Aaron Sorkin's Steve Jobs Biopic: Three 30-Minute Scenes Taking Place Before Three Product Launches

MacRumors · Nov 15, 2012, 01:34 PM

Aaron Sorkin, screenwriter of the movie based on Walter Isaacson's Steve Jobs biography, has shared some details behind the structure of the upcoming film.

Speaking from The Daily Beast's Hero Summit, Sorkin disclosed that the entire movie "is going to be 3 scenes, and take place in real-time." Further, each of the three 30-minute scenes will take place backstage before a major product launch.

Sorkin has previously noted that biography screenwriters frequently have difficulty overcoming a "cradle-to-grave structure".

Quote:

"Drama is tension versus obstacle. Someone wants something, something is standing in their way of getting it. They want the money, they want the girl, they want to get to Philadelphia - doesn't matter ... And I need to find that event and I will. I just don't know what it is," Sorkin said.

With the movie laid out in this real-time format, Sorkin seems to have written a rather unique film. It seems likely that the three major product releases that Sorkin is referring to will be the original Macintosh in 1984, the iMac in 1998, and the iPhone in 2007.

Update: According to Baba Shetty, the CEO of Newsweek, Sorkin mentioned the launches of the original Mac, the NeXT cube, and the iPod.

Update 2: The Daily Beast has posted the video of Sorkin's interview, with the Steve Jobs segment beginning around 22:30 and continuing through the end.

(Image courtesy Asa Mathat/All Things D)

Article Link: Aaron Sorkin's Steve Jobs Biopic: Three 30-Minute Scenes Taking Place Before Three Product Launches

GoCubsGo · Nov 15, 2012, 01:36 PM

I'd be interested to see if there is some real excitement from Jobs prior to product launches. I venture to guess there is and it will be genuine.

frayne182 · Nov 15, 2012, 01:37 PM

Sounds terrible.

Make it in the format Social Network is and make it dramatic.

applesith · Nov 15, 2012, 01:38 PM

Oh another attempt and overly simple thing in attempt to be artsy.

extricated · 08:01 PM

"Drama is tension versus obstacle ... I need to find that event and I will. I just don't know what it is" - Sorkin

Sounds like the making of a classic.

*EDIT*
Failed attempt at sarcasm there.
I really think Sorkin will do well, but his statement struck me as funny. It's as though he were saying, "Here's what makes a good movie; however, I haven't found those elements in this project yet".

JonHimself · Nov 15, 2012, 01:39 PM

Why those three? (Just curious). Another post I saw mentioned a NeXT event as being one the three. Did he say which three or is everyone just guessing?

Small White Car · Nov 15, 2012, 01:39 PM

Sounds good to me.

As much as I love Jobs, face it, he's not George Washington or some big war hero.

People want to see a movie about Jobs because of what he did at Apple. Makes sense to structure the move in such a way that the company is as much a character as he is.

Mal · Nov 15, 2012, 01:39 PM

I actually really like this idea. The thought of getting a feeling for what Jobs was like before each of those major launches (without a doubt the most significant points in Jobs' career) is really intriguing. I have a feeling I'll enjoy seeing this, unless it's just really poorly done.

jW

ziggyonice · Nov 15, 2012, 01:39 PM

I could see it if it entwines flashbacks or something. Otherwise, it seems rather dry.

But what do I know, everyone thought a movie about Facebook would be a dumb idea and it went on to be one of the best movies of the year. (And this is the guy that wrote it.)

rusty2192 · Nov 15, 2012, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frayne182

Sounds terrible.

Make it in the format Social Network is and make it dramatic.

That sounds good to me. I really enjoyed The Social Network and was really pulled into it.

When is this movie supposed to premiere?

DudeDad · Nov 15, 2012, 01:40 PM

I thought the idea of a Facebook movie was a joke. However, Sorkin wrote a fantastic screenplay, regardless of what you think of Facebook or the main players.

He's a brilliant writer. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt that he will write another wonderful screenplay.

Reading the comments I'm reminded of the "end-of-the-world" reaction to Apple's change to the current iTunes icon. I believe we survived and are beyond that overreaction. Let the movie come out before you pan it.

WeegieMac · Nov 15, 2012, 01:40 PM

Read the damn book, Sorkin.

Peace · Nov 15, 2012, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by applesith

Oh another attempt and overly simple thing in attempt to be artsy.

I disagree with the notion of the movie being artsy.

Steve Jobs was the quintessential salesman. He lived to stand up in front of a crowd and show off the latest,greatest thing from Apple.

8CoreWhore · 01:52 PM

That's not a biopic, it's a triopic.

Look, 2 hour biopics suck. You can't cram the story in there. If people really want a biopic, they'll read the book.

BornAgainMac · Nov 15, 2012, 01:43 PM

I want to see the Mobile Me meeting.

macnerd93 · Nov 15, 2012, 01:43 PM

I look forward to this more so than the "Jobs" film. I reckon it'll be awesome.

frayne182 · Nov 15, 2012, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rusty2192

That sounds good to me. I really enjoyed The Social Network and was really pulled into it.

When is this movie supposed to premiere?

Oh I'm not sure.

I would just like to see a format like that. During some pinnacle time. Like when they were at an all time low and made a comeback with the iPod, iPhone, etc.

Somehow involve Bill Gates in it to make it more dramatic.

Social Network is a great movie. I had doubts about it as well like many others in here, but it was one of my fav movies that year.

extradryny · Nov 15, 2012, 01:43 PM

I'm intrigued, mostly because I agree with Sorkin on the trouble with cradle-to-grave biopics. They only seem to work when the the character is fictional, like Forrest Gump or Jesus Christ.

studio¹³¹ · Nov 15, 2012, 01:43 PM

Robert Redford is looking tan.

gwelmarten · Nov 15, 2012, 01:44 PM

I so can't wait for this, I just hope it's not a pile of crap.

dashiel · Nov 15, 2012, 01:44 PM

I know some people can’t see beyond his political affiliation, but Sorkin’s ability to craft exceptionally loquacious, eloquent and brutal rebukes should serve the Jobs persona well.

Small White Car · Nov 15, 2012, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BornAgainMac

I want to see the Mobile Me meeting.

That'll be the DVD special feature: 2 hour movie + 6 hours of Steve yelling and firing people

Patriot24 · Nov 15, 2012, 01:46 PM

Good to see all of the writers and directors of MacRumors coming out to weigh in here. Sorkin clearly has no idea how to write good stories and produce great works.

oh.

ahegele · Nov 15, 2012, 01:47 PM

not sure where the apathy here comes from. Sorkin wrote an amazing story for Mark with The Social Network. There's a good chance a Steve Jobs pic would be just as good, as long as people expect it to be about a man and not a deity.

tigres · Nov 15, 2012, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BornAgainMac

I want to see the Mobile Me meeting.

you mean iCloud....

oh wait, same thing.

Nov 15, 2012, 01:37 PM	#3
frayne182 macrumors 6502 Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Canada	Sounds terrible. Make it in the format Social Network is and make it dramatic. __________________ Custom Gaming PC ; Google Nexus 7 ; iPhone4 ; iPhone5
	11

Nov 15, 2012, 01:39 PM	#5
extricated macrumors regular Join Date: Jul 2011	"Drama is tension versus obstacle ... I need to find that event and I will. I just don't know what it is" - Sorkin Sounds like the making of a classic. EDIT Failed attempt at sarcasm there. I really think Sorkin will do well, but his statement struck me as funny. It's as though he were saying, "Here's what makes a good movie; however, I haven't found those elements in this project yet". Last edited by extricated; Nov 15, 2012 at 08:01 PM.
	0

Nov 15, 2012, 01:39 PM	#6
JonHimself macrumors 68000 Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Toronto, Ontario	Why those three? (Just curious). Another post I saw mentioned a NeXT event as being one the three. Did he say which three or is everyone just guessing? __________________ shambo, Changing the definition of "future proof" since April 2009.
	1

Nov 15, 2012, 01:39 PM	#8
Mal macrumors 603 Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Orlando	I actually really like this idea. The thought of getting a feeling for what Jobs was like before each of those major launches (without a doubt the most significant points in Jobs' career) is really intriguing. I have a feeling I'll enjoy seeing this, unless it's just really poorly done. jW __________________ The Bearded Nerd 13" MacBook Pro; 64GB iPod touch "It's a real burn, being right so often." NoiseTrade.com/Walker
	13

Nov 15, 2012, 01:39 PM	#9
ziggyonice macrumors 68020 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Rural America	I could see it if it entwines flashbacks or something. Otherwise, it seems rather dry. But what do I know, everyone thought a movie about Facebook would be a dumb idea and it went on to be one of the best movies of the year. (And this is the guy that wrote it.) __________________ MacBook Pro [First Generation] \| 2.16GHz \| 2GB RAM \| 120GB HD \| Mac OS X (10.6.4) iPhone 4 \| 32GB \| Black (I couldn't wait for white any longer.)
	3

Nov 15, 2012, 01:36 PM	#2
GoCubsGo macrumors Nehalem Join Date: Feb 2005	I'd be interested to see if there is some real excitement from Jobs prior to product launches. I venture to guess there is and it will be genuine.
	0

Nov 15, 2012, 01:38 PM	#4
applesith macrumors 68000 Join Date: Jun 2007	Oh another attempt and overly simple thing in attempt to be artsy.
	2

Nov 15, 2012, 01:39 PM	#7
Small White Car macrumors G4 Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Washington DC	Sounds good to me. As much as I love Jobs, face it, he's not George Washington or some big war hero. People want to see a movie about Jobs because of what he did at Apple. Makes sense to structure the move in such a way that the company is as much a character as he is.
	6

Nov 15, 2012, 01:40 PM	#11
DudeDad macrumors 6502 Join Date: Jul 2009	I thought the idea of a Facebook movie was a joke. However, Sorkin wrote a fantastic screenplay, regardless of what you think of Facebook or the main players. He's a brilliant writer. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt that he will write another wonderful screenplay. Reading the comments I'm reminded of the "end-of-the-world" reaction to Apple's change to the current iTunes icon. I believe we survived and are beyond that overreaction. Let the movie come out before you pan it.
	5

Nov 15, 2012, 01:40 PM	#12
WeegieMac Guest Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Glasgow, UK	Read the damn book, Sorkin.
	1

Nov 15, 2012, 01:42 PM	#14
8CoreWhore macrumors 68000 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Big D	That's not a biopic, it's a triopic. Look, 2 hour biopics suck. You can't cram the story in there. If people really want a biopic, they'll read the book. __________________ Late 2013 Haswell 15" rMBP... iPhone 5S iOS7... AEBS 802.11AC ... iPod Shuffle... Last edited by 8CoreWhore; Nov 15, 2012 at 01:52 PM.
	8

Nov 15, 2012, 01:43 PM	#15
BornAgainMac macrumors 601 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Florida Resident	I want to see the Mobile Me meeting.
	39

Nov 15, 2012, 01:43 PM	#16
macnerd93 macrumors 6502a Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: United kingdom	I look forward to this more so than the "Jobs" film. I reckon it'll be awesome. __________________ 21.5'' iMac, iMac G4, iMac G5, Power Mac G5 Dual, PowerBook G4, MacBook Pro, MacBook, Mac mini C2D, eMac, Power Mac G4 AGP Graphics, Power Mac G4 Quicksilver, iPod 4th Gen, iPad mini, iPhone 5S,
	1

Nov 15, 2012, 01:43 PM	#18
extradryny macrumors member Join Date: Jun 2011	I'm intrigued, mostly because I agree with Sorkin on the trouble with cradle-to-grave biopics. They only seem to work when the the character is fictional, like Forrest Gump or Jesus Christ.
	12

Nov 15, 2012, 01:43 PM	#19
studio¹³¹ macrumors 6502 Join Date: Jul 2009	Robert Redford is looking tan.
	2

Nov 15, 2012, 01:44 PM	#20
gwelmarten macrumors 6502 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: England!	I so can't wait for this, I just hope it's not a pile of crap.
	1

Nov 15, 2012, 01:44 PM	#21
dashiel macrumors 6502a Join Date: Nov 2003	I know some people can’t see beyond his political affiliation, but Sorkin’s ability to craft exceptionally loquacious, eloquent and brutal rebukes should serve the Jobs persona well.
	1

Nov 15, 2012, 01:46 PM	#23
Patriot24 macrumors 68020 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Phoenix, AZ	Good to see all of the writers and directors of MacRumors coming out to weigh in here. Sorkin clearly has no idea how to write good stories and produce great works. oh. __________________ Read more at Thirty-Nine A: First Impressions: Photos (Beta 1) for Mac - Apple's Next Generation Music Service - Six Weeks With the iPhone 6
	18

Nov 15, 2012, 01:47 PM	#24
ahegele macrumors newbie Join Date: Oct 2012	not sure where the apathy here comes from. Sorkin wrote an amazing story for Mark with The Social Network. There's a good chance a Steve Jobs pic would be just as good, as long as people expect it to be about a man and not a deity.
	0

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