Steve Jobs: The Lost Interview

Steve Jobs: The Lost Interview is a profound documentary film that came out in 2011 offering an insightful view into the life and mind of one of the world's most revered innovators, Steve Jobs. Hailed as a tech revolutionary and visionary, this film casts light on a critical time in Jobs' life, affording audience an intimate retrospect on how he transformed the tech landscape. It highlights the captivating conversation between Jobs and veteran tech journalist and former Apple Inc. employee, Robert Cringely, recorded in 1995. It features archival footage never seen before, revealing fascinating aspects of Jobs' life, tech prowess, and career trajectory.

The film is an insightful manifestation of a 70-minute uncut interview, most of which was believed to be lost when the masters tapes were misplaced during shipping. Nine years after it was recorded, the director discovered a VHS copy of the interview. It's this unedited, raw, and candid talk that forms the central theme of the film. What makes this interview a goldmine is its timing; it was documented after Jobs' unceremonious ejection from Apple and before his triumphant return to the company.

In this exclusive interview, Steve Jobs, energetic and undeterred, delves into various aspects of his life and career. He talks about his early days, the advent of Apple, his vision for the company, and his abrupt exit. He also discusses his philosophies, his passion for product design, and his vision for the future of computing.

What's notable about Steve Jobs: The Lost Interview is how it shows the more vulnerable and human side of Jobs. Audiences get a glimpse of his humor, anger, and reflections on his mistakes and successes. His intellectual critique of what ails corporate America and his views on leadership and management styles are also deeply insightful. This laid-back and intimate conversation gave viewers a rare look into the genius that was Steve Jobs and turned the film into a striking portrait of his dynamic personality.

This documentary is sparse and simplistic in its cinematography, allowing the stirring words of Jobs to take precedence. Dry wit, charm, and determination are all on full display, allowing the audience to better understand this brilliant mind while shedding light on Jobs' unique brand of leadership and extraordinary vision that set him apart from others.

Notably playing integral roles in the film are Bill Fernandez, Robert Palladino, and Dean Hovey. Bill Fernandez is known to be the first full-time employee at Apple, having significant insight into the company's early days. Robert Palladino, Jobs' calligraphy professor at Reed College, influenced Jobs' attention to detail in typography that has become a noticeable feature in Apple's design ethos. Dean Hovey, co-founder of IDEO, talks about his involvement in the design of Apple's first mouse.

Steve Jobs: The Lost Interview is an exploration of Steve Jobs as an individual, entrepreneur, and innovator. It transcends being just a documentary; it serves as an instructional manual for everyone who seeks to understand leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, and vision. It's not just a film about a world-renowned figure; it's a biography of intelligence at work, showcasing the making of an influencer who, in his words, wanted to "put a dent in the universe."

The film, despite having been created long after Jobs' demise, breathes life into his legacy of innovation. It effectively captures Jobs' entire universe, presenting him as a multifaceted individual: a neurotic perfectionist, a technological dreamer, an aggressive competitor, and most importantly, an individual who believed in the capacity of technology to change the world.

In conclusion, Steve Jobs: The Lost Interview serves as a captivating window with unparalleled insight into the life of one of the most instrumental figures in the tech revolution. By painting a compelling and personal portrait of Jobs, the film manifests as an invaluable piece of history that every tech enthusiast, entrepreneur, and Steve Jobs admirer will cherish.