jOBS wasn’t the Steve Jobs film we deserved. It’s easy to point at lead actor Ashton Kutcher and criticize his performance, given his status as a lightning rod for tabloid controversy and audience’s unfamiliarity with his work outside of That 70’s Show and Two and a Half Men, but jOBS‘ failings weren’t solely on Kutcher. Rather, the film’s narrative was rushed and didn’t quite highlight Jobs’ transformation from entitled asshole to brilliant visionary. As is the case with most biopics, they’re dependent upon the source they’re shaping the film upon, and what exactly they choose to take from it. In short: jOBS was a subpar film that didn’t do justice for Steve Jobs’ legacy.
Sony possesses their own Steve Jobs script that was written by Aaron Sorkin (The Social Network, The Newsroom). At one point in time, frequent collaborator David Fincher (Fight Club, The Social Network, Gone Girl) was targeted to direct the film. However, Fincher and Sony couldn’t agree to salary and creative control, leaving a vacant directing role. Enter Danny Boyle, director of Slumdog Millionaire and 28 Days Later. While Sony and Boyle are still negotiating, Boyle has already set his sights on the next Steve Jobs: Leonardo DiCaprio.
If DiCaprio and Boyle are both on board with the film, it would be the first reunion for the two since The Beach. The Academy absolutely loves biopics and period pieces, and it’s no secret that DiCaprio is arguably one of the best actors of our generation. A film like this would certainly help his chances to finally capture that Oscar he so rightfully deserves. Word on Sorkin’s script has it based on Walter Isaacson’s Steve Jobs, the official, authorized biography of Jobs’ life. The script focuses on three pivotal releases in Jobs’ career: 1984’s The Macintosh, 1990’s NeXT, and 2001’s iPod.
We’ll keep you updated on any new information regarding both Boyle’s and DiCaprio’s involvement with the film.
[via /Film]