula (Dermot Mulroney): The early investor and advisor who provides crucial funding and business acumen to Apple, but later becomes a target of Jobs’ ruthlessness.
• John Sculley (Matthew Modine): The experienced businessman brought in as CEO of Apple, whose differing management styles lead to conflict with Jobs and eventually his ousting.
• Daniel Kottke (Lukas Haas): Jobs’s close friend and early Apple employee, who is a loyal supporter but is eventually marginalized by Jobs’s growing ambition.
• Chris-Ann Brennan (Ahna O’Reilly): Jobs’s girlfriend and the mother of his daughter Lisa, whom he initially denies paternity, showcasing his personal flaws.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Steve Jobs: “The system only produces another system.” – Jobs expresses his dissatisfaction with conventional education and societal structures.
• Steve Jobs: “How can people know what they want when they’ve never seen it?” – Jobs explains his belief in creating and innovating beyond current market demands.
• Steve Jobs: “If you don’t share our enthusiasm and care for the vision of this company. Get out! You’re done.” – Jobs makes his position clear on commitment when addressing his team.
• Steve Jobs: “Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers… the ones who see things differently…” – The iconic closing monologue from the ‘Think Different’ campaign, voiced by Jobs.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $12,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $16,131,410
• Worldwide Gross: $42,128,352

💥 Jobs Reviews

Personal Review

I went in expecting a movie that would make me feel inspired and like I knew Steve Jobs. What I got was a film that showcased some significant moments but left me feeling like I watched a disjointed series of events. Ashton Kutcher tried his best, but it just didn’t click for me. I was hoping for something more profound, especially considering Steve Jobs’ impact on the world.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Tech enthusiasts”
  • “Entrepreneurs”
  • “Biopic fans”
  • “Those interested in the history of Apple Computer”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief drug use”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Business-related conflicts”

Professional Reviews

• The Hollywood Reporter: “Kutcher embodies Jobs physically but struggles to capture his charisma, resulting in a superficial portrayal of a complex man. The film hits the major beats of his life but lacks emotional depth, ultimately feeling like a glossy surface without much substance.
• Variety: “While Ashton Kutcher gives a committed performance, ‘Jobs’ is a paint-by-numbers biopic that fails to illuminate the inner workings of its subject. It focuses on the well-known events but struggles to find a unique perspective or offer fresh insights.

Audience Reactions

Ashton Kutcher’s physical resemblance to Steve Jobs was uncanny.: Many agreed that Kutcher’s commitment to the role was evident, especially in capturing Jobs’ mannerisms.

The movie lacked depth, focusing on business events more than personal life.: A common sentiment was the desire for a more comprehensive exploration of Jobs’ personality and motivations.

Overall Consensus: A watchable but ultimately flawed biopic that struggles to capture the essence of Steve Jobs, despite Ashton Kutcher’s committed performance. Fails to dig deeper into his complex motivations and personality.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Almost all of the scenes involving Jobs’ parents’ house and garage were filmed in the actual Los Altos, California house and garage where Steve Jobs grew up in the 1970s.”
• “Steve Wozniak, the real-life co-founder of Apple, has been a vocal critic of the film, citing inaccuracies in its portrayal of events.”
• “Ashton Kutcher, known primarily for comedy roles, reportedly studied Steve Jobs’ mannerisms and diet extensively to prepare for the role.”

🖥️ How to Watch Jobs?

Currently, ‘Jobs’ (2013) is available for streaming on platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV where you can rent or purchase the movie. It’s also available on demand through various cable providers. Check your local listings for availability on platforms like Vudu, Google Play Movies, and YouTube Movies, where you can typically rent or buy a digital copy. If you prefer owning a physical copy, you can purchase the Blu-ray or DVD from retailers such as Amazon and Walmart. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date streaming options in your region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Jobs, you might like these similar films:

• Pirates of Silicon Valley (1999): Dramatizes the early rivalry between Steve Jobs and Bill Gates, offering a broader view of the birth of personal computing.
• The Social Network (2010): Explores the founding of Facebook and the complex personality of Mark Zuckerberg, a similar portrayal of a tech visionary.
• The Imitation Game (2014): Portrays the life of Alan Turing, another brilliant and unconventional mind who changed the world through technology.
• Steve Jobs (2015): Directed by Danny Boyle and written by Aaron Sorkin, this biopic offers a different perspective on Jobs’ life.

🛒 Jobs Related Products

• Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson: The definitive biography providing a comprehensive look into the life, mind, and personality of Steve Jobs, based on extensive interviews.
• Funko Pop! Icons: Steve Jobs: Collectible Funko Pop figure of Steve Jobs, capturing his iconic look in a stylized vinyl figure.
• Apple 1: Das Original (German Edition): German edition of book about the Apple 1 computer.
• Vintage Apple T-Shirt: A t-shirt showing Vintage Apple logo.

🎧 Soundtrack

Jobs features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Peace Train” – performed by Cat Stevens
• “America” – performed by Simon & Garfunkel

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Lost 1984 Video: young Steve Jobs introduces the Macintosh

Ever wondered what it was like when Steve Jobs first introduced the Macintosh? This video takes you back to that iconic moment in tech history, with Jobs himself unveiling the revolutionary device in 1984. It’s a fascinating look at one of the most important moments in Apple’s history.

✨ Rate