Steve Jobs: The Man In The Machine

Steve Jobs: The Man In The Machine is an insightful 2015 documentary film directed by Alex Gibney who critically investigates the enigma that was Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple Inc. This intricate biographical perspective is not about the career accomplishments and the timeframe of Jobs' life, but delves deep into the life and mind of Jobs himself, exploring the fascinating aura of the man who played a pivotal role in shaping the digital era.

Renowned filmmaker Alex Gibney, acclaimed for his masterful documentaries like Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room and Taxi to the Dark Side, helms this project as the director. Alex also features in the movie, providing narration and interviews, thus pushing the plot forward drawing from his independent investigation. Filled with reminiscences from Jobs' colleagues, industry experts, friends, and family, the film humanizes the often-mystified icon whilst at the same time scrutinizing the image he presented to the world.

The documentary begins by capturing the global mourning for Jobs when he passed away in 2011. The streets outside Apple stores overflowed with tributes, a spectacle quite remarkable considering we usually afford such honour to prominent figures like political leaders or pop culture icons but rarely to captains of industry. Yet, Steve Jobs was no ordinary businessman. As the documentary unfolds, the audience begins to see what set Jobs apart from his contemporaries, and why he heralded such a profound impact on people.

Steve Jobs: The Man In The Machine does not shy away from showing the duality of Jobs' personality. On one hand, he was an undeniable genius who had an unprecedented vision for technology and its potential to revolutionize the world. On the other hand, he often presented a brutal, machiavellian side, pushing people to their limits, often disregarding labour conditions in factories, and even denying important personal relationships. In some cases, the documentary suggests that this darker side of Jobs may have contributed to both his success and his downfall.

Interspersed with unseen personal footage, the narrative also includes interviews with people who knew Jobs intimately - family, friends, and colleagues. Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple and a key player in the technological revolution of the 70s and 80s, also adds his voice to this documentary, providing insight into the early days of startup culture in Silicon Valley and sharing anecdotes about Jobs' relentless drive for innovation and perfection.

Simultaneously, the film scrutinizes the societal ramifications of Apple's products and their influence on personal lives, culture, and the contemporary workforce. The documentary also explores the lengths to which Jobs went to maintain his vision, including instances where corporate responsibility blurred with personal ambition, whether fighting against digital piracy, or involving the company in questionable tax avoidance schemes.

A compelling aspect of the movie is seen when it looks at the obsessive devotion he inspired among Apple customers and Jobs' uncanny ability to connect with consumers, creating a cult-like following that endures even after his death. The device that seems most emblematic in cultivating this user addiction is the iPhone, and the film gets to the heart of examining this addictive fascination with the tech-gadget, penetrating our lives significantly.

While the documentary centers around Steve Jobs, it also astutely paints a broader picture of the technology industry, its culture, values, and impact on society at large. The film allows us to reflect on the ways our lives have been transformed by the digital revolution and creates a space for us to engage in a conversation about the values and ethics upheld (or overlooked) in the race towards technological advancement.

Steve Jobs: The Man In The Machine is a nuanced and thought-provoking exploration of the man who had a profound impact on the way we live in the modern age. It is not just a biopic about Jobs, but a comprehensive examination of his ethos of innovation and how it both shaped and was shaped by the society and culture of its time. This documentary will appeal to anyone interested in technology, its history, its influence, and inspiration —Steve Jobs. Whether you're an Apple aficionado or someone curious to understand the hype around Jobs, this film is sure to provide some insight into the man in the machine.