Review by Dane Marti
Anyone who has ever used a personal computer, Mac Book Pro, iPhone, iMac or any other special form of interactive communication device (Um…everyone), will enjoy this quality film: STEVE JOBS: THE MAN IN THE MACHINE shall completely enthrall a hell of a lot of souls in the world. I know, it’s just a documentary, but it captivated me.
Very few people in the late 20th/21st Century have transformed the way we live, work, create and think to the extent that Steve Jobs did. He had an amazing life. Some documentaries, although compelling in many unique and special ways, are not essential viewing for everyone. This is. It’s definitely a dynamic work, a first-rate compendium of both the genius of Jobs and the far-reaching power and beauty of the Personal Computer.
Along with his brilliance, his genius in changing the world through his incredible ‘iSuccess’, he could also be a monster with co-workers and family. Many mavericks that change the world have this sad quality; perhaps it makes them able to obsessively focus on their dreams and goals without having to deal with more sweet and humanistic traits. It also makes the film more dramatic. The filmmakers, while pointing out his charisma as a salesman, visionary, with an ability to “think differently,” also brought forth interesting questions: They were slightly perplexed: they—as well as people interviewed, wonder why so many people in America and throughout the world were so emotionally moved by his death, as if he were John Lennon. Well…they loved him for what he brought magically to their lives!
This film is powerful and unflinching, detailing how Jobs and Apple became a massive global phenomenon. Easily one of the best documentaries that I’ve seen in at least a few years, this highly entertaining film is essential viewing for every human that lives, inhales oxygen and dreams of changing the world.
4 of 5 Stars
STEVE JOBS: THE MAN IN THE MACHINE is playing in ST. Louis exclusively at Landmark’s The Tivoli Theater
